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While I do not agree with Rosie O’Donnell’s remark, I am not taking issue with it because I have taken in consideration the source. If Pat Robertson, Jessie Jackson, Mrs. Barbara Bush or Condoleeza Rice had made such a remark, I am certain to have reacted. But to become inflamed because Rosie made the remark, hardly!

This article is based on my “view.” Rosie spoke her view during a discussion about the war on terror. She’s entitled to her opinion whether it is thought to be correct, wrong or indifferent. She should have no influence on Christians. And, as far as non-believers are concerned, believers must live what they speak in order to influence the non-believers. More believers, who are given a platform to reach millions like Rosie, should speak out as boldly as Rosie.

Rev. Rob Schenck of a Washington based Christian ministry in Washington DC is quoted as having said, “Miss O’Donnell’s remarks foster suspicion, animosity and prejudice. She owes every American — especially Christian Americans — an immediate apology and a retraction. If she refuses, she will have contributed significantly to the suffering of Christians around the world.”

As a Christian, we should be honoured to suffer for Christ’s sake. We should consider it a privilege. If we are to take issue with every attack against Christianity, when will we have time to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The enemy will set traps as a deterrent rather than have us focused on what our purpose is while on earth. It is up to us to reach as many as we can with the Word and express what we “know” because of everything in life that changes, His Word changes not.

Rev. Schenck’s feels an immediate apology is owed to “every American — especially Christian Americans.” I do not feel an apology is what one would expect from someone making such a remark. I am not a Theologian so I wonder in the scriptures, if anyone ever apologized to Jesus Christ? It might be said accepting Him as their personal Saviour after they had sinned or beared false witness against Him was their apology. One might also argue asking for His forgiveness is an apology and I would agree. I am speaking of someone who was not converted like the Apostle Paul, after they had sinned against Him.

When we “Live” for Christ, “Love” each other, and “Laugh” at the enemy, we glorify God. Charles Swindoll said, “It is often just as sacred to laugh as it is to pray.” Yes, we should and must pray for everyone, enemy included.

Our time is better spent doing the will of God than taking on such remarks like those of Rosie O’Donnell’s. I feel it actually gives them [her words] more power than they have. (That is why I did not quote her remark.) I considered it trivial and parenthetical in the scope of things. Rosie said it, not someone of religious or spiritual notoriety.

Besides, there are some serious problems in America and the world requiring continuous media attention and final resolutions. This is my view.

© 2006 Avis Ward of

Solar power is being touted as one of the solutions to the energy needs of a hungry world. This brings up the rather fundamental question of how solar cells are actually manufactured.

The vast majority of solar cells on the market these days are polysilicon. These are the cells you see in panel systems on homes and portable versions on boats and motorhomes. The panels are essentially a grouping of individual cells. A single cell does not produce much electricity, but a group does.

The first step in manufacturing a solar cell is preparation of the silicon. Most cells are created using silicon dioxide. It is first exposed to severe heat in a furnace, which reduces it to a purity of 99 percent. It then is put through another purification process that results in 99.5 percent purity, the grade needed to build cells.

Once the silicon is process, the next step is the crystallization of the silicon. The silicon is melted. During the melting, a material such as boron is added. The specific additive creates the electrical basis of the silicon. In solar cells, this is p-type or positive charged.

At this point, the silicon is in the form of ingots. These are then cut in very thin wafers using computer guided machinery. The depth of the wafers is typically 200 to 300 microns. The wafers are then cleaned and we move to the next step.

Now it is time to actually build the cells. The cells are immersed in a negative charge chemical in water. An anti-reflective layer is then added. This is what makes solar cells and panels look dark, often blue. Silver or aluminum conductors are then attached to the cells so electricity can be conducted out of the cells.

At this point, it is panel time. The cells are organized in rows on a sheet. They are then connected. A sheet of glass or plastic is placed over them for protection. The edges are then framed to create more protection. At this point, you have a solar panel system and are ready to go.

An individual solar cell is not particularly powerful. It will produce roughly half a volt. The problem is efficiency. Polysilicon only converts between 8 and 15 percent of the sunlight hitting it into electricity. As efficiency improves, panels should get smaller and cheaper.

Rick Chapo is with