Horatio Alger

Horatio Alger, Jr. (January 13, 1832 – July 18, 1899) was a 19th-century American author who wrote over 130 dime novels. Many of his works have been described as rags to riches stories, illustrating how down-and-out boys might be able to achieve the American dream of wealth and success through hard work, courage, determination, and concern for others. He is noted as a significant figure in the history of American cultural and social ideals. (Accessed from Wikepedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Alger)

Also, I can indentify with the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education.
The Association brings the “Horatio Alger Heroes” of today together with those of tomorrow by bestowing the Horatio Alger Award each year and by awarding more than $8.5 million annually in college scholarships to young people. Horatio Alger Scholars have faced challenges and realize that a college education is the avenue to a better future. The Association also provides its scholarship recipients with financial aid counseling, and internship and job placement assistance. (Accessed from the Horatio Alger website http://www.horatioalger.org/)

I first became aware of the Horatio Alger Award while working at Bear Stearns, the investment bank headquartered in New York City. Mr. Alan "Ace" Greenberg was presented the Horatio Alger Award in 1997. "When Greenberg was 31, two major events happened—one would put him on top of the financial world; the other had the ability to bring it all crashing down. Greenberg was named a partner of Bear Stearns, and he was diagnosed with a cancer that had less than a 50 percent survival rate. Greenberg faced both challenges with his usual courage and confidence. He underwent surgery and began months of convalescence. For the next 12 years he had checkups at the Mayo Clinic every six months." I can relate to Mr. Alan "Ace" Greenberg, the legendary CEO and Chairman of Bear Stearns (now Chairman of the Executive Committee) who overcame much adversity in his life to become such a personal and professional success. Actually, I can relate to the adversity part of his life. Also, there are many household names who have achieved the Horatio Alger Award.

Likewise, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man has experienced considerable adversity, including some significant setbacks associated with his severe lawn mower accident. I have been inspired by the many life stories of the Horatio Alger Heroes and Scholars. I hope to be presented the Horatio Alger Award and join a great team of man and women who overcame adversity often times for the betterment of mankind.

"Never give up because someday you will overcome adversity." -- Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com
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Bandwidth

It was an exciting weekend for Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man. There were over 20,000 visits to the Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man http://www.rescuerick.com website. The website used all of its bandwidth and became frozen. I have purchased some additional bandwidth that will reactivate the website within the next few days. Thank you for your patience. Please visit the Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man website and pass on the yard safety message. As part of my Total Safety lifestyle, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man has experienced yet another life lesson - the importance of cyber safety. Make sure you have enough bandwidth. With the computer, think before you create a website. With the yard, think before you cut. Both experiences can hurt. (tm)

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com
Visit My Website

Abraham Lincoln

From Failure to Gratitude
By Dr. Neil Chadwick

At the age of seven, a young boy and his family were forced out of their home, and the boy was forced to go to work. When the boy was nine, his mother passed away. He had a job as a store clerk, but lost it when he was twenty. The young man wanted to go to law school, but had no education. He went into debt when he was twenty-three, to become a partner in a small store. It was only three years later that his business partner died, and left him with a debt that took years for him to repay.

He dated a girl for four years and, at the age of twenty-eight, decided to ask her to marry him. She turned him down. Thirty-seven years into his life, he was elected to Congress... on his THIRD try. He then failed to be re-elected. This man's son died when he was only four years old. At age forty-five, he ran for the Senate...and failed to be elected. He persisted at politics and ran for the vice-presidency at age forty-seven, and again lost. Finally, at the age of fifty-one, this man was elected President of the United States. His name was Abraham Lincoln.

And then, President Lincoln did a very unusual thing. In the midst of the darkest day in American history, in the midst of the Civil War which claimed more American lives than any other war, in the midst of great trial and tragedy, President Lincoln issued the following proclamation: "It has seemed to me fit and proper that [the gifts of God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

Abraham Lincoln had a grateful heart. He knew, that even in the midst of great tribulation and hardship, there was much to be thankful for. And he took the time to express his gratitude to God, and invited the American people to join him in giving thanks to the Holy One.

(Accessed from http://www.1stholistic.com/Reading/liv_lincoln-from-failure-to-gratitude.htm)

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is inspired by Abraham Lincoln to perservere and overcome adversity. Like Abraham Lincoln, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man hopes to have a similar result in broadcasting the yard safety awareness message for the betterment of mankind.

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com
Visit My Website

All-Star Game

Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is excited about the 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star this year. The game will take place at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is hoping to make a surprise appearance at PNC Park. PNC Park is a great baseball field with a spectacular view of Downtown Pittsburgh. Also, the turf is delicious. Furthermore, the Pittsburgh Pirates ground crew follow yard safety procedures and recommendations. I look forward to promoting yard safety. Play ball. Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is here today so that yard accidents go away.

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com
Visit My Website

Independence Day

It is Independence Day weekend. Independence Day is regarded as the birthday of the United States as a free and independent nation. Most Americans simply call it the "Fourth of July," on which date it always falls. It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks. Also, it is a day involving many activities in the lawn. Across America, millions of individuals and families will grass cut their lawns in preparation for the celebration of America's birthday. Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man wants to encourage the safe operation of outdoor power equipment. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that hospitals emergency rooms treat more than 400,000 outdoor garden-tool-related accidents each year.Think before you cut. It hurts. (tm) Happy Birthday America!

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com
Visit My Website