...Toilets that flush, in this calculus, were deemed superfluous. A cheerily painted outhouse takes the place of an expensive septic system. Their waste, which is untreated, eventually degrades. Showers also didn’t make the cut; they take a weekly hourlong walk to town to wash their clothes and themselves. Though they would eventually like to have a wash house, they said that trekking has taught them to cope without everyday luxuries like hot showers.
With no dishwasher or running water, they sometimes enlist dogs — their family’s and those of the neighbors — to lick plates clean before scrubbing the dishes in hand-drawn well water, which they said saves energy. For pragmatic reasons, Mr. Higman said, “We do have lower standards than a lot of people about how clean things have to be.” ...
...Toilets that flush, in this calculus, were deemed superfluous. A cheerily painted outhouse takes the place of an expensive septic system. Their waste, which is untreated, eventually degrades. Showers also didn’t make the cut; they take a weekly hourlong walk to town to wash their clothes and themselves. Though they would eventually like to have a wash house, they said that trekking has taught them to cope without everyday luxuries like hot showers.
With no dishwasher or running water, they sometimes enlist dogs — their family’s and those of the neighbors — to lick plates clean before scrubbing the dishes in hand-drawn well water, which they said saves energy. For pragmatic reasons, Mr. Higman said, “We do have lower standards than a lot of people about how clean things have to be.” ...
The January issue of Consumer Reports just came in the mail, and what I found on Page 8 shocked me. There were two bottles of Nivea body wash: one for men priced at $5.49 and one for women costing $7.49.
Why the 2-buck difference? Nivea's reason, according to Consumer Reports senior editor Tod Marks, is that the women's product is made with "skin-sensation technology," which makes it more expensive. I tried to imagine a bigger load of bunk. I failed.
Consumer Reports compared six products that come in his-and-hers versions (or a neutral edition and a feminine one): shaving cream, antiperspirant, pain reliever, eye cream, body wash and razors. The magazine found that products aimed specifically at women can cost more than 50% extra.
OK, you might say, is it really worth jumping up and down about the cost of soap and razors? Yes, because the body wash surcharge is just the latest in a long line of puzzling, outrageous gender-based price differences. Whether you're talking haircuts or health insurance, moisturizers or mortgages, women are typically charged more than men for the necessities of life.
The January issue of Consumer Reports just came in the mail, and what I found on Page 8 shocked me. There were two bottles of Nivea body wash: one for men priced at $5.49 and one for women costing $7.49.
Why the 2-buck difference?
Women have boobs. They need more body wash to cover them.
Just read this on MSN about Facebook's Farmville which some criticize as a gross misrepresentation of farm life:
"In 2004, Eleanor Agnew wrote a memoir, Back From the Land, about her homesteading experience. After being lured by the idealism of living in nature and trying to live off the land, she eventually moved back to the city. Life in the country was tough. She spent an exorbitant amount of time making ketchup. Her marriage disintegrated. “Liking the idea was not enough,” she writes. Liking just the idea of farming has little potential to transform the world; Farmville’s online community of artificial soybean farmers won’t improve our food system. To do that we need real farming, and that's not a game. It’s time to support actual small farmers and stop playing around."
so she went to farming after play a game?....well then i just got done playing the new batman game, so i guess i should dress up in tights, jump of buildings with neat gadgets, and catch a villain in joker make-up.
I watched a program tonight wherein one of the characters that was raised in an Irish family claimed that although her parents always told her they loved her, she was never hugged. Another character stated he was Irish also and that hugging is not the Irish way, even with one's children. Any truth to that?
I watched a program tonight wherein one of the characters that was raised in an Irish family claimed that although her parents always told her they loved her, she was never hugged. Another character stated he was Irish also and that hugging is not the Irish way, even with one's children. Any truth to that?
It's really stereotyping, but I can only speak from my personal experience ~ both of my wives were Irish and they both came from families in which affection was not physically demonstrated.
Then again, both of my parents' families had similar lineage/background (not Irish) and my mother's side was somewhat reserved in physical demonstrations of love and affection while my dad's side was overly demonstrative.
That is sad if it is true. I hug my kids every day when they lived at home. And when we get to see them I hug them everyday and tell them I love them. I do the same with my 13 year old.
Oli, are you talking about a documentary or a movie? I know HBO every now and then has a movie about Irish brothers and from what I gather is about their family experiences. I don't know the title though. It seemed every time it was on, it was in the middle and I hate tuning in to a movie late.
As far as affection goes, I don't know either, but for some reason it surprises me. Yea, it is sad not to be hugged. Of course coming from a huggy family is the reason why. We hug everyone.
So far no Irish member has replied but we all give our 2 cents.
I watched a program tonight wherein one of the characters that was raised in an Irish family claimed that although her parents always told her they loved her, she was never hugged. Another character stated he was Irish also and that hugging is not the Irish way, even with one's children. Any truth to that?
Very interesting, olivant. I grew up in an Irish home. I always felt great affection from my parents, but I don't recall being hugged a lot by them. I always hug my mom today, but my father, whom I love dearly, only gets a handshake and a pat on the back. My cousins, most of whom are Irish, tend to be more demonstrative with affection.
I remember reading about sociological tests where northern and southern Europeans were placed together in rooms in a social setting. The Southern Europeans, it was thought, were more physical and touchy than their northern counterparts. Anyhow, the test showed that the northerners liked to maintain greater space between each other, and as they conversed the southerners, who were used to getting very close to people when they spoke, would move closer to the northerners, who would gradually back up, and this was done all over the rooms.
I can only speak from personal experience. My husband, who is mostly German and Austrian, found the constant physical contact by my family off-putting at first. Gradually, he's grown to accept it as the norm, but his family is definitely NOT as touchy-feely as mine.
My husband points to our wedding as the perfect example. When I danced with my father, I clung to him, crying my eyes out. When it was my husband's turn to dance with him mom, she maintained a wide physical distance, and when he tried to say things like, "This is the only time in our lives we'll ever dance like this," she would quickly change the subject to, "You're all packed for your honeymoon, right?"
My daughters have also noticed that their paternal grandmother will rarely say the words, "I love you." My oldest will purposely say it on the phone now before hanging up, but my MIL will usually answer by blowing kisses.
My neighborhood (The Throggs Neck/Country Club section of the Bronx) is still predominantly Irish and Italian. Now I'm Italian American, but I have a ton of Irish American neighbors and friends. And while I'm absolutely certain that they love their families as much as we do, they definitely seem less visceral or "touchy feely" than we do.
I mean, if I walk into one of the local Italian places it's not at all uncommon to be greeted with a hug, or even a kiss on the cheek, if it's a happy occasion. If I was to walk into one of the local Irish pubs and tried to give a guy a hug, it wouldn't go over so well. And if I tried to give one of my Irish buddies a kiss on the cheek, I'd get a punch in the mouth .
Yeah, I can't blame it all on him though. I've tried dating 3 guys since the marriage break-up. I sort of get bored with them. "Getting bored" isn't exactly the right term, but I can't think of a better one right now.
There are a lot of jerks out there. Take your time, be careful and enjoy your independence for a while. Sometimes relationships just happen when we least expect.
To go back to the Irish thing, the Scots are the same. The love is there without a doubt but it is very formal. As PB put it perfectly,not as touchy-feely perhaps.
ST. LOUIS – A man with an assault rifle walked into a business Thursday and shot at least three people, police said. Their conditions were not immediately known.
The shooting occurred around 6:30 a.m. at the ABB Power plant on the city's north side and two hours later, police believed the gunman was still in the building. Details about the victims were not immediately known.
To go back to the Irish thing, the Scots are the same. The love is there without a doubt but it is very formal. As PB put it perfectly, not as touchy-feely perhaps.
TSA Agent Arrested at LAX By KIM BALDONADO and SCOTT WEBER Updated 8:01 AM PST, Thu, Jan 7, 2010
They are the first line of defense in airport security but two troubling incidents involving TSA agents at LAX are raising concerns.
A TSA agent was arrested on January 3rd in Terminal One at LAX, a source told NBCLA. He had just gotten off duty and was behaving erratically, saying, "I am god, I’m in charge." The agent was arrested.
Meanwhile, a TSA Internal Affairs investigation turned up evidence of LAX TSA agents using drugs at an after-hours party.
TSA officials say a videotape of the party was of poor quality and the employees were not in uniform, but 4 employees were tentatively identified.
All 4 were tested for drugs. One came back positive and that employee was fired.
Police said the gunman, identified as 51-year-old Timothy Hendron of Webster Groves, a St. Louis suburb, showed up at Swiss-based ABB Group's sprawling plant around 6:30 a.m., armed with an assault rifle and a handgun.
The motive for the shooting wasn't immediately known. But in 2006, Hendron and other ABB workers sued the company over retirement losses. The federal lawsuit accused ABB and its pension-review committee of causing their 401(k) accounts to include investment options with "unreasonable and excessive" – and undisclosed – fees and expenses. The suit went to trial Tuesday in Kansas City.
Willie Mitchell just passed away. He was a true giant of soul and early rock-n-roll music. He was the primary producer for such stars as Al Green (who he "discovered"), Ann Peebles and OV Wright. Willie Mitchell worked at Hi Records, which he later owned. Although Hi Records was not quite as well known as its fellow Memphis competitor Stax, in reality there wasn't that much of a rivalry as Hi and Stax shared some of the same session musicians and style. Most famously, Al Jackson, the drummer for Booker T and the MG's, would go work evenings at Hi Records after he finished his day work at Stax. As much as anyone, Mitchell defined the Memphis sound.
To go back to the Irish thing, the Scots are the same. The love is there without a doubt but it is very formal. As PB put it perfectly, not as touchy-feely perhaps.
Sometimes I get lucky, Yogi. Now give us a hug .
Lucky for you i am a cuddly type of English/Scotsman......
Another thread, but someone tell me why assault weapons are legal again .
Don't know but they are fun to shoot.
Mig, how do you, in good conscience, weigh "fun to shoot," against kids walking on to college campuses with these weapons and slaughtering people younger than your daughter?
I don't want to see your hunting weapons taken away. Nor do I want to deny someone the right to protect his home. But there is not ONE SOLITARY REASON why John Q. Citizen should be allowed to own an assault weapon. Especially if his reasoning is that it's "fun to shoot."
Okay, I know nothing about weapons, but what exactly constitutes "assault" weapons. A machine gun? Or I'm guessing some kind of military guns?? And WHAT exactly would be one's purpose to have one of these? You don't hunt with a machine gun.
Okay, I know nothing about weapons, but what exactly constitutes "assault" weapons.
From Wikipedia: The term assault weapon is a political and legal term used to describe a variety of semi-automatic firearms that have certain features generally associated with military assault rifles. The 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, which expired on September 13, 2004, codified the definition of an assault weapon. It defined the rifle type of assault weapon as a semiautomatic firearm with the ability to accept a detachable magazine, and two or more of the following:
Folding or telescoping stock Primary pistol grip Forward grip Threaded barrel (for a Suppressor, commonly called a silencer) Barrel shroud
No matter what kind of ban you put on ANY kind of weapons the criminals will always get there hands on them. The Col. bought his AR15 & Ak47 just to own. From what he told me that gun stores can't keep them in stock plus the ammo for them.
I don't understand. If there really is an absolute individual right to to bear arms, then shouldn't citizens have the right to have working tanks, grenades, rocket launchers etc.? I mean hand grenade fishing could be a big deal.
Thanks to PB for posting those considered "assault" weapons. Sorry to say, I am not familiar with any of them.
Yet, to my point, what use do these weapons have for the everyday person? I get the impression that they buy them simply because "they can." It sounds like a "macho" complex to me or am I wrong???
I don't understand. If there really is an absolute individual right to to bear arms, then shouldn't citizens have the right to have working tanks, grenades, rocket launchers etc.? I mean hand grenade fishing could be a big deal.
DT, I have something of a unique perspective rergarding this issue. Of course, my M16 went with me everywhere in I Corps. Also, part of my class content is about the 2nd amendment. Regarding my M16, it is almost impossible to hold that weapon on target as is discharges its rounds. Thus, someone who isn't trained to use one and who doesn't practice firing it almost every day is likely to shoot any number of people who happen to be in proximity to whatever target is being shot at. So, I doubt its practicality when it comes to defending oneself or anybody else. When it comes to the 2nd amendment, there's plenty of evidence that its drafters and ratifiers would not sanction Americans owning a bazooka or even an automatic weapon. The father of our Constitution James Madison as a member of the Virginia legislature even proposed a Virginia law that would have placed constraints on hunting weapons.
Yet, to my point, what use do these weapons have for the everyday person? I get the impression that they buy them simply because "they can." It sounds like a "macho" complex to me or am I wrong???
TIS
I think that's why my hubby bought his. If I could afford one I'd like to buy a Tommy Gun.
Yes TIS, they are fun to shoot. All 3 of my kids like to shoot them to.
When it comes to the 2nd amendment, there's plenty of evidence that its drafters and ratifiers would countenance its sanction of Americans owning a bazooka or even an automatic weapon. The father of our Constitution James Madison as a member of the Virginia legislature even proposed a Virginia law that would have placed constraints on hunting weapons.
Thank you, Olivant. That's all I've ever tried to convey on this matter. The Second Amendment was originally drafted when "The Redcoats were comin." In a time that pre-dated automatic weapons. It needs retooling. Desperately.
When it comes to the 2nd amendment, there's plenty of evidence that its drafters and ratifiers would countenance its sanction of Americans owning a bazooka or even an automatic weapon. The father of our Constitution James Madison as a member of the Virginia legislature even proposed a Virginia law that would have placed constraints on hunting weapons.
Thank you, Olivant. That's all I've ever tried to convey on this matter. The Second Amendment was originally drafted when "The Redcoats were comin." In a time that pre-dated automatic weapons. It needs retooling. Desperately.
PB, see my edited post above. I meant to say that the drafters would NOT countenance.
Yeah, but you left this in: "When it comes to the 2nd amendment, there's plenty of evidence that its drafters and ratifiers would not sanction Americans owning a bazooka or even an automatic weapon."
I cannot remember the exact numbers but it went something like:
20% of the American people will be very anti gun. Speak out and complain and really let people know how we don't need guns.
then there are 20% of the American people out here who will be pro gun and support gun ownership and use. Speak right out there and will let everyone know it
the other 60% of the American people are just there. Sitting on the fence. Sure, no one will condone killing others but they aren't looking to ban guns. They just don't take a firm side.
Many of the first 20% who hate guns, have never own a gun, had any formal training with a gun or in many cases ever used a firearm.
Many of the 20% who are pro gun, have taken training, have been around firearms most of there lives and most own more then one firearm, in fact most own several if not many firearms.
Your view will be impacted by where you live City vs. Country living. And what your parents views were. So, if Dad had guns, most likely their children who have grown up with them will also or at least understand the use of firearms.
Like here in our area, there are many gun clubs, almost in every town or village. There are more Guns then there are people. You go the gun clubs and people are there 24/7, 7 days a week. With any and all types of firearms. And just like everything else, people want and love to play with all types of firearms. Family's there including young kids learning from the parents how to properly use them.
All agree that bad people use guns for bad things. The rest of the people suffer for what they have done.
That a gun shop owner has difficulty keeping such weapons in stock.
I am in full support of hunters, as long as they eat what they kill. However, such weapons are overkill, to say the least. I see no reason why anyone would want one or what one would do with one.
You cannot legally obtain an automatic weapon without going through a number of additional processes. I don't think that any domestic automatic weapon made after 1986 can be legally owned by a private citizen.
The readily available "assault weapons" are all semi-automatic. I'm no gun guru but it's my understanding that conversion to automatic is not only illegal but impractical and beyond most people's skill-it's a completely different mechanism and design.
Anyway here is a picture of a rifle that depending on the trimmings added on to it was legal or illegal under the AWB.
The thing is that all of the features that made the banned list were cosmetic ones which made little difference to the function of the rifle and were easily avoided by manufacturers.
The 2nd amendment is one of the most, if not the most, misconstrued part of our Nation's Constitution. First of all, the Bill of Rights was intended (Original Intent) to restrain ONLY the acts and actions (e.g., "Congress shall make no law ...") of the newly created federal government or to guarantee those subject to its jurisdiction certain rights ("... to have the Assistance of Counsel..."). In 1789 there was no concept of gun control as we conceive of it today. However, there was acknowlegement back then that guns could be misused, so there were some proposed constraints upon them, but those were infrequent and proposed as a function of state laws, not federal. That citizens could keep and bear arms is evident from those provisions of the Constitution which address state militias.
So, in my opinion, the original intent of the 2nd amendment's drafters and ratifiers was to preclude the federal governmetn from constraining the keeping and bearing of typical arms of the day but not cannons. Thus, it is inlikely that they would countenance today's citizens keeping and bearing fully automatic weapons.
But for the most part the relevant and applicable amendments in the Bill of Rights have been found to be incorporated against the States. I think that's a good thing, generally.
But for the most part the relevant and applicable amendments in the Bill of Rights have been found to be incorporated against the States. I think that's a good thing, generally.
While it may be a good thing, it's entirely made up. There is no constitutional basis for incorporation. In fact, James Madison's original speech to the 1st congress in June, 1789 which was a proposal for our Bill of Rights contained language to impose the speech requirements of the 1st amendment on the states, but it was rejected by the Congress.
I'm sure that the difference between a semi-automatic and an automatic weapon made a huge difference to the 40+ victims at Virginia Tech and Columbine. I believe that semiautomatic weapons, purchased legally, were used in both massacres. Do you think they found those weapons to be fun?? Or the eight year old boy who accidentally killed himself at a gun show this past October when he lost control of the Uzi they let him try. I'm sure that was FUN!
Or the eight year old boy who accidentally killed himself at a gun show this past October when he lost control of the Uzi they let him try. I'm sure that was FUN!
Why did they have bullets in the gun to begin with? That was stupidity on the gun vendors/parents parts. Everytime the Col has looked at a gun the gun owner/sales person has always looked in the chamber to make sure there was no ammo in it.
I'm sure that the difference between a semi-automatic and an automatic weapon made a huge difference to the 40+ victims at Virginia Tech and Columbine. I believe that semiautomatic weapons, purchased legally, were used in both massacres. Do you think they found those weapons to be fun?? Or the eight year old boy who accidentally killed himself at a gun show this past October when he lost control of the Uzi they let him try. I'm sure that was FUN!
i have no idea why they sell those guns...the only ones that should have anything near that would be swat or the armed forces...regular citizens should just be able to have hand guns (pistols, magnums) and hunting rifles.
Look, I'm ALL for airport security for obvious reasons -- but to make a big stink over someone walking a shortcut cuz security WASN'T THERE -- and not blaming it on security but some student??? Give me a break!!
But, at least now we know my former residence isn't really pronounced Piss-the-cat-away -- close, tho! Piscataway (pihs-KAT'-uh-way)
But for the most part the relevant and applicable amendments in the Bill of Rights have been found to be incorporated against the States. I think that's a good thing, generally.
While it may be a good thing, it's entirely made up. There is no constitutional basis for incorporation. In fact, James Madison's original speech to the 1st congress in June, 1789 which was a proposal for our Bill of Rights contained language to impose the speech requirements of the 1st amendment on the states, but it was rejected by the Congress.
The constitutional basis for incorporation is the Due Process clause of the 14th Amendment.
But for the most part the relevant and applicable amendments in the Bill of Rights have been found to be incorporated against the States. I think that's a good thing, generally.
While it may be a good thing, it's entirely made up. There is no constitutional basis for incorporation. In fact, James Madison's original speech to the 1st congress in June, 1789 which was a proposal for our Bill of Rights contained language to impose the speech requirements of the 1st amendment on the states, but it was rejected by the Congress.
The constitutional basis for incorporation is the Due Process clause of the 14th Amendment.
That is the basis that is used. However, that use eschews the original intent of the amendment's framers and ratifiers.
Or the eight year old boy who accidentally killed himself at a gun show this past October when he lost control of the Uzi they let him try. I'm sure that was FUN!
Why did they have bullets in the gun to begin with? That was stupidity on the gun vendors/parents parts. Everytime the Col has looked at a gun the gun owner/sales person has always looked in the chamber to make sure there was no ammo in it.
You're selectively answering the questions, Mig. Babe asked you a two part question, yet you conveniently answered only one, so I'll ask you.
What about Columbine? What about Virginia Tech?
If Becky were there and, God forbid, she was killed, would the fact that she was killed by a LEGAL AUTOMATIC WEAPON still be outweighed by the fact that they're "fun to shoot"?
Fatherson made a very astute post about the different cultures in the United States and guns being part of people's lives in rural areas. I agree 100%. I vacationed in upstate New York all throughout my childhood, and as a teenager, yes, shooting a rifle or a shotgun up in the Catskills was a thrill; a right of passage. I'm a meat eater. I fully support hunters, as long as they're hunting for food and not for the "thrill of the kill."
That said, there isn't a single, solitary reason why assault weapons should be legal. Not one. They're sole purpose is the kill the most people in the least amount of time. Great for a war, but INSANE for John Q. Public (or Jane in your case) to own because "they're fun to shoot."
The truth is, if the weapons at the aforementioned college campuses hadn't been automatic, most of those young people would still be alive today. So why don't you write a letter to their parents telling them how much fun you and the Colonel have in the backyard shooting at trees. I'm sure they'll understand .
Additionally, he wasn't LOOKING at the gun, he was shooting it. It was perfectly legal for this child to shoot a gun like that as long as he is supervised by an instructor and has a parent's permission.
How absurd is that? Can an eight year old buy liquor? Cigarettes? Drive a car? That's all illegal. However, feel free to let him shoot an Uzi.
I love people who want to legislate who I can marry, whether I can have an abortion or not, but don't you dare legislate this deadly weapon I want to own.
There are two perspectives from which we debate this issue both of which have been expressed on this Board: emotional or practical, and Constitutional. PB and SB ask why anyone wants or needs an automatic weapon. Good question. Mig asks why should anyone have to explain why they want one. Good question too. Having fired an automatic weapon counteless times I can understand how some people might get a thrill from it. On the other hand, I also understand how dangerous they can be even in the right hands. I think it's reasonable for we citizens to have our state and federal governments constrain their availability and use. As I've stated above, I don't think the framers and ratifiers of the 2nd amendment would countenance the unabridged keeping and bearing of arms of any type. As PB has pointed out, it was a different world back then and the individuals who occupied it back then did not have the firepower available to them to wreak havoc upon their world with a firearm as they do have today. We must take that into account.
You're selectively answering the questions, Mig. Babe asked you a two part question, yet you conveniently answered only one, so I'll ask you.
What about Columbine? What about Virginia Tech?
The shootings that happened at those schools were tragic to say the least. IMO those sick bastards could've used any kind of gun and people would've lost their lives. I agree with you guys to a point. I think there needs to be a better checking system on who can buy these types of weapons. If they have a shady background etc then hell no they shouldn't be able to buy one. But what is wrong with me/Col/anyone else who just use it(not in my yard) but on a target range just to shoot? Who are we hurting?
Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
If Becky were there and, God forbid, she was killed, would the fact that she was killed by a LEGAL AUTOMATIC WEAPON still be outweighed by the fact that they're "fun to shoot"?
God forbid if Bec was killed at that school she would not want us to give up our guns. She believes in guns and gun rights and she has one of her own and her hubby does also. She likes to shoot our AK & AR all 3 of my kids do.
How absurd is that? Can an eight year old buy liquor? Cigarettes? Drive a car? That's all illegal. However, feel free to let him shoot an Uzi.
If a 8 year old is mature enough to repect the gun take a gun safety course then yes he/she should be able to hunt/target practice whatever. In some of the Col's hunting magazines you see the kids that hunt. When my youngest took his safety course there were kids younger than him in the class there were more girls than boys in the class and there were more kids than adults.
In some of the Col's hunting magazines you see the kids that hunt. When my youngest took his safety course there were kids younger than him in the class there were more girls than boys in the class and there were more kids than adults.
A perfect example of why cousins shouldn't procreate.
God forbid if Bec was killed at that school she would not want us to give up our guns. She believes in guns and gun rights and she has one of her own and her hubby does also. She likes to shoot our AK & AR all 3 of my kids do.
There's no hope for you, Mig.
It's tragic, but I do understand. You grew up in a culture that stressed guns and moonshine as opposed to education and literacy. It's not your fault.
In some of the Col's hunting magazines you see the kids that hunt. When my youngest took his safety course there were kids younger than him in the class there were more girls than boys in the class and there were more kids than adults.
A perfect example of why cousins shouldn't procreate.
You don't want to confuse her, SC.
From Merriam-Webster (that's a dictionary, y'all):
It's tragic, but I do understand. You grew up in a culture that stressed guns and moonshine as opposed to education and literacy. It's not your fault.
I hope you are just joking cuz I did not grow up in that culture. I married into it. I will have you know that I am fucking proud of the Col's family and where they are from. There is nothing wrong with being a hillbilly from KY or WVA or anywhere else on this fucking planet. I am so sorry that we weren't privileged enough to be brought up in NY where the educated people are from.
In some of the Col's hunting magazines you see the kids that hunt. When my youngest took his safety course there were kids younger than him in the class there were more girls than boys in the class and there were more kids than adults.
A perfect example of why cousins shouldn't procreate.
You don't want to confuse her, SC.
From Merriam-Webster (that's a dictionary, y'all):
Procreate: To beget or bring forth offspring.
Why thank ye for the book learin today.What are you gonna learn us uneducated hilbillies tomorrow? I guess now I can go fix a mess of road kill stew for my inbread kin folks.
Don't be insulting other members, PB (and anyone for that matter)! It's uncalled for. Her opinion is no more valid or invalid as yours -- they're just different. You'd think a big city boy like yourself would've learned something called tolerance and respect for cultural differences.
It's tragic, but I do understand. You grew up in a culture that stressed guns and moonshine as opposed to education and literacy. It's not your fault.
I hope you are just joking cuz I did not grow up in that culture. I married into it. I will have you know that I am fucking proud of the Col's family and where they are from. There is nothing wrong with being a hillbilly from KY or WVA or anywhere else on this fucking planet. I am so sorry that we weren't privileged enough to be brought up in NY where the educated people are from.
Don't be upset Mig. Not all of us New Yawkers feel that way about those who grew up in your neck of the woods. Especially about you!
PB, I know that Geoff has addressed what you posted. However I must add my 2 cents.
If you were serious in what you posted, then I must be very frank with you when I say that you, of all people, really surprise me in insinuating that Mig and her family are uneducated and illiterate. I think that you would feel very different about her and her family had you shown up to just one of the get togethers that you said you would be coming to.
I hope that like SC, you were only kidding. And if so then I apologize in advance.
Don't be insulting other members, PB (and anyone for that matter)! It's uncalled for. Her opinion is no more valid or invalid as yours -- they're just different. You'd think a big city boy like yourself would've learned something called tolerance and respect for cultural differences.
I honestly don't feel that I didn't insult her, Geoff. Please re-read my post.
Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Originally Posted By: Mignon
God forbid if Bec was killed at that school she would not want us to give up our guns. She believes in guns and gun rights and she has one of her own and her hubby does also. She likes to shoot our AK & AR all 3 of my kids do.
There's no hope for you, Mig.
It's tragic, but I do understand. You grew up in a culture that stressed guns and moonshine as opposed to education and literacy. It's not your fault.
I went out of my way to say that her opinions were formed as a byproduct of the culture that she grew up in (or married into). I said I understand. I said it's not her fault. I think that's the very defintion of tolerance.
And the truth is, the "Big City Boy" remark is kind of condascending. But you're the boss.
"And I want everyone here to know -- there's not gonna be no trouble from me!"
What are you gonna learn us uneducated hilbillies tomorrow
That it's "teach" in the context you're wanting to use it.
1/2 J/K
This from someone who comes from a part of the world where some ask if you would like "A Spot of tea?" Always wondered WTF a "SPOT of tea" really was!!
I just heard a 6.5 earthquake just struck Northern California, 22 miles west of Ferndale. I don't know where exactly Ferndale is but that's a pretty good size quake. Blib, you're in NoCal, are you ok? Are in in the vicinity?
I just heard a 6.5 earthquake just struck Northern California, 22 miles west of Ferndale. I don't know where exactly Ferndale is but that's a pretty good size quake. Blib, you're in NoCal, are you ok? Are in in the vicinity?
Blib, you're in NoCal, are you ok? Are in in the vicinity?
A reporter on CNN who is in the San Francisco area (near where Blib is) said he didn't feel the quake there. Apparently the quake was centered some 200 miles north of S.F.
Blib, you're in NoCal, are you ok? Are in in the vicinity?
A reporter on CNN who is in the San Francisco area (near where Blib is) said he didn't feel the quake there. Apparently the quake was centered some 200 miles north of S.F.
I didn't know about it until I read about it here. We've had medium-to-small earthquakes the past couple of days here though. We're due for a biggie. It's strange the earthquake was so far north. Makes me wonder if it's the start of something big closer to where most of the faults are in the bay area. I live right on top of the Hayward fault which has a higher % of a large earthquake likely to happen than the other faults.
Blib, you're in NoCal, are you ok? Are in in the vicinity?
A reporter on CNN who is in the San Francisco area (near where Blib is) said he didn't feel the quake there. Apparently the quake was centered some 200 miles north of S.F.
I didn't know about it until I read about it here. We've had medium-to-small earthquakes the past couple of days here though. We're due for a biggie. It's strange the earthquake was so far north. Makes me wonder if it's the start of something big closer to where most of the faults are in the bay area. I live right on top of the Hayward fault which has a higher % of a large earthquake likely to happen than the other faults.
just asking does major earthquakes happen when a sports team from the bay make it to the word series or super bowl?
Are you treating it with a humidifier? Cool mist air USUALLY helps. Just a word of caution ~ if you are using a humidifier in his bedroom, make sure to clean the reservoir frequently and if the machine has a filter, change it frequently. You don't want to recirculate germs which have a tendency to grow inside homes in the winter dampness.
Croup is awful. That cough!! It sounds so frightening! Just keep him in that shower. That's the cure they've been using for years, and the one they'll still be using years from now, I'm sure. You'll both be all wet and wilted, but that's to be expected when one of our little ones is sick!
Blib, you're in NoCal, are you ok? Are in in the vicinity?
A reporter on CNN who is in the San Francisco area (near where Blib is) said he didn't feel the quake there. Apparently the quake was centered some 200 miles north of S.F.
I didn't know about it until I read about it here. We've had medium-to-small earthquakes the past couple of days here though. We're due for a biggie. It's strange the earthquake was so far north. Makes me wonder if it's the start of something big closer to where most of the faults are in the bay area. I live right on top of the Hayward fault which has a higher % of a large earthquake likely to happen than the other faults.
Well, glad to see you're ok. I wasn't sure exactly where it hit OR where you were.
Anyway, according to this article, it was started as a rolling and ended with a jolt. From my experience, it's either one or the other. I don't know which is scarier really. I guess the quick jolts make me jump a little more. The Rollers you sort of stand/sit there and think "ok, is this the worst of it." Pretty scary sometimes though.
What are you gonna learn us uneducated hilbillies tomorrow
That it's "teach" in the context you're wanting to use it.
1/2 J/K
This from someone who comes from a part of the world where some ask if you would like "A Spot of tea?" Always wondered WTF a "SPOT of tea" really was!!
1/2 J/K
av misst ya m8 where ya been? always gud 2 get ur TWO CENTS, especiallies afta the fact
as 4 dat remark ive never heard of 'a spot of T' ive heard of 'a spot of bother' as in to get into 'a bit of trouble' but a 'spot of tea'? never heard of it lolol
i do wonder from what sources ur getin ur marketed-for-america-in-anyway-hence-self-parody (like notting hill and love actually and that lol) representations of our PART OF THE WORLD (LMFAO)
Then again, the UK is far from homogeneous. And I don't live in the South.
I'm sure the 'illiterate and uneducated' remarks count for nothing beyond what a member actually posts.
Actually I HAVE heard the expression "a spot of tea" and assumed it's just a little bit of tea. I think it's probably an expression before Capo's time. Just like "daft". Remember that Capo? You laughed when I once used the expression "Don't be daft?" LOL I remember seeing it a few times in movies from the 60's or so. Again, I think an old time expression from an oldie BBer.
'Spot of tea' is kind of obvious. I've never had someone be like, "Care for a spot of tea?" and then NOT known what they meant by that. I mean, really.
LOS ANGELES - Barred from using lead in children's jewelry because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows.
The most contaminated piece analyzed in lab testing performed for the AP contained a startling 91 percent cadmium by weight. The cadmium content of other contaminated trinkets, all purchased at national and regional chains or franchises, tested at 89 percent, 86 percent and 84 percent by weight. The testing also showed that some items easily shed the heavy metal, raising additional concerns about the levels of exposure to children.
[quote=Lilo]But for the most part the relevant and applicable amendments in the Bill of Rights have been found to be incorporated against the States. I think that's a good thing, generally.
While it may be a good thing, it's entirely made up. There is no constitutional basis for incorporation. In fact, James Madison's original speech to the 1st congress in June, 1789 which was a proposal for our Bill of Rights contained language to impose the speech requirements of the 1st amendment on the states, but it was rejected by the Congress.
The constitutional basis for incorporation is the Due Process clause of the 14th Amendment.
Originally Posted By: olivant
That is the basis that is used. However, that use eschews the original intent of the amendment's framers and ratifiers.
Oh I disagree with that.
Section 1's language is quite explicit:
No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
We also have this from John Bingham, the driving force behind ratification:
"[M]any instances of State injustice and oppression have already occurred in the State legislation of this Union, of flagrant violations of the guarantied privileges of citizens of the United States, for which the national Government furnished and could furnish by law no remedy whatever. Contrary to the express letter of your Constitution, 'cruel and unusual punishments' have been inflicted under State laws within this Union upon citizens, not only for crimes committed, but for sacred duty done, for which and against which the Government of the United States had provided no remedy and could provide none. It was an opprobrium to the Republic that for fidelity to the United States they could not by national law be protected against the degrading punishment inflicted on slaves and felons by State law. That great want of the citizen and stranger, protection by national law from unconstitutional State enactments, is supplied by the first section of this amendment."
His clear intent is to extend the protection of the US constitution to all citizens, where state laws either ignore or violate such protections.
Also (Thaddeus)Stevens remarked that its provisions "are all asserted, in some form or another, in our DECLARATION or organic law. But the Constitution limits only the action of Congress, and is not a limitation on the States. This Amendment supplies that defect, and allows Congress to correct the unjust legislation of the States."
And Jacob Howard , Senator from Michigan, also made the original intent very clear in debate over language of the Amendment.
"After acknowledging the important role of the testimony before the Joint Committee, Howard referred to "the personal rights guaranteed and secured by the first eight amendments of the Constitution; such as freedom of speech and of the press;. .. the right to keep and bear arms". Howard averred: "The great object of the first section of this amendment is, therefore, to restrain the power of the States and compel them at all times to respect these great fundamental guarantees".
In the ensuing debate, no one questioned Howard's premise that the Amendment made the first eight amendments applicable to the states. Howard explained that Congress could enforce the Bill of Rights through the Enforcement Clause, "a direct affirmative delegation of power to Congress to carry out all the principles of all these guarantees." Howard added: "It [the amendment] will, if adopted by the States, forever disable every one of them from passing laws trenching upon those fundamental rights and privileges which pertain to citizens of the United States, and to all persons who happen to be within their jurisdiction."
LOS ANGELES - Barred from using lead in children's jewelry because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows.
The most contaminated piece analyzed in lab testing performed for the AP contained a startling 91 percent cadmium by weight. The cadmium content of other contaminated trinkets, all purchased at national and regional chains or franchises, tested at 89 percent, 86 percent and 84 percent by weight. The testing also showed that some items easily shed the heavy metal, raising additional concerns about the levels of exposure to children.
I think this sort of thing is going to continue unless the US can either pull back manufacturing into its borders or enforce strict safety standards on Chinese imports.
I worked as a temp many years ago as a dispatcher for a vending machine company. It was my job to log the service calls and send out the service techs.
Remember those soda machines that dropped down the cup, and then the syrup and seltzer would mix in your cup as you waited? The number one service call? Bugs in those machines.
Oliver Stone is no stranger to stirring things up, and his latest provocation -- saying that Hitler was a "scapegoat" and expressing empathy for Stalin -- is, unsurprisingly, making headlines.
Stone made the comments while speaking at a gathering of TV critics in California this weekend. At the conference Stone introduced his latest project, modestly titled "Oliver Stone's Secret History of America," a 10-hour series for Showtime that will serve as an antidote to the way recent U.S. history has been presented in schools and the media.
“We can't judge people as only 'bad' or 'good'," Stone said.
"(Hitler) is the product of a series of actions. It's cause and effect."
"People in America don't know the connection between World War I and World War II."
"Hitler is an easy scapegoat throughout history and it's been used cheaply."
Stone compounded the controversy by claiming Stalin had "a complete other story".
"Not to paint him as a hero, but to tell a more factual representation - he fought the German war machine more than any person," he said.
"I've been able to walk in Stalin's shoes and Hitler's shoes, to understand their point of view."
"You cannot approach history unless you have empathy for the person you may hate."
So, you walked in Hitler's shoes, Ollie?? Did you smell the stench from the ovens in the concentration camps, too? A scapegoat for what? The mass murder of millions??
While I agree that MOST people can't be judged as purely good or purely bad, I would say that Hitler gets a pass on this one. He was bad.
So, you walked in Hitler's shoes, Ollie?? Did you smell the stench from the ovens in the concentration camps, too? A scapegoat for what? The mass murder of millions??
While I agree that MOST people can't be judged as purely good or purely bad, I would say that Hitler gets a pass on this one. He was bad.
I guess he'll be casting Mel Gibson to play the "hero" in the inevitable movie .
Stone is a fucking psycho. Talk about cause and effect? Here's a guy who, admittedly, did drugs and frequented sex clubs with his own mother. In fairness, in the interview I read (Vanity Fair?), he says that they never did anything sexual together. But they were in a "postion to watch each other." So yeah, cause = mother, effect = drug addled, paranoid, but at times brilliant filmmaker.
He's a talented guy, but you have to take everything he says with a grain of salt.
SAN FRANCISCO - The first federal trial to determine if the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from outlawing same-sex marriage got under way Monday, but not before the Supreme Court blocked its broadcast — at least for the first few days.
The trial is considering whether the Proposition 8 gay marriage ban approved by California voters in November 2008 is legal, and the two gay couples on whose behalf the case was brought will be among the first witnesses
If I remember correctly that is from when the Bruce Willis character was telling a story about a fixed horse race that was thought to be a sure thing. But word got out because of how gamblers are -talkative- and then the race wasn't such a sure thing.
So my take would be that the line was referring either to folks who had inside information but couldn't keep their mouth shut or on the other hand, degenerate gamblers that were constantly pestering bookies or other people for information.
If I remember correctly that is from when the Bruce Willis character was telling a story about a fixed horse race that was thought to be a sure thing. But word got out because of how gamblers are -talkative- and then the race wasn't such a sure thing.
So my take would be that the line was referring either to folks who had inside information but couldn't keep their mouth shut or on the other hand, degenerate gamblers that were constantly pestering bookies or other people for information.
A Maryland nurse accomplished two rare feats in her battle with the Internal Revenue Service: She defended herself against the agency's lawyers and won, and she got a ruling that could help tens of thousands of students deduct the cost of an M.B.A. degree on their taxes.
The U.S. Tax Court handed Lori Singleton-Clarke her victory last month, saying the 47-year-old Bryantown, Md., woman had properly deducted nearly $15,000 in business school tuition. The Tax Court ruling should make it easier for many other professionals to deduct the expense of a Master in Business Administration degree.
The sexual depravity that Oliver Stone witnessed his parents engaged in while he was a teenager further illustrates the degree to which his parents were not actively practicing Judaism, Catholicism, or any other religion. Oliver Stone's mother first took him to a nudist colony when he was nine years old (Riordan, page 12). When Oliver was eleven years old, his mother was thirty-one and his father was forty-seven. His father began to have an increasing number of extramarital affairs. Oliver was unaware of this at the time. When Oliver was fourteen or fifteen years old, his mother began taking him to nightclubs. While at Hill School, Oliver's father continued having extramarital affairs and the lifestyle of Oliver's mother's friends became increasingly decadent, as they imbibed in the sexual "revolution" of the 1960s. (Riordan, page 24).
After his parents divorced, Oliver found that his father frequently had prostitutes and call girls visiting at the house when Oliver was there. Often they were visiting socially. Apparently some of these women, if it had been many years since Oliver's father had actually hired them, liked to visit socially because they thought Oliver's father was interesting and funny. When Oliver was fifteen year old, his father arranged for him to lose his virginity with a prostitute (Riordan, page 30). Riordan, page 30:
There is little doubt now that Lou's gesture, though made with good intentions, helped to cripple his son emotionally for quite some time. Part of a boarding school circle that rarely mingled with the opposite sex, Stone was an emotionally underdeveloped teenager, and the experience made a profound impact.
Oliver's mother returned to New York City, where she rented an apartment and Oliver began visiting her often. There was a constant parade of prostitutes and homosexuals in his mother's apartment. Men and women hit on him. He frequently found there was rampant drug use, nudity, and group sex at his mother's apartment. When Oliver first walked into his mother's apartment and found her half-dressed in bed with another man, he was shocked, but his mother was very casual about it. Oliver's friend Roger Kirby, who was with him a the time, recounted (from Riordan, page 31):
...his mother said, 'What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen someone in bed before?' The truth was that I hadn't. Not like that. Oliver's mother had a tendency to be more like a peer than a parent. After his father was gone, she was amazingly candid with him. There was no subject she wouldn't broach. Then, other times, she acted like she wasn't interested."
Oliver Stone's experiences with his parents and sexuality had a strong affect on him, and made it difficult for him to relate to women as peers. From: Riordan, page 32:
[During Oliver's senior year at Hill School, he] felt far too traumatized about sexual attraction to deal with women very well.
Roger Kirby comments: "I don't think Oliver ever dated anybody. He had this circle of people [many of them call girls] whom his mother would make available to him directly or otherwise. But I don't think he could relate to the female equivalent of a Hill person [i.e., somebody of similar social standing who had attended a high school similar to his own], and those were the kind of people he saw. I think the first real relationship he had was with his first wife several years later."
2) Oliver's Mother Issues Elizabeth Stone, Oliver's ex-wife, says it's no surprise that he would be angry at his mother, or that he would publish a novel that vents his rage. "The crying of a child who was never comforted," is how she interprets her ex-husband's autobiographical novel.
"Oliver as a boy was very isolated and very, very lonely," she says. "Very early in my marriage, I remember having a long conversation with his mom. She'd led a decadent life as a child of the '60s, very tolerant, and she was extremely blunt about her multiple sex partners. . . . She was sophisticated in the European way."
And here Elizabeth offers up a disturbing revelation of Stone's sexual initiation -- as a teenager -- by his mother...
The first step to legalize marijuana in California could happen Tuesday.
Lawmakers will vote on Assembly Bill 390 -- legislation to tax and regulate marijuana. The assembly's Public Safety Committee is expected to vote after a hearing that begins at 9 a.m. hearing in Sacramento.
The bill, authored by San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, would essentially treat pot the same way alcohol is treated under the law and would allow adults over 21 to possess, smoke and grow marijuana.
Well, if it is, we will witness one hell of a Supreme Court case eventually. The very nature of Federalism will be called into question as will be national supremacy. I can't wait.
Oliver Stone is no stranger to stirring things up, and his latest provocation -- saying that Hitler was a "scapegoat" and expressing empathy for Stalin -- is, unsurprisingly, making headlines.
"(Hitler) is the product of a series of actions. It's cause and effect."
"People in America don't know the connection between World War I and World War II."
"Hitler is an easy scapegoat throughout history and it's been used cheaply."
True; WWI was almost a direct cause of WWII, and World War I can be traced back to the times of the Roman historian Tacitus in the 2nd century AD, in the woods of the West Rhine between modern day France and Germany.
There were many philosophers and historians in the late middle ages who were able to deduce from the economic and political history of Europe that hundreds of years from then a great war of the world would insue with Germany at its epicenter, and were also able to predict that the war(s) would have resounding effects on the following generations and may very well be the war to end all wars.
Thus, philosophers like Nostradameus, who supposedly predicted the rise of Hitler and a great world war, were really nothing new. Historians and philosophers from all over Germany foresaw a world war centering in Germany centuries before it happened.
So to put the entire onnus on Hitler is to view the situation in a vacuum and not consider the historical effects that had accrued over thousands of years. The Holocaust, however, seems to be Hitler's own little obsession, though he certainly wasn't alone in carrying it out..
1,500 Lose Jobs as Walmart Announces 10 Sam's Club Closures
Walmart announced Monday it is closing 10 Sam’s Club locations across the United States, causing approximately 1,500 people to lose their jobs.
The Sam’s Clubs to be closed are located in Nampa, ID; La Quinta, CA; Louisville, CO; Vista, CA; Rolling Meadows, IL; Clay, NY; Irvine, CA; and one Club in the Houston, TX, Phoenix, AZ, and Sacramento, CA markets.
According to the Walmart press release, despite the “outstanding efforts of our Associates, these Clubs continued to lose money” so the decision was made to close them.
1,500 Lose Jobs as Walmart Announces 10 Sam's Club Closures
Walmart announced Monday it is closing 10 Sam’s Club locations across the United States, causing approximately 1,500 people to lose their jobs.
The Sam’s Clubs to be closed are located in Nampa, ID; La Quinta, CA; Louisville, CO; Vista, CA; Rolling Meadows, IL; Clay, NY; Irvine, CA; and one Club in the Houston, TX, Phoenix, AZ, and Sacramento, CA markets.
According to the Walmart press release, despite the “outstanding efforts of our Associates, these Clubs continued to lose money” so the decision was made to close them.
damn...i guess 2012 is going to be the last year...hopefully the cubs can win it before then.
Wow, a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti, with 5.9 aftershocks. That is a huge quake. They also issued Tsunami warning.
TIS, should you and I be getting scared living in CA? It seems like the whole world is shifting right now. 7.0 is about the same size as the '89 Loma Prieta quake, but the 5.9 aftershocks are scary!
In the almost 30 years I've lived in CA, we've had some rolling earthquakes, shaky quakes and to me the scariest "jolt" shake. It is very scary and sometimes yes, I wonder if the big one will hit. I live by the San Andreas fault. If I'm not mistaken that goes right to upper CA too no? But, I think you might be by another fault that I can't think of the name of.
Anyway, I pray it doesn't happen but every now and then (like now with this quake)I do wonder. The fact that earthquake insurance costs an arm and a leg stops anyone from buying it wouldn't help in the aftermath. It is a gamble, but how devastating would that be. And with California so broke, I wonder how much aid we'd get from our State.
I live by the San Andreas fault. If I'm not mistaken that goes right to upper CA too no? But, I think you might be by another fault that I can't think of the name of.
San Andreas is the major fault in Cal. Like any fault it has the potential for a large quake, but from what I understand it's not quite as dangerous because it's so large and shifts more often giving us constant small quakes, relieving the pressure that builds up. Some of the smaller fault lines are the scary ones, like the Hayward fault (I mentioned it earlier in this thread) which I live directly on top of. There hasn't been much activity on that fault so scientists say it has a higher chance of a large earthquake than most other faults. It runs through the center of most East Bay cities and one of the major hiways runs along the "valley" it has created over however many hundreds of years.
I love earthquakes. It gives me a great adrenaline rush and it's so unreal feeling (the freaking earth moving!) that I get excited. I do think about it from time to time though when I'm in a tall building or driving across the major bridges every day. Can be scary.
I prefer the unexpectedness of it over a predictable hurricane that will almost definitely do damage. Earthquakes rarely do.
I know there's a lot of them in CA, but Geez, seeing all the faults on the map SC posted is pretty scary isn't it.
Blib, I get a rush alright, but I can't say excited over a potential quake. . There's probably been only a couple that gave me a real scare in the entire time I have lived here and none thankfully did any damage in my area.
You bet, every time I drive on an overpass, I ALWAYS think "what if" and pray to God, "please not at this particular moment". There's nowhere to go but down.
My Homeowner's Insurance bill came yesterday. My premium for 2010 went up 54%! I called and asked why. They said the "tables" were revised and the increase was due to higher risk in Atlantic County (also, Cape May, Ocean, Monmouth, Gloucester,,,,watch out Geoff). The value of my house goes down and my insurance goes up. My anus hurts today.
My brother-in-law's girlfriend, who is in her early thirties, was diagnosed today with cervical cancer. She's a hard working pleasant girl, who's gearing up for a long battle.
My brother-in-law's girlfriend, who is in her early thirties, was diagnosed today with cervical cancer. She's a hard working pleasant girl, who's gearing up for a long battle.
Sorry to hear that, Klyd. Every woman needs to be vaccinated.
OMG, that is awful. I don't know how progessed the cancer is, but perhaps her youth will be a plus and she can fight this. I wish her well. Sorry to hear it.
My Homeowner's Insurance bill came yesterday. My premium for 2010 went up 54%! I called and asked why. They said the "tables" were revised and the increase was due to higher risk in Atlantic County (also, Cape May, Ocean, Monmouth, Gloucester,,,,watch out Geoff). The value of my house goes down and my insurance goes up. My anus hurts today.
Higher risk of what?? Before renewing I'd shop around for coverage elsewhere...
Televangelist Pat Robertson said Wednesday that earthquake-ravaged Haiti has been "cursed" by a "pact to the devil."
"Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it," he said on Christian Broadcasting Network's "The 700 Club." "They were under the heel [SIC] of the French. You know, Napoleon the third, or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you if you will get us free from the French. True story. And so, the devil said, okay it's a deal."
Robertson said that "ever since they have been cursed by one thing after the other" and he contrasted Haiti with its neighbor, the Dominican Republic.
"That island of Hispaniola is one island. It is cut down the middle on the one side is Haiti the other is the Dominican Republic," he said. "Dominican Republic is prosperous, healthy, full of resorts, etc. Haiti is in desperate poverty. Same island. They need to have and we meed to pray for them a great turning to god and out of this tragedy I'm optimistic something good may come. But right now we are helping the suffering people and the suffering is unimaginable."
Televangelist Pat Robertson said Wednesday that earthquake-ravaged Haiti has been "cursed" by a "pact to the devil."
"Something happened a long time ago in Haiti,....they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you if you will get us free from the French. True story. And so, the devil said, okay it's a deal."
Is he sure it was Haiti?
I thought that the Devil Went Down To Georgia.
Robertson has really become a sick extremist douchbag.
The man who stole Wolverine opened the door to his Bronx apartment with a grunt, his thin frame hunched at the waist, an unlikely villain with a bad back and pajama pants. “I’m a scapegoat for this,” said Gilberto Sanchez, 47, after flopping down at his desk — the crime scene — and dragging on a cigarette. “I’m gonna get crucified.”
It has been nine months since the theft of the superhero, or more accurately, the superhero’s story. On March 31, someone posted a “work print” — an unfinished copy — of the film “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” on a Web site. It was a full month before the movie, starring Hugh Jackman as the famous mutant, was to open in theaters. Hollywood analysts called the leak unprecedented and speculated whether its free, albeit brief, availability to the public — and the unkind buzz that followed — would dampen its box office draw. Mr. Jackman himself was said by the studio to be “heartbroken.”
“The source of the initial leak and any subsequent postings will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the studio behind the movie, 20th Century Fox, said the day it appeared online. While the studio was up in arms, Mr. Sanchez, a glass installer and musician who knows his way around a high-speed computer, was watching “Wolverine” in his living room with three grandchildren. There were special effects and music missing, but no matter. “So we see a string pulling up Hugh Jackman,” he shrugged later.
Mr. Sanchez likes movies as much as the next guy, but detests the cost of taking the brood to the theater. He said that he bought a bootleg copy of “Wolverine” on the street and posted a copy on the sharing site megaupload.com for the cachet.
Eight months later, on Dec. 16, Mr. Sanchez was awakened by a knock at 6 a.m., and opened the door to F.B.I. agents, who placed him under arrest. He was charged with violation of copyright law, arraigned in federal court in Manhattan and allowed to return home. He faces the possibility of prison time, maybe in California, where his indictment originated....
A few months ago, I wrote that our high school was going for the state championship. Our football coach had just lost his 35 year old son. Today I heard that his youngest son passed away yesterday. I think he was in his mid 20s.
I can't imagine the pain of burying a child, but two within a year is just cruel beyond measure.
A few months ago, I wrote that our high school was going for the state championship. Our football coach had just lost his 35 year old son. Today I heard that his youngest son passed away yesterday. I think he was in his mid 20s.
I can't imagine the pain of burying a child, but two within a year is just cruel beyond measure.
Oh that is just horrible. I can't imagine how a parent must feel. As a parent, how can you not feel that life has dealt you the cruelest, most-heart wrenching life long pain to go thru. Makes me wanna cry.
Maybe Mig & the Colonel were out hunting. Instead of a horse's head in your bed, this is how they do things down south... a dead squirrel in your driveway. Better be careful
Maybe Mig & the Colonel were out hunting. Instead of a horse's head in your bed, this is how they do things down south... a dead squirrel in your driveway.
You mean in the hills! A real hillbilly wouldn't do that, though. That'd be like throwing away a meal.
Maybe Mig & the Colonel were out hunting. Instead of a horse's head in your bed, this is how they do things down south... a dead squirrel in your driveway. Better be careful
TIS
It wasn't me or the Col. it was my dog Sampson. He's moving on to squirrels and leaving the rabitts alone.
Geoff, I've had two, with two different oral surgeons. I don't know if you'd be willing to drive this far (one was in NJ, but in Bergen County), but they both saw me within hours of my visit to my dentist. When I looked a bit panic-stricken when the dentist told me that I would need a root canal, he said that there's nothing worse than WAITING for a root canal.
Sorry, Yogs. Men in the age range 45-55, who carry fat in the belly (an apple shape as opposed to a pear shape), are at a higher risk of heart attack than anyone else.
Sorry, Yogs. Men in the age range 45-55, who carry fat in the belly (an apple shape as opposed to a pear shape), are at a higher risk of heart attack than anyone else.
Now I'm depressed. And it's pizza night too. I have to shed a few pounds.
Controversial conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh is defending earlier comments in which he accused President Obama of using the disaster in Haiti for political gain.
"I do believe that everything is political to this president," Limbaugh said on his radio show yesterday. "Everything this president sees is a political opportunity, including Haiti, and he will use it to burnish his credentials with minorities in this country and around the world, and to accuse Republicans of having no compassion."
President Obama has dedicated $100 million for immediate relief efforts in Haiti, calling it a "top priority." The president has not politicized the matter or criticized Republicans' response to the disaster. Republicans, in fact, have largely expressed their support for the president's efforts.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs did accuse Limbaugh specifically of having no compassion after his original remarks: "I think in times of great crisis, there are always people that say really stupid things," Gibbs said yesterday. "I don't know how anybody -- I don't know how anybody could sit where he does, having enjoyed the success that he has, and not feel some measure of sorrow for what has happened in Haiti."
The conservative magazine the National Review defended a portion of Limbaugh's original comments in which he questioned the effectiveness of giving aid to Haiti via the government.
"On the facts, Rush is right," writes Jim Geraghty. "The tale of U.S. foreign aid to Haiti is maddening, as well-meaning Americans dump more and more money to alleviate suffering, only to see little or no actual improvement in the living conditions on the ground."
Geraghty points to a Reuters article outlining a history of corrupt and weak civil services in Haiti that has slowed the distribution of American aid. Now, in the aftermath of this giant earthquake, the biggest challenge for government and private relief efforts alike is the lack of infrastructure available to move supplies.
Former President Bill Clinton on the CBS "Early Show" disputed Limbaugh's earlier claims that "we've already donated to Haiti. It's called the U.S. income tax."
"Well that's just not true," Clinton said. "We give a modest amount of aid."
It will take significant resources to help the people of Haiti recover. CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller reports that the American public has responded to the Haiti crisis so far by donating more than $8 million to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief — $10 dollars at a time — by texting HAITI to 90999. The Red Cross successfully implemented the text-to-donate solution with the assistance of the U.S. State Department and the promotion of the Obama Administration.
I am cleaning the oven, taking my real estate continuing education class online and typing on here.
I believe I am embodying the term "multi-tasking".
And your GBB is your most proficient effort.
My wife works with a woman who can "mono-task"....and that's it. Then her boss attempts to multi-task while making out the payroll checks. She hasn't gotten them right yet.
It really takes a "special" sort of person to look at a catastrophe that may well have taken the lives of more than 100,000 people and IMMEDIATELY either blame the people or blame the US president. Politics aside, I just don't get that.
But on a lighter note here's someone that saved a dog's life (and I don't think it was even his dog)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration slammed Tylenol manufacturer McNeil Healthcare LLC during a media briefing this morning for what it called a slow response to problems at a facility in Puerto Rico that led to consumers becoming sickened by tainted pills.
A recall of Tylenol products that began last month with the popular Tylenol arthritis caplet expanded this morning to include more than two dozen other over-the-counter products manufactured by McNeil.
My previous department at work just got news that everything will be outsourced. They may have a five to seven month transition period in which they are expected to train their overseas replacements. After that...
My husband's department was outsourced years ago. He was able to hang on because he was promoted to be the liaison between the contractor and his company. It's happening more and more often.
It really takes a "special" sort of person to look at a catastrophe that may well have taken the lives of more than 100,000 people and IMMEDIATELY either blame the people or blame the US president. Politics aside, I just don't get that.
Lilo Limbaugh did not blame the people or the president, he simply stated that he believes that Obama will use this earthquake to gain political points.
The following is an excerpt from a USA Today article:
"America's jobs crisis affects all of us — from university Ph.D.s to recent high school graduates. Every month produces additional pink slips for autoworkers, radiologists and computer engineers. In three years, we have lost nearly 3 million private-sector jobs. Manufacturers have slashed payrolls for 43 straight months. We have shed half a million information jobs since December ... , nearly as many as we added the preceding three years. The so-called recovery began more than two [months] ago, but still there are three unemployed workers for every job opening, and thousands have abandoned the workforce."
Now, here's the catch: the article was written in 2004. Our Nation's economy is gigantically complex. Trying to tie its condition to anyone variable or even trying to estimate the influence upon it of one variable is beyond what we can accomplish on this Board.
My husband's department was outsourced years ago. He was able to hang on because he was promoted to be the liaison between the contractor and his company. It's happening more and more often.
I'm employed because I'm an outsource. Verizon is sending more and more jobs to off-premise/contractors. Let's face it; overseas work is sucking jobs away from the USA. Those wonderful "red" companies compete by having lower overhead by paying wages in India instead of Indiana.
Everything hurts now... it's not just about a tooth any more. It's shooting into my skull, and down my already-bad shoulder. Before today, it was bad, but not terrible. Yesterday it was terrible, but today it became tender. Can hardly eat now. I can't believe I've taken no more than 2 measly Percs in a day. And I think I can handle another day, but come Monday -- a full 2 weeks before my appointment -- my wrath will spill upon Toms River and SOMEONE will perform the root canal that day or the next. Not 2 more fucking weeks of this shit!
Anyway... how are you? Sorry I haven't been around much, with the whole writhing in pain thing.... lol
LANGLEY, Va. – A group led by anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan has protested near the CIA's headquarters and former Vice President Dick Cheney's home in northern Virginia.
They were protesting the use of unmanned drone aircraft to attack al-Qaida and Taliban targets.
The group of about 70 people rallied alongside a highway near the CIA compound Saturday. About half then marched to Cheney's nearby street and stayed for 20 minutes. Police kept them from going down his street.
Sheehan's 21-year-old son Casey was killed in Iraq in April 2004. She staged a prolonged demonstration outside former President George W. Bush's ranch near Crawford, Texas, in 2005.
She says using drones is "cowardly" and "immoral."
Since it was a short article I decided to quote the whole thing.
Article Does she even know that Cheney is no longer VP, she's either really stupid, or she just wants her name in the freaking spotlight again.
Come on now Geoff you're not really in pain you're just trying to get some sympathy
Everything hurts now... it's not just about a tooth any more. It's shooting into my skull, and down my already-bad shoulder. Before today, it was bad, but not terrible. Yesterday it was terrible, but today it became tender. Can hardly eat now. I can't believe I've taken no more than 2 measly Percs in a day. And I think I can handle another day, but come Monday -- a full 2 weeks before my appointment -- my wrath will spill upon Toms River and SOMEONE will perform the root canal that day or the next. Not 2 more fucking weeks of this shit!
Anyway... how are you? Sorry I haven't been around much, with the whole writhing in pain thing.... lol
It really takes a "special" sort of person to look at a catastrophe that may well have taken the lives of more than 100,000 people and IMMEDIATELY either blame the people or blame the US president. Politics aside, I just don't get that.
Lilo Limbaugh did not blame the people or the president, he simply stated that he believes that Obama will use this earthquake to gain political points.
I sincerely believe he is right
And I believe that Limbaugh is rather transparently projecting his own twisted rationales onto the President. There is virtually nothing that the President has ever said or done with which Limbaugh has not found some ulterior motive.
And while Limbaugh's language drips with hatred and contempt for black people (and women for that matter-he told a woman that disagreed with his Haiti comments that she had tampons in her ears)-accusing the President of wanting to help Haiti just to burnish his credentials with "light skinned and dark skinned black people", "minorities in this country and around the world" is just bizarre.
Who thinks like that?
And it's also wrong on the facts. Not only are the President's before earthquake poll numbers about as high as ever among Black Americans, ANY President of the US would be arranging to send aid/relief to Haiti. There's nothing sinister or self-serving about it. It's just what people do in times of crisis.
What people don't generally do is try to turn something into a political/racial football while there are unknown dead and many more lives still at risk.
My husband's department was outsourced years ago. He was able to hang on because he was promoted to be the liaison between the contractor and his company. It's happening more and more often.
I'm employed because I'm an outsource. Verizon is sending more and more jobs to off-premise/contractors. Let's face it; overseas work is sucking jobs away from the USA. Those wonderful "red" companies compete by having lower overhead by paying wages in India instead of Indiana.
Yup, that's the deal.It's all about cost. The new head of company wide applications development is from India (about 4 levels in management up from me) and in a recent leadership meeting he made it perfectly clear to all that outsourcing was going to continue and that he wasn't at all interested in hearing contrary views. His sidekick actually said that our company was running a percentage point below average industry turnover so if someone didn't like the direction, just leave because we'd be doing them a favor. There is much greater management integration as well: more and more US teams are actually reporting to hubs in India.
My take is that it's the old tension between what's in one's individual interest and what's in the public interest. Because of greater efficiencies in communication and education, there's very little in terms of IT services that couldn't be outsourced to save money. However if everyone does that it puts a big damper on consumer spending. Although I can't honestly say that the quality of the outsourced work is as bad as some would tell you, I can't say it's good either. You get what you pay for.
There's no way that Americans can compete on cost nor should we. But I don't think Americans have completely thought out the social costs of continuing to transfer large swaths of manufacturing to China and services to India. Those Americans who work in jobs that can't be outsourced because of either the nature of the job or the barriers to entry are indeed fortunate in some respects.
At some times people have to put politics aside. Right now the people of Haiti need help.
How has political discourse degenerated where such a thing as Limbaugh's "analysis" is possible? Even Buchanan criticized Limbaugh. Limbaugh is accusing the President of the United States of America of looking at pictures like the one below and seeing political opportunity.
Picture is EXTREMELY graphic and HIGHLY disturbing. I am definitely NOTkidding about this.
Lilo Limbaugh did not blame the people or the president, he simply stated that he believes that Obama will use this earthquake to gain political points.
Okay, but what about this pearl of wisdom: "There is no need to send money to Haiti; you already do so by paying U.S. taxes." ----From The Rush Limbaugh Show
Whether or not he blamed the President or not is really inconsequential. How can he---how can anyone---glibly tell such a large audience that they shouldn't concern themselves with sending relief money to disaster victims?
And this coming from one of the wealthiest people in the history of radio?
Limbaugh has become nothing short of a shock jock. He's Howard Stern without the wit or empathy. What's worse, he's also gone from right wing pundit to outright hatemonger.
How come Rush didn't say that President Bush's response to the horrific tsunami was an attempt to shore up the Asian vote?? Because it wasn't. It was an act of compassion, just like President Obama's assistance to Haiti.
It's what people do. When you're neighbor's house is on fire, he doesn't question your offer to lend him your garden hose. He takes it for what it is, an offer to help.
Lilo Limbaugh did not blame the people or the president, he simply stated that he believes that Obama will use this earthquake to gain political points.
Okay, but what about this pearl of wisdom: "There is no need to send money to Haiti; you already do so by paying U.S. taxes." ----From The Rush Limbaugh Show
Whether or not he blamed the President or not is really inconsequential. How can he---how can anyone---glibly tell such a large audience that they shouldn't concern themselves with sending relief money to disaster victims?
And this coming from one of the wealthiest people in the history of radio?
Limbaugh has become nothing short of a shock jock. He's Howard Stern without the wit or empathy. What's worse, he's also gone from right wing pundit to outright hatemonger.
Sometimes one of the things that gets ignored in all of this is the fact that there is an audience for those inane type of statements. As our Nation's population increases, so does the total number of people who will listen to Limbaugh type rantings. That's why there is also a large audience for Palin. If one is able to acquire a 10% audience for something, that equals 30 million and that generates the revenue that broadcasters, retailers, et al look for.
By the way, US Foreign Aid to Haiti since 1990 totals about $1.5 billion. There is none at this point
Advil/Motrin... could it be???? Percs (Tylenol+Heroin lol) worked or didn't, depending. Then my brother (an MD) called and suggested I mixed in some Ibuprofen, so figured why not. I actually took *1* Advil and was practically pain-free for like 4 hours!! You kidding me??
I always got almost no relief from Acetaminophen (Tylenol/Percs/T3/etc), ever -- but Aleve always helped a little (but I ran out). Motrin/Advil/Ibuprofen was okay as a backup, but it seems it's really stepped forward for this. Hope it wasn't a coincidence.
I'll still be on a rampage tomorrow, tho! Gotta end this!
I know you're supposed to take 4 in such extreme cases, but I don't wanna take more than 1 during the evening (nor any Percs at all) because my night time pain regimen is glasses of wine
I have suffered from my first ever series of migraine headaches and have had to take the day off work. I have no idea what caused it but i have been loaded with cold and stuffed with snot for weeks so that may have something to do with it.....
I have sympathy for people who suffer with them. I thought my head was going to roll off my shoulders. Awful experience
Thanks SC. Feel better now. Had it this morning. Went back to bed with a pint of water. Still got the headache but the pains in my eyes and the feeling that my neck was broken has passed!
I've had them (rarely) and they are killers. I wish I knew what set them off so I could obviously avoid them, but I have no idea. Could be something you eat or drink, or some tension related.
I have found that gentle massage of the temples and of the back of the neck (at the base of the head) helps.
I know some people who get them regularly and I, sure as hell, am glad I'm not one of them.
Woohoo! I made the endodontist an offer she couldn't refuse and I can go in at 4:15PM TODAY!! I tell you, if you want something done, you gotta go in person.
Woohoo! I made the endodontist an offer she couldn't refuse and I can go in at 4:15PM TODAY!! I tell you, if you want something done, you gotta go in person.
Translation: Geoff went to the dentist's office. He saw that the dentist was a woman. He saw that she was 70 years old, and weighed only 90 pounds. He then threatened to beat the stuffing out of her unless she worked on his tooth today.
Geoff, ANY doctor/dentist with whom you've had a professional relationship SHOULD take you in on an emergency basis considering the pain you have. If he/she wouldn't, you should go get another dentist.
I am one of those unfortunate souls who suffer with migraines. They use to be so bad I would have to go to the ER and get a shot in the ass. When I would wake up with one I had to stay in the dark. I put blankets on the windows. No matter what I took for them they would not go away. I would feel like I had to throw up. The only relief I would get was when I slept. But as soon as I woke up it came back. They would stay all day. After alot of testing the doctor found out what was wrong. It turned out it was the birth control pills I was on. I went off of those and now I don't have migraines anymore.
I've had them (rarely) and they are killers. I wish I knew what set them off so I could obviously avoid them, but I have no idea. Could be something you eat or drink, or some tension related.
I have found that gentle massage of the temples and of the back of the neck (at the base of the head) helps.
I know some people who get them regularly and I, sure as hell, am glad I'm not one of them.
Woohoo! I made the endodontist an offer she couldn't refuse and I can go in at 4:15PM TODAY!! I tell you, if you want something done, you gotta go in person.
did you have a giant behind you when you made the offer?
Well if he's gonna get called in soon, just think a rare time his mouth is open and he can't speak. We can call him all kinds of names now and he can't talk back.
U.S. Military Weapons Inscribed With Secret 'Jesus' Bible Codes Pentagon Supplier for Rifle Sights Says It Has 'Always' Added New Testament References By JOSEPH RHEE, TAHMAN BRADLEY and BRIAN ROSS Jan. 18, 2010
Coded references to New Testament Bible passages about Jesus Christ are inscribed on high-powered rifle sights provided to the United States military by a Michigan company, an ABC News investigation has found.
At the end of the serial number on Trijicon's ACOG gun sight, you can read "JN8:12", a reference to... At the end of the serial number on Trijicon's ACOG gun sight, you can read "JN8:12", a reference to the New Testament book of John, Chapter 8, Verse 12, which reads: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The ACOG is widely used by the U.S. military. The sights are used by U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and in the training of Iraqi and Afghan soldiers. The maker of the sights, Trijicon, has a $660 million multi-year contract to provide up to 800,000 sights to the Marine Corps, and additional contracts to provide sights to the U.S. Army.
U.S. military rules specifically prohibit the proselytizing of any religion in Iraq or Afghanistan and were drawn up in order to prevent criticism that the U.S. was embarked on a religious "Crusade" in its war against al Qaeda and Iraqi insurgents.
...but so is the pain. WTF?? It's not recovery pain, it's as bad or even worse than before! I have to go back in 2 weeks to finish the job, but it shouldn't be like this. Last time there was no pain afterwards. But, she put me on a stronger antibiotic starting tomorrow for 7 days. Didn't want to try the Vicoprofen after already having a couple of glasses of wine, so will try that tomorrow if it still hurts a lot (since Advil, for me, has worked as well or even better than the Percocets).
I just can't believe this shit. Did they get the wrong tooth? Is there a second tooth? Is Satan torturing me? Is this just the story of my life??
For the record, $1105 for the root canal (for both visits). I really wanted that HDTV in time for the Super Bowl
I'm back! ...but so is the pain. WTF?? It's not recovery pain, it's as bad or even worse than before! I have to go back in 2 weeks to finish the job, but it shouldn't be like this.
You're going back to the dentist today, or else I'm coming down there and DRAGGING you there tomorrow. You don't really wanna be embarrassed, do you?
I was just watching some music award rubbish on the TV and there was Jermaine Jackson picking up an award on his late brothers behalf. Jermaine even bought his 3 kids along. Jerfar, JerMajesty and er Jeremy......
Why did he decide to saddle the first 2 with truly ridiculous monickers and then call the last one Jeremy?
I don't know which ones to feel the most sorry for?
I feel so bad for certain celebrity children. I admire people like Jodie Foster who does her best to keep her children out of the public eye. She's never even gone public with who fathered them!
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick also do a nice job with their kids. They know they'll grow up in the spotlight, but they do their best to limit it.
Sarah Jessica Parker was on a chat show over here just before Christmas,last year,promoting her new film and i must admit she came over as quite.....er....normal.
She seemed very pleasant and was actually very funny!
Geoff, you should not still be in pain, especially WORSE pain. SC's right (as usual). Call the office NOW!
I called and spoke w/ the Dr and she said it's not unusual, and to give the new antibiotics a day or two to kick in. The Vicoprofen (+ 2 Advils) seem to be helping with the pain, though. I didn't want to take it last night because I didn't know how I'd react to it, and didn't wanna fall asleep like that.
I called and spoke w/ the Dr and she said it's not unusual, and to give the new antibiotics a day or two to kick in. The Vicoprofen (+ 2 Advils) seem to be helping with the pain, though. I didn't want to take it last night because I didn't know how I'd react to it, and didn't wanna fall asleep like that.
And you bought that "explanation"???
Our don is slippin'.
Geoff, I REALLY don't wanna even joke about you being in pain. I sure hope she is right and you get relief soon.
SC, this is the same Dr who said she was in tears the last time I was in because she inflicted "so much pain" on me -- she even called me from home that evening to make sure I was okay. She really does care, so I'm buying her explanation for now. The meds seem to work okay. She wouldn't have prescribed a narcotic if I was going to be relatively pain free.
Just would be nice if I could eat something more solid than soup...
PS - Of course the server would go as I posted that, in a rush to get ready to visit my folks.
I hope you feel better soon. As someone who probably has had every kind of dental work done, including oral surgery, I know the discomfort you speak of. I recently paid over $4,000 out of pocket for two dental implants. I think after my surgeries they put me on Vicodin?????? (I never take medication so am not familiar with most). It worked well for me.
NBC News and news services updated 2 hours, 30 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday struck down laws that banned corporations from using their own money to support or oppose candidates for public office.
By 5-4 vote, the court overturned federal laws, in effect for decades, that prevented corporations from using their profits to buy political campaign ads. The decision, which almost certainly will also allow labor unions to participate more freely in campaigns, threatens similar limits imposed by 24 states.
It leaves in place a ban prohibiting corporations and unions from directly contributing funds to candidates for any use.
NBC News and news services updated 2 hours, 30 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday struck down laws that banned corporations from using their own money to support or oppose candidates for public office.
By 5-4 vote, the court overturned federal laws, in effect for decades, that prevented corporations from using their profits to buy political campaign ads. The decision, which almost certainly will also allow labor unions to participate more freely in campaigns, threatens similar limits imposed by 24 states.
It leaves in place a ban prohibiting corporations and unions from directly contributing funds to candidates for any use.
I saw that. I didn't have time yesterday to look into the reasoning in detail but it sounds to me like a very bad decision.
I'm not sure if there is any legislative fix to this the way there was to Ledbetter. It doesn't sound like it. So either people will need to change the Constitution or change the Court. Of course there is nothing that says that society couldn't increase taxes on corporations or require equal access to media during elections for everyone-imperfect solutions though. Ultimately this all goes back to decisions granting corporations "personhood" imo.
NBC News and news services updated 2 hours, 30 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday struck down laws that banned corporations from using their own money to support or oppose candidates for public office.
By 5-4 vote, the court overturned federal laws, in effect for decades, that prevented corporations from using their profits to buy political campaign ads. The decision, which almost certainly will also allow labor unions to participate more freely in campaigns, threatens similar limits imposed by 24 states.
It leaves in place a ban prohibiting corporations and unions from directly contributing funds to candidates for any use.
I saw that. I didn't have time yesterday to look into the reasoning in detail but it sounds to me like a very bad decision.
I'm not sure if there is any legislative fix to this the way there was to Ledbetter. It doesn't sound like it. So either people will need to change the Constitution or change the Court. Of course there is nothing that says that society couldn't increase taxes on corporations or require equal access to media during elections for everyone-imperfect solutions though. Ultimately this all goes back to decisions granting corporations "personhood" imo.
This is how I understand this. Anyone weigh in if I'm wrong.
Right now there are limits on how much a corporation can contribute to any one political party. This "reversal" will allow all major corporations to pay millions/billions to whomever they want to support politically correct? Most of big business are usually "Republican" right? So you get a candidate who has nowhere near that kind of money, the other side will obviously get way more exposure giving that candidate a real edge. So any "little" guy (so to speak) won't stand a chance. The election can be bought??????
Also, this law has been in affect for years and years and was voted for change with a strictly partisan vote from a Supreme Court where the majority are Righties.
Weigh in and enlighten me. Tell me how it's fair. Oh, and DT or Kly, if you know, are there any legal options for those who oppose? I doubt it, but thought I'd ask.
"This "reversal" will allow all major corporations to pay millions/billions to whomever they want to support politically correct?"
No TIS, it won't. The ruling does not invalidate that part of the law which prohibits corporate contributions directly to candidates.
In any case, I support the ruling since it is consistent with the First amendment of the US Constitution which was, if anything, drafted and ratified to safeguard political speech.
In any case, I support the ruling since it is consistent with the First amendment of the US Constitution which was, if anything, drafted and ratified to safeguard political speech.
I agree, Oli. Here's a very sound article from today's Wall Street Journal (which is widely considered to be the most liberal of the 20 top selling newspapers in the country). My point being, there's no "right wing conspiracy" at work here. And if even the far left Wall Street Journal can see this for what it is (a free speech issue), then we, as Democrats, have to do the same.
A Free Speech Landmark
Campaign-finance reform meets the Constitution
The Wall Street Journal
Freedom has had its best week in many years. On Tuesday, Massachusetts put a Senate check on a reckless Congress, and yesterday the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision supporting free political speech by overturning some of Congress's more intrusive limits on election spending.
In a season of marauding government, the Constitution rides to the rescue one more time.
Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote yesterday's 5-4 majority opinion in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which considered whether the government could ban a 90-minute documentary called "Hillary: the Movie" that was set to run on cable channels during the 2008 Presidential campaign. Because it was funded by an incorporated group and was less than complimentary of then-Senator Hillary Clinton, the film became a target of campaign-finance limits.
The 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act, aka McCain-Feingold, banned corporations and unions from "electioneering communications" within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of a general election. Yesterday, the Justices rejected that limit on corporate spending as unconstitutional. Corporations are entitled to the same right that individuals have to spend money on political speech for or against a candidate.
Justice Kennedy emphasized that laws designed to control money in politics often bleed into censorship, and that this violates core First Amendment principles. "Because speech is an essential mechanism of democracy—it is the means to hold officials accountable to the people—political speech must prevail against laws that would suppress it by design or inadvertence," he wrote. The ban on corporate expenditures had a "substantial, nationwide chilling effect" on political speech, he added.
In last year's oral argument for Citizen's United, the Court got a preview of how far a ban on corporate-funded speech could reach. Deputy Solicitor General Malcolm Stewart explained that, under McCain-Feingold, the government had the authority to "prohibit the publication" of corporate-funded books that called for the election or defeat of a candidate.
That was a shock and awe moment at the Court, as it also should have been to a Washington press corps that has too often been a cheerleader for campaign-spending limits. Mr. Stewart was telling a truth already familiar to campaign-finance lawyers and the speech police at the Federal Election Commission. Former FEC Commissioner Hans von Spakovsky recalled yesterday that in 2004 the agency investigated whether a book written by George Soros critical of George W. Bush violated campaign laws. Liberals as much as conservatives should worry about laws that allow such investigations.
The Court's opinion is especially effective in dismantling McCain-Feingold's arbitrary exemption for media corporations. Thus a corporation that owns a newspaper—News Corp. or the New York Times—retains its First Amendment right to speak freely. "At the same time, some other corporation, with an identical business interest but no media outlet in its ownership structure, would be forbidden to speak or inform the public about the same issue," wrote Justice Kennedy. "This differential treatment cannot be squared with the First Amendment."
For instruction and sheer entertainment, we also recommend Justice Antonin Scalia's concurring opinion that demolishes Justice John Paul Stevens's argument in dissent that corporations lack free speech rights because the Founding Fathers disliked them. "If so, how came there to be so many of them?" Mr. Scalia writes, in one of his gentler lines.
The landmark decision—which overturned two Supreme Court precedents—has already sent the censoring political class into orbit. President Obama was especially un-Presidential yesterday, putting on his new populist facade to call it "a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies" and other "special interests." Mr. Obama didn't mention his union friends as one of those interests, but their political spending will also be protected by the logic of this ruling. The reality is that free speech is no one's special interest.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer vowed to hold hearings, and the Naderite Public Citizen lobby is already calling for a constitutional amendment that bans free speech for "for-profit corporations." Liberalism's bullying tendencies are never more on display than when its denizens are at war with the speech rights of its opponents.
Perhaps one day the Court will go even further and overturn Buckley v. Valeo, the 1976 decision that was its original sin in tolerating limits on campaign spending. The Court did yesterday uphold disclosure rules, so a sensible step now would be for Congress to remove all campaign-finance limits subject only to immediate disclosure on the Internet. Citizens United is in any event a bracing declaration that Congress's long and misbegotten campaign-finance crusade has reached a Constitutional dead end.
Ok, so I'm trying to understand how this is good. So it's not true then that the company/persons who has more money to pour into an election will NOT have an unfair advantage over whomever the other party is????? Or, to put it another way then, you all are saying that the right to spend money on an election trumps any idea of fair play to.
Btw, I'm not saying I am against this, but I am saying I don't understand it which is why I bought it up.
It's not a right to spend money. There is no such right embodied in the US Constitution's Bill of Rights. However, there is a right to speech embodied therein and when composing and ratifying the First amendment it was political speech that was foremost in mind.
[quote=olivant In any case, I support the ruling since it is consistent with the First amendment of the US Constitution which was, if anything, drafted and ratified to safeguard political speech. [/quote]
I support this ruling as well, before the SCOTUS rendered it's decision first amendment rights were being violated. And people saw nothing wrong with that.
Court documents in Alaska show Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is seeking child support from her ex-boyfriend Levi Johnston. CNN said Friday that Bristol Palin, 19, is seeking child support payments from Johnston in the amount of $1,750 a month for the care of their 1-year-old son Tripp.
Court documents in Alaska show Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is seeking child support from her ex-boyfriend Levi Johnston. CNN said Friday that Bristol Palin, 19, is seeking child support payments from Johnston in the amount of $1,750 a month for the care of their 1-year-old son Tripp.
He should've already been paying child support after all it's his kid as well. But going by what olivant posted it would seem to me that he's a dead beat dad.
Iceman, it seems that this child has become a bargaining chip between Levi and the Palins. They say he's an irresponsible dad that won't pay for the child's support. He says that he won't pay because they won't allow him to see his son. This is very much turning into a "he said/she said" kind of thing.
But it was right for him to f**k this woman for 8 1/2 years while he was married??
Oh no, he's a piece of shit for sure. I just think it's healthier to let go and move on when you're in such a toxic relationship. Revenge doesn't benefit anyone in a case like this.
Wal-Mart cutting 11,200 jobs at Sam’s Club. Amount is about ten percent of the staff at warehouse club retailer
NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Sunday it is cutting about 11,200 jobs at its Sam's Club warehouse division as it outsources in-store product sampling to marketing company Shopper Events in an effort to win more customers and boost lagging sales.
The terminations represent about 10 percent of the warehouse club operator's 110,000 staffers across its 600 stores. About 10,000 members of the demonstration department, most part-time workers, were let go. The company also cut its new business membership representative positions, affecting about 2 staffers per store, or about 1,200 staffers in total.
Court documents in Alaska show Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is seeking child support from her ex-boyfriend Levi Johnston. CNN said Friday that Bristol Palin, 19, is seeking child support payments from Johnston in the amount of $1,750 a month for the care of their 1-year-old son Tripp.
I don't know how it works in Alaska, but here in CA there's a formula they use taking into account both parties wages, children and the length of the marriage. Of course Levi and Bristol were never married, but for sure he'll still owe child support.
He was on Entertainment tonight or one of those shows just last week, and claims he's paid her about 40,000 all together so far. I don't know if it's true or not, but that's what he said. I do know he made something like 100,000 for posing in playboy. I'm sure he'll have to share profit.
If anyone wants to seem me in a bra, which I'm sure none of you do except maybe J Geoff, there will be pictures of me on Facebook for one week after the Super Bowl IF the Saints lose. I have a bet with my stepdaughters boyfriend. It will be entertaining for family and friends no matter who wins. I just hope the Saints win
If anyone wants to seem me in a bra, which I'm sure none of you do except maybe J Geoff, there will be pictures of me on Facebook for one week after the Super Bowl IF the Saints lose. I have a bet with my stepdaughters boyfriend. It will be entertaining for family and friends no matter who wins. I just hope the Saints win
Yeah, you've got someone completely out of the loop with football willing to root for the Colts now. (Me.)
Court documents in Alaska show Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is seeking child support from her ex-boyfriend Levi Johnston. CNN said Friday that Bristol Palin, 19, is seeking child support payments from Johnston in the amount of $1,750 a month for the care of their 1-year-old son Tripp.
I wonder how she came at that dollar amount?
Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
I don't know how it works in Alaska, but here in CA there's a formula they use taking into account both parties wages, children and the length of the marriage. Of course Levi and Bristol were never married, but for sure he'll still owe child support.
He was on Entertainment tonight or one of those shows just last week, and claims he's paid her about 40,000 all together so far. I don't know if it's true or not, but that's what he said. I do know he made something like 100,000 for posing in playboy. I'm sure he'll have to share profit.
TIS
That's correct. I read that in Alaska the non-custodial parent must pay 20% of his income up to $105K/yr. So 20% of $105K is $1750/mth.
I like it. It's an incentive, not a demand, unlike the demands that Mayor Bloomberg is making here in New York with his crusade against salt and fat. I like to eat healthy, but by choice, not because I'm being forced to.
Our Mayor here in New York has gone a bit power crazy, but that's a topic for another thread.
My mom's getting her heart valve surgery tomorrow so I hope it's not #3. Thankfully they didn't see a need to do any further bypasses so I hope it goes smoothly. Still a bit worried since she's 80 and all. Going up to the hospital soon for a few days, but will check in from time to time. Please keep her in your prayers....
By MIKE BAKER, Associated Press Writer Mike Baker, Associated Press Writer – 14 mins ago
RALEIGH, N.C. – Elizabeth Edwards has separated from husband John Edwards, the former presidential candidate who lied about cheating on his cancer-stricken wife and the child he fathered during his affair.
The disclosure Wednesday came as a longtime aide to the two-time candidate promotes a tell-all book that provides an unflattering portrait of the couple and the tumultuous relationship they tried to maintain after he first acknowledged the liaison.
I'm not trying to give John Edwards any support, believe me. There are few things lower than a man who cheats wife, and one of them would be a man who cheats on his DYING wife.
However, the Edwards buried a child. Fairly often, a couple's marriage falls apart when something like that happens.
I just hope that she finds some peace in whatever time she has left.
There are few things lower than a man who cheats wife
This is a view very common in the U.S., and with all due respect, I think we as a society need to grow up. So someone promises never to have sex with someone else for the rest of their life and doesn't keep that promise. So what? It's unreasonable to expect people to keep a promise like that to begin with.
If we're going to view marital fidelity as an essential quality in a person, then we'd have to conclude that Martin Luther King, FDR, and JFK were unacceptable. And there's no reason why someone can't be a poor spouse or parent and be an excellent president, prime minister etc. I think the prevailing attitude on this issue (in this country at least) is stupid and childish.
Vito, I've been married for 23 years. I understand that anything can happen. We're simply human.
However, a man who would cheat on his wife and father a child with his mistress is more than someone who simply faltered. It means that he had unprotected sex in a day when AIDS is a reality. It means that he not only was fucking someone besides his wife, it means that he didn't give a shit if he brought home some disease.
And, yes. It IS a big deal. Because it's a PROMISE. You get married, you take a vow. You PROMISE to forsake all others until death. If you don't intend to keep the promise, don't get married.
And nobody said that a scumbag can't make a great CEO or President. I think that most powerful people are selfish, self-centered and ruthless. That's how they achieved positions of power.
Edit: And once again, calling someone's view "stupid" by adding the phrase "with all due respect" doesn't negate the nastiness of the word stupid. It just puts a pretty bow on it.
Vito, I've been married for 23 years. I understand that anything can happen. We're simply human.
However, a man who would cheat on his wife and father a child with his mistress is more than someone who simply faltered. It means that he had unprotected sex in a day when AIDS is a reality. It means that he not only was fucking someone besides his wife, it means that he didn't give a shit if he brought home some disease.
And, yes. It IS a big deal. Because it's a PROMISE. You get married, you take a vow. You PROMISE to forsake all others until death. If you don't intend to keep the promise, don't get married.
And nobody said that a scumbag can't make a great CEO or President. I think that most powerful people are selfish, self-centered and ruthless. That's how they achieved positions of power.
Edit: And once again, calling someone's view "stupid" by adding the phrase "with all due respect" doesn't negate the nastiness of the word stupid. It just puts a pretty bow on it.
yea i have no respect on a guy who cheats on his dyeing wife...it is a flaw that many encounter, but it is something that can be worked out...unless your addicted.
and yea john edwards is a idiot for not using protection...unless the condom broke or she said that she is on the pill, but lied.
However, a man who would cheat on his wife and father a child with his mistress is more than someone who simply faltered. It means that he had unprotected sex in a day when AIDS is a reality. It means that he not only was fucking someone besides his wife, it means that he didn't give a shit if he brought home some disease.
It's not necessarily unprotected sex. He can use a condom. Of course, Edwards obviously (or at least very probably) didn't do that.
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
And, yes. It IS a big deal. Because it's a PROMISE.
I don't think a promise is necessarily binding. It depends on what the promise is. I don't think this is one of the things that is. As far as vows, most people also promise to be together with their spouse for the rest of their lives. No one seems to condemn them for breaking this promise if they divorce their spouse later.
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Edit: And once again, calling someone's view "stupid" by adding the phrase "with all due respect" doesn't negate the nastiness of the word stupid. It just puts a pretty bow on it.
The word "stupid" is certainly no nastier than the word "scumbag," which you used. Do you really think Martin Luther King, for example, was a scumbag?
The difference was that I called THEM a scumbag, not you or your views. And I said MOST people of power.
prom·ise n. 1. A declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow.
A promise, by definition, is binding. It doesn't "depend" on what you promise. A promise is a promise.
And I'm not so rigid to believe that people can't make mistakes. But I do believe that if you make a promise, you need to do your best to keep that promise. Does it mean that you might not be able to? Sure. However, having unprotected sex with your mistress, then trying to pass off your child as the child of your employee, is a bit different than someone who makes a simple mistake.
And, yes. It IS a big deal. Because it's a PROMISE. You get married, you take a vow. You PROMISE to forsake all others until death. If you don't intend to keep the promise, don't get married.
I've been married 27 years to the Col and I have never cheated on him. SB is right. Marriage is a sacred vow you make to each other before God. Not only is she dying of cancer she has the pain of being betrayed and IMO that pain is just as bad as the pain she has from the cancer.
And, yes. It IS a big deal. Because it's a PROMISE. You get married, you take a vow. You PROMISE to forsake all others until death. If you don't intend to keep the promise, don't get married.
I've been married 27 years to the Col and I have never cheated on him. SB is right. Marriage is a sacred vow you make to each other before God. Not only is she dying of cancer she has the pain of being betrayed and IMO that pain is just as bad as the pain she has from the cancer.
For me, it'll be 37 years in August that I've been married. I would never defile my marriage by cheating nor would I risk the pain and breach of trust that both my wife and kids would experience if I did.
I think that some posters disparage standards to avoid having to comply with those they can't meet.
My grandfather always said that you have to be very careful of a habitual cheater. If they don't care about screwing over their family (no pun intended), they certainly wouldn't care what they might do to you.
Like I said, a promise is not meant to be broken. Anything can, and does, happen, though. People change or grow apart. However, you can't expect to stay married AND have a string of affairs. That's a bit TOO selfish.
Howard Zinn died. He had a incredible life, from WW2 bombardier to civil rights activist, radical historian, playwright, labor agitator and antiwar organizer. He was likely best known for his work "A People's History of the United States". He was fired from Spelman College, a HBCU, because of his involvement in the civil rights movement.
He really was a remarkable man and by most accounts a pretty decent one as well. Howard Zinn Died
On some level I do believe in "judge not lest ye be judged". But on the other hand I am by nature a rather judgmental person..
So regardless of what any of us may think about the state of marriage, how desirable it is or what social/personal/financial/sexual purpose it serves I think that most of us would agree that lying to someone and deceiving someone is not a good thing. The very nature of having an affair requires deception of the spouse and self-deception. That's the essence of the problem imo.
There are some people that are not monogamous or are otherwise just not meant to be married. Some of those people have enough personal charisma or attractiveness to the opposite sex to be open about their non-fidelity. And of course people change over time. I can't judge any one else's personal life. But I will say that lying is wrong.
Iceman, it seems that this child has become a bargaining chip between Levi and the Palins. They say he's an irresponsible dad that won't pay for the child's support. He says that he won't pay because they won't allow him to see his son. This is very much turning into a "he said/she said" kind of thing.
Well like I sais SB I do not know all the details. But saying he won't pay cause they won't allow him to see his son, basically tells me that he is putting his own interests above that of his own son's care. What kind of a dad does that?
The UK. The land where "political correctness" knows no bounds has come up with another example to make me chuckle.
Job adverts are no longer allowed to have on them the phrase "Only suitable applicants need apply" because it has been ruled that it offends the human rights of people who may NOT be suitable for the job!
Who makes this stuff up? Who does this job? Who would complain about such a thing in the first place? Who would they complain about it to?
Ridiculous. I don't know whether to laugh or cry sometimes
I am pretty certain nobody has her on their list, but Zelda Rubinstein has passed away. She was "the magic munckin" in Poltergeist.
It's particularly noticeable to me because Poltergeist was very popular in my house. HBO was new (at least to my family) and one of the movies that we watched over and over again was Poltergeist. My kids had many parts of it memorized and will still quote the movie, if the situation calls for it.
While guys may profess their love of all things silky, lacey and short, there are a few things in our wardrobes that leave the dudes scratching their heads: Embellished bags
One sweeping fashion trend that boggles the male mind is the case of the Gigantica-Godzillaca-Bedazzlement-Titanic-Tote Handbag complete with metal rings, chunky chain handles, leather loops, vertical zippers and who knows what. Girls can pack a guest room in there. Honestly, they look like Andie Walsh from Pretty in Pink stitched them at home after a bottle of chardonnay.
WICHITA, Kan. - A man who said he killed prominent Kansas abortion provider Dr. George Tiller in order to save the lives of unborn children was convicted Friday of murder.
The jury deliberated for just 37 minutes before finding Scott Roeder, 51, of Kansas City, Mo., guilty of premeditated, first-degree murder in the May 31 shooting death.
WICHITA, Kan. - A man who said he killed prominent Kansas abortion provider Dr. George Tiller in order to save the lives of unborn children was convicted Friday of murder.
The jury deliberated for just 37 minutes before finding Scott Roeder, 51, of Kansas City, Mo., guilty of premeditated, first-degree murder in the May 31 shooting death.
I never understood the mentality of people like this. Even if one subscribes to this man's fanatically anti-abortion philosophy (which I don't), how is he going to "save the lives of unborn children" by killing one doctor? No woman who wants an abortion will change their mind because of this. They'll just go to someone else and get it done.
If you're going to do behavior considered unacceptable on the grounds of serving a higher good, you have to at least show that what you're doing is indeed likely to produce that good. This man didn't even come close to doing that.
WICHITA, Kan. - A man who said he killed prominent Kansas abortion provider Dr. George Tiller in order to save the lives of unborn children was convicted Friday of murder.
The jury deliberated for just 37 minutes before finding Scott Roeder, 51, of Kansas City, Mo., guilty of premeditated, first-degree murder in the May 31 shooting death.
I never understood the mentality of people like this. Even if one subscribes to this man's fanatically anti-abortion philosophy (which I don't), how is he going to "save the lives of unborn children" by killing one doctor? No woman who wants an abortion will change their mind because of this. They'll just go to someone else and get it
If you're going to do behavior considered unacceptable on the grounds of serving a higher good, you have to at least show that what you're doing is indeed likely to "produce that good. This man didn't even come close to doing that.
I cetainly do not agree with Mr. Roeder's actions. And, I am not going to question his mentality. However, based on this argument (and, yes, I know you are not advocating his "cause") this man did come close to "produce that good."
Tiller's specialty was late term and partial-birth abortions. His clinic is now closed. He was rather efficient and relatively safe as few mother's died during the process. There was at least one baby that survived the ordeal (probably more) that died some five years later from the effects of the attempted abortion).
Mr Roeder's killing of Tiller will make it much more difficult for mothers seeking a later term and especially third term abortion. While it is relatively easy to obtain an abortion during the first trimester, there are far fewer providers for late term abortions. So in that since Mr. Roeder accomplished his mission.
I remember this trial and the conviction, but I lost track of what ever happened to the defendent. Do ya'lll recall it? It looks like he'll do the whole 10 years.
Apr 11, 2008 Dad Denied Parole In Hockey Beating Death
A father who beat another man to death at their sons' hockey practice was denied parole for the second time Friday.
In 2002, truck driver Thomas Junta was sentenced to 6 to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Costin.
On Friday, the state Parole Board rejected Junta's second request for release, finding that Junta has "minimized his behavior" and not fully accepted responsibility for his actions.
Lilo, that just reminded me of this very sick game my husband used to play with my youngest daughter. She had this collection of plastic animals that she loved to play with. My husband made up a game called "The Cheetah and The Sick Giraffe". The giraffe would be grazing peacefully while the cheetah looked on. Then the giraffe would cough, indicating it was sick and weak, at which time the cheetah would move in for the kill. Although she initially objected to this game, she eventually looked forward to the cheetah attack.
The best part was our visit to the Toronto Zoo. They have a wounded cheetah on display. My daughter demanded to know who was going to eat it.
Don't know if this exactly fits in with the current conversation but...
Things have changed a whole lot. I remember when buying a holster/gun set for a gift for my nephews was a great idea. I myself, when I was little, being somewhat of a tomboy would join in playing cowboys/Indians pretend shooting/killing. Is it totally unacceptable to own these toys any more? Geez, a gun/holster was always the perfect gift for a little boy.
I remember my little brother loving is plastic army men, playing blow 'em up and killing the bad guy. I can still hear his blasting sounds he'd make as he was pretending.
When my daughters were invited to birthday parties, I always went with the sexist stereotypical gifts. If it was a girl's party, she got a Barbie and for a boy's party, it was toy cars or a Tonka truck.
I think my daughters also received the "bead assortment", which is supposed to be used to make jewelry, etc. However, I think, like the one Christmas fruitcake that makes the rounds, there really is only one box of beads that gets regifted over and over again.
Don't know if this exactly fits in with the current conversation but...
Things have changed a whole lot. I remember when buying a holster/gun set for a gift for my nephews was a great idea. I myself, when I was little, being somewhat of a tomboy would join in playing cowboys/Indians pretend shooting/killing. Is it totally unacceptable to own these toys any more? Geez, a gun/holster was always the perfect gift for a little boy.
I remember my little brother loving is plastic army men, playing blow 'em up and killing the bad guy. I can still hear his blasting sounds he'd make as he was pretending.
Just an observation I guess.
TIS
God,TIS, that almost make me want to go out and buy a ton of plastic army men. I must have played with them everyday. I loved them. And a gun and holster set - I may buy one of them too - and wear it.
Ordered an HDTV earlier and Amazon estimated it'd be delivered Monday: the day after the Super Bowl. Hopefully when the carrier contacts me about a delivery appointment I can make them an offer they can't refuse.
Hee! I know what you mean! My brother gave my mother a box of chocolates for Valentines a few years ago. However, my mother's diabetic. We were wondering about motives.
When we went on a cruise five years ago, they sell cigarettes super cheap on the boat. We bought my MIL a giant box of Marlboros that had five or so packs inside it. No motive there on my part.
You got a new TV too? What kind? Let me guess? You HAD to get it before the Super Bowl???
Of course! Amazon originally said to expect it Monday -- the day after -- and I was like, crap! But the carrier called and said Friday.
I got a 46" LED LCD from Sharp. It's the same height as my 36" which makes it the same size but wider. When the upcoming new 3D HDTV's are more established then I may super-size it in a few years lol
NICE! Mr. Babe bought this one Vizio 42 Inch on Black Friday for only $450, but we returned it. We honestly didn't have the room for it without redecorating the entire family room. It was a great buy, and I think he died a little when it went back to the store, but sometimes you just have to say NO.
I know, I know. We have an entertainment center with the Wii and the DVD player and all the games and stuff in our family room. The damn thing didn't fit in it. That meant getting a new entertainment center, and God knows what that would have cost! It was that cascade effect that I couldn't allow to start.
Child abuse drops sharply in U.S. Study: Incidents declined by 26 percent from 1993 to 2006
updated 1 hour, 48 minutes ago NEW YORK - A massive new federal study documents an unprecedented and dramatic decrease in incidents of serious child abuse, especially sexual abuse. Experts hailed the findings as proof that crackdowns and public awareness campaigns had made headway.
An estimated 553,000 children suffered physical, sexual or emotional abuse in 2005-06, down 26 percent from the estimated 743,200 abuse victims in 1993, the study found.
LONDON - People who spend a lot of time surfing the Internet are more likely to show signs of depression, British scientists said on Wednesday.
But it is not clear whether the Internet causes depression or whether depressed people are drawn to it.
Psychologists from Leeds University found what they said was "striking" evidence that some avid net users develop compulsive Internet habits in which they replace real-life social interaction with online chat rooms and social networking sites.
LONDON - People who spend a lot of time surfing the Internet are more likely to show signs of depression, British scientists said on Wednesday.
But it is not clear whether the Internet causes depression or whether depressed people are drawn to it.
Psychologists from Leeds University found what they said was "striking" evidence that some avid net users develop compulsive Internet habits in which they replace real-life social interaction with online chat rooms and social networking sites.
does everything in life leads to something...whats next buying a 40+ inch TV shows you are depressed about your life.
What? Sex workers not tax deductible? Lawyer went all the way to Tax Court with attempt to write off prostitutes and porn as medical deductions.
Posted by Jeff Schnepper on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 10:47 AM
Attorney William G. Halby, who practiced law for 20 years and specialized in taxation, went all the way to Tax Court. When the members stopped snickering, the Court said no.
Halby’s attempted medical deductions for visits to New York prostitutes and the costs of videos and other pornographic materials were not allowable under the Tax Code.
My daughter started laughing for the first time the other day. Was a beautiful thing to see and hear. Now she does it all the time. Babies, you gotta love em. Everything they do is real. There's no falseness in their smiles or laughs. No agenda.
Oh, isn't that laugh the most beautiful sound on earth? Sounds like she's doing well, whisper, and I'm so glad to hear it. Please pop in more often and let us know how you and the family are.
I called up Comcast to add HD programming and they said I don't have to pay extra for it?? I already have an HD-DVR and they said that's all I needed. Why don't I believe them? Cuz their site says HDTV costs $9.25/month and I just assumed they'd be more than happy to ream me for more money each month.
Is there strong competition from other providers in your area? (especially other cable providers)
Don't know if you were just addressing Geoff or not, but in my area no. As far as that goes, you HAVE to have cable tv (at least basic or) to get any kind of reception. The cable company in my area (Time Warner) can and has raised prices every year. Though I really can't complain about their service, it's not fair that they can keep raising costs knowing we have no other choice.
Hmm. I guess that makes sense JG, because there since you already have a HD-DVR you don't need any other "translator". But I also live in an area that is dominated by Comcast-no other cable provider- and they are ALWAYS happy to raise the price. I think the additional price for HD signal is for the signal itself and the actual cable box. Please let us know if they truly do not charge you extra. Evidently, being The Don comes with privileges...
Yup, SB, Comcast also raises prices every year. I am thinking about satellite but haven't decided as of yet.
Yea, I'm sorry you can get direct or dish. I was thinking just cable I guess. To be honest, I am not familiar with either of the other two. I don't like the big dish satellite that makes the building look ugly. I don't know if either are any cheaper or if you can get all the stations as with cable.
Right now, I get my internet and extended cable tv thru Time Warner. Btw, TW is now offering telephone service as well. It always sounds good because their deals usually are one price for a year and then after that year it increases considerably.
Do you recommend either Dish/direct? The good thing about TW though is I very very seldom have any problems with either the Internet or cable tv.
Ditto what Mig said. We lose our DirecTv signal maybe 3-4 times per year, mainly in a hard downpour, occasionally due to heavy snow or very high winds.
Does this city make my butt look big? Where you live has a lot to do with which cosmetic surgery you desire By Diane Mapes updated 7:34 a.m. CT, Tues., Feb. 2, 2010
Body slimming interest was higher in the South, as well, with 20 percent more searches for liposuction, tummy tucks and other fat-fighting procedures, whereas breast reduction surgery was tops in the Pacific Northwest — outpacing other regions by 67 percent.
What are the people in Washington, D.C., concerned about? Scar removal, it would appear, followed closely by straight teeth (Invisalign is the second most researched procedure in that area). When it comes to Houston and Atlanta, however, the problem lies further south, with the top slot going to lipodissolve (or mesotherapy), an experimental “fat-melting” technique used for small areas of localized fat, such as saddlebags.
In Miami, tummy tucks were the No. 1 procedure being investigated. As for Los Angeles? Not surprisingly, it was all about augmentation — lip augmentation, that is.
I had Dish and it was awesome, it hardly ever went out, maybe once a year if that. The DVR is really nice and set up a lot better than Comcast too. I have Comcast now but if I didn't need the internet I'd have Dish.
Yay! My new toy came today and it seems to be working nicely. And I'm getting the HD channels w/o having to pay extra for them. Will have to tinker with the settings when I get home later...
Is there strong competition from other providers in your area? (especially other cable providers)
Don't know if you were just addressing Geoff or not, but in my area no. As far as that goes, you HAVE to have cable tv (at least basic or) to get any kind of reception. The cable company in my area (Time Warner) can and has raised prices every year. Though I really can't complain about their service, it's not fair that they can keep raising costs knowing we have no other choice.
TIS
Time Warner always raising their prices is what finally drove me to drop their sorry asses, That and their steadfast refusal to add the NFL network. I now have directv and I'm happy with it, I looked at dishnetwork but I'm unable to get that where I live. I have too damn many trees that would interfere with the signal.
Yay! My new toy came today and it seems to be working nicely. And I'm getting the HD channels w/o having to pay extra for them. Will have to tinker with the settings when I get home later...
Prosecutors: Marine arranged ex-girlfriend's rape through Craigslist John Romero Reporter 9:28 PM MST, February 4, 2010
CASPER, Wyo. - Even in the Craigslist "Casual Encounters" section -the red light district of the Internet- it was a shocking offer.
A woman named 'Sara,' looking for a "real aggressive man," asking him to rape her inside her home. Even more shocking, however, was that at least one man, 26-year-old Ty McDowell answered the ad, saying he was willing to be the woman's attacker. But the biggest surprise was yet to come.
The author of the dark fantasy, police say, was really the woman's ex-boyfriend, a U.S. Marine named Jebidiah Stipe. And it was Stipe, police say, who was e-mailing with McDowell as he planned the break-in and rape.
Police say Stipe provided an address, a picture, and then waited for the brutal assault to happen. On Dec. 11th, Ty McDowell broke into the woman's home in Casper, Wyoming, gagged her, tied her up and raped her, according to police. When investigators from the Natrona County Sheriff's Office sorted everything out, they charged McDowell with sexual assault and Stipe with being an accomplice
That's horrible. Wow, who would have thought. Now anything is possible via internet. Btw, what's the exact charge I wonder???? Conspiring rape or would he himself be charged with "rape"? And the POS who took him up on the deal. OMG!!!!
That's one of the most frightening things I've ever seen or heard, Oli. I'm trying to figure out who is sicker, the ex who thought it all up, or the guy who took him up on it.
"Few activities stimulate as wide a variety of brain systems as dancing does," says Daniel Amen, M.D., author of Magnificent Mind at Any Age. "Dancing requires everything from coordination and organization to planning and judgment." Ditto for martial arts. "Both require you to position different parts of your body simultaneously and in synchronicity—and with dance, you've got to move along to music," says John Ratey, M.D., author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. "That's a lot of mental stimulation."
That's simply horrible. This guy is a monster and/or likely off his rocker. The poor child should be taken away from him, for obvious reasons. Geez, how does a somebody every get over being waterboarded as a child, no less.
She is still a baby. Someone needs to waterboard him.
Definitely. At the very least, the punishment should fit the crime. But, sad to say, even doing that would not erase the horrible emotional scars that this poor little girl will now live with. I hope she can receive some professional counseling - and the sooner the better.
She is still a baby. Someone needs to waterboard him.
Definitely. At the very least, the punishment should fit the crime. But, sad to say, even doing that would not erase the horrible emotional scars that this poor little girl will now live with. I hope she can receive some professional counseling - and the sooner the better.
DALLAS - If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on American Airlines, it's going to cost you.
The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class for domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, beginning May 1.
Tell me about it. When I flew to Michigan in November it cost me $30 to check two suitcases. I saved $5.00 by checking in on-line. Southwest is the only airline(that I'm aware of) that doesn't charge for checked luggage. They don't give you anything but a drink (coffee,juice). They'll sell you a lunch bag for $5.00 which contains snacks.
TIS, Jet Blue doesn't charge you for the first bag, but they do charge you for a pillow and blanket. Actually, I felt rather bad for the flight attendant who had to put up with my "Are you kidding? I'd rather freeze!" when she asked me for money for the blanket.
Her name is Ava and they have both been invited to a birthday party next week. Thats how i found out. He bought the invite home today and told me it would be nice to go to the party to see his girlfriend.........
There's a buffet restaurant in the complex that I work called Gekko; their tagline is "Greed is Good". I take great pleasure in informing people whenever I go there what it refers to.
(Note to Yogi: if buffets are your thing, check it out! Upstairs in The Gate.)
February 9, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- The teen father [Levi Johnston]of Sarah Palin's grandson is featured on the cover of the upcoming print version of Playgirl magazine — sporting nothing but a sultry gaze.
Autopsy: Jackson Suffered from Skin Disease, Used a Wig Feb. 9, 2010, 4:56 PM EST TheWrap.com
According to the autopsy, Jackson suffered from the skin disease vitiligo, causing him to have white patches along his abdomen, face, arms, and chest.
The singer also wore a wig to conceal the fact that he was balding and had only a "sparse" amount of hair, possibly the result of his accidental burning while filming a 1984 Pepsi commercial.
Interesting how Levi's photo has been described as "pornography" by Conservative politicians, but not one peep from them about Senator Brown's nude spread in Cosmo.
There's a buffet restaurant in the complex that I work called Gekko; their tagline is "Greed is Good". I take great pleasure in informing people whenever I go there what it refers to.
(Note to Yogi: if buffets are your thing, check it out! Upstairs in The Gate.)
I am happy to announce that our family has found a new house. We are moving about 15 minutes south of where we are currently living, but in a much nicer home and neighborhood. We have been looking for about a year and it's not been easy dragging little kids from open house to open house.
The only downside is that it means changing schools, which we were against initially. But since we could not find a house we liked in our general area, we had to create a "Plan B." But our kids (1st grader and heading into kindergarten) are young enough to adjust without too much trouble. Had they been several years older, it would have been much tougher.
That's great Goombah. I really think your kids are young enough to not be affected by the school change. It's once they hit high school, that's I think I'd hesitate and/or worry if it's a bad idea.
Very exciting. Good luck in our new home and post pics if you want.
Thanks everyone! Hopefully by the time we move, it will not be snowing. We had a neighbor move on Saturday - the night before we received a foot of snow. I would have felt more sorry for him had he not been doing a "short sale," which drives the value of everyone's home down.
An Arab ambassador in Dubai has had his marriage annulled after discovering that his bride, behind her veil, was bearded and cross-eyed.
The couple had only met a few times during their courtship. Each of these times the woman had worn a niqab, an Islamic veil that covers most of the face.
After the marriage contract was signed in Dubai, the ambassador tried to kiss his new wife. However, as he removed the veil, he was shocked at what he saw.
"He was absolutely horrified," a guest said. "The bride had a nice personality, but there was a good reason why she was hiding her looks behind a veil."
The unnamed ambassador went straight to court to annul the marriage, claiming his wife was "bearded and cross-eyed", leaving his wife in tears. The groom claims he had been shown pictures of the ugly bride's prettier sister.
BRUSSELS – The European Parliament on Thursday strongly rejected a deal that would have allowed U.S. authorities access to European bank transfers — a vote the United States said disrupted an important source of information for anti-terror investigators.
EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France, voted 378-196 against the deal with 31 abstentions. The parliament's president, Jerzy Buzek, said the assembly wants more safeguards for civil liberties and believes human rights has been compromised in the name of security.
The U.S. mission to the EU said it was "disappointed" with the EU move, calling it "a setback for U.S.-EU counterterror cooperation." The vote came after lawmakers were contacted in recent days by several top U.S. officials — including Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner — "about the importance of this agreement to our mutual security."
European governments now must renegotiate the deal with the parliament, which would allow data sharing for nine months while the EU seeks a longer-term deal with the U.S.
The EU wants such an agreement to eventually let European authorities see U.S. banking information.
This is so random. Ok, let me try to explain since I am not good at fixing this kind of thing.
Ok, I have a small stereo/radio/CD/record player (all in one). Anyway, it has two speakers. You know how the wires attach from each speaker to the stereo base itself?? Anyway, one of my speakers doesn't work. If I hold and press the wire I hear sound. Naturally, I can't stand and press that wire all day. Ok, so my question is, what is the part called that I need and is it easily fixable? In other words, where do I go and what exactly to I ask for?
The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero uses his fear, projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs. It's the same thing, fear, but it's what you do with it that matters. - Cus D'Amato
This is so random. Ok, let me try to explain since I am not good at fixing this kind of thing.
Ok, I have a small stereo/radio/CD/record player (all in one). Anyway, it has two speakers. You know how the wires attach from each speaker to the stereo base itself?? Anyway, one of my speakers doesn't work. If I hold and press the wire I hear sound. Naturally, I can't stand and press that wire all day. Ok, so my question is, what is the part called that I need and is it easily fixable? In other words, where do I go and what exactly to I ask for?
Told ya, it's very random.
TIS
have you thought of buying a new stereo/radio/CD/record player?
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Three people were killed and several more injured in a shooting Friday in a science building at the University of Alabama's Huntsville campus, university officials said.
A woman was in custody, but university spokesman Ray Garner said he could not identify her or the victims. Local television stations reported she is a faculty member.
Trent Willis, chief of staff for Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, said several other people had been shot in addition to the four Garner reported, but he did not have an exact number or their conditions.
Huntsville Hospital spokesman Burr Ingram said the hospital was treating three victims. Two were in critical condition and one was in stable condition. It was not clear if the three included the one injured person university officials announced.
I'm assuming it's a big deal to get tenured huh? A woman shooter how rare is that?
Yeah, getting tenured is huge. Lifetime job security. Noted NYU scholar Lefty Ruggiero put it like this:
************************************************************* Undercover agent: "Lefty, I understand how we all like to get respect for our intellect. But what is the actual advantage of getting tenured?"
Lefty: "Are you kidding? What the....Donnie, don't you tell this guy nothing? Tony, as a tenured professor you can lie, you can cheat, you can steal, you can rip off people's research and ruin their careers: LEGITIMATELY. You can do any goddamn thing you want, and nobody can say anything about it. Who wouldn't want to be tenured?"
This is so random. Ok, let me try to explain since I am not good at fixing this kind of thing.
Ok, I have a small stereo/radio/CD/record player (all in one). Anyway, it has two speakers. You know how the wires attach from each speaker to the stereo base itself?? Anyway, one of my speakers doesn't work. If I hold and press the wire I hear sound. Naturally, I can't stand and press that wire all day. Ok, so my question is, what is the part called that I need and is it easily fixable? In other words, where do I go and what exactly to I ask for?
Told ya, it's very random.
TIS
Check the terminal connections on the speaker and on the stereo base. Ensure that these are firmly attached.
Did this just start happening? Have you recently moved the stereo or disconnected it and connected it again?
If you can hear sound it's probably just a bad connection when you plug in the wire or wrap the wire.
It might be a bad receiver channel in which case it would depend on how expensive the unit was as to whether you wanted to replace it or not.
You're so sweet for responding. It's about 3 years old and it's been that way for a while. I will try to fiddle around with the wiring and see what I can do. I never really got into checking it out since I suck at that sort of thing. Thanks a lot.
This is so random. Ok, let me try to explain since I am not good at fixing this kind of thing.
Ok, I have a small stereo/radio/CD/record player (all in one). Anyway, it has two speakers. You know how the wires attach from each speaker to the stereo base itself?? Anyway, one of my speakers doesn't work. If I hold and press the wire I hear sound. Naturally, I can't stand and press that wire all day. Ok, so my question is, what is the part called that I need and is it easily fixable? In other words, where do I go and what exactly to I ask for?
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The University of Alabama-Huntsville biology professor accused of killing three colleagues during a campus faculty meeting fatally shot her brother in an apparent accident in Massachusetts more than two decades ago, The Boston Globe reported Saturday.
Amy Bishop shot her 18-year-old brother, Seth M. Bishop, an accomplished violinist who had won a number of science awards, on Dec. 6, 1986, Braintree Police Chief Paul Frazier confirmed to the newspaper.
Bishop had asked her mother in the presence of her brother how to unload a round from the chamber of a 12-gauge shotgun, according to a Globe story at the time. John Polio, then-chief of police, told the Globe that while Amy Bishop was handling the weapon, it fired, wounding Seth Bishop in the abdomen. He was pronounced dead at a hospital 46 minutes after the shooting.
John Edwards to marry mistress Rielle Hunter? February 15th, 2010 - 1:41 am ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt -
(THAINDIAN NEWS) There are unconfirmed reports that the former Presidential candidate John Edwards is engaged to his mistress Rielle Hunter. Just a fortnight earlier, John Edwards had admitted that he is the father of Rielle Hunter’s 2-year-old daughter, after denying it for a long time.
John Edwards to marry mistress Rielle Hunter? February 15th, 2010 - 1:41 am ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt -
(THAINDIAN NEWS) There are unconfirmed reports that the former Presidential candidate John Edwards is engaged to his mistress Rielle Hunter. Just a fortnight earlier, John Edwards had admitted that he is the father of Rielle Hunter’s 2-year-old daughter, after denying it for a long time.
msnbc.com staff and news service reports updated 5:32 p.m. CT, Sun., Feb. 14, 2010
The scientist who is accused of killing three colleagues at the University of Alabama had been a key suspect in an attempted bomb plot at Harvard in 1993, police officials told The Boston Globe on Sunday.
Authorities questioned Amy Bishop and her husband, James Anderson, in March 1993 after a bomb-laden package was delivered to a Harvard professor and doctor at Boston's Children's Hospital, the Globe reported.
msnbc.com staff and news service reports updated 5:32 p.m. CT, Sun., Feb. 14, 2010
The scientist who is accused of killing three colleagues at the University of Alabama had been a key suspect in an attempted bomb plot at Harvard in 1993, police officials told The Boston Globe on Sunday.
Authorities questioned Amy Bishop and her husband, James Anderson, in March 1993 after a bomb-laden package was delivered to a Harvard professor and doctor at Boston's Children's Hospital, the Globe reported.
So she not only killed the three people at the University AND accidentally shot her brother, but now her and her husband were questioned in 93 about a bomb-laden package??? Wow, this is very weird. I wonder how many other shoes will drop?
So she not only killed the three people at the University AND accidentally shot her brother, but now her and her husband were questioned in 93 about a bomb-laden package??? Wow, this is very weird. I wonder how many other shoes will drop?
TIS
how does she get any job with this kind of background?
Well in technically, she was "only" questioned in this bomb thing. When they first aired the story on the campus shooting, I thought she was a crazy lady who lost it. Now, I don't know if she is crazy or not, but it's getting kind of scary actually.
So she not only killed the three people at the University AND accidentally shot her brother, but now her and her husband were questioned in 93 about a bomb-laden package??? Wow, this is very weird. I wonder how many other shoes will drop?
TIS
how does she get any job with this kind of background?
"I heard Bloomberg talking about us/I heard old Mike put us down/Well I hope Mr. Mike will remember/A West Virginia man don't need him around, anyhow..."
NYDAILYNEWS
West Virginia has a message for Mayor Bloomberg: Don't come 'round here to buy our guns.
A legislator there wants to ban the type of undercover stings that Bloomberg has used to showcase illegal gun sales in other states - and throw the mayor's investigators in jail if necessary.
"It's for us to handle within our own borders," said state Sen. Jeffrey Kessler, who is running for governor in 2012. "We jealously guard our gun rights, and we're vocal advocates for the Second Amendment."
He calls his proposal the "Bloomberg bill" - a reflection of how Bloomberg's anti-gun crusade has made him public enemy No. 1 to gun lovers.
The mayor has spent millions hiring private investigators to videotape gun dealers seemingly violating federal law - selling weapons to people who say they couldn't pass a background check, or who appear to be straw purchasers on behalf of others.
"It may be good for getting headlines, but it may well be compromising actual law enforcement activities," Kessler said. "He's not a federal law enforcement officer."
Bloomberg has defended the stings as necessary to keep out-of-state guns from ending up on New York streets and in the hands of criminals.
He has put the videos on YouTube and mailed copies to Congress. A spokesman refused to say whether more are in progress.
Kessler's bill would ban those stings, making a felon out of anyone who "persuades, encourages or entices" a gun dealer to make an illegal sale.
If Bloomberg's investigation has produced videos of illegal gun buys, then what is this moron afraid of?? Is he afraid that they might actually show what a poor job they're doing enforcing their own laws? How can someone who is trying to bring illegal activities to light be considered a "Public Enemy"?
I think basically some people in West Virginia want Bloomberg to mind his own beeswax. I don't know that this proposed bill will pass but I do remember reading that some folks were peeved at Bloomberg stepping across state lines.
I agree. Illegal straw purchases need to be stopped. But the W. Virginia pol would probably say that just as NY politicians would not appreciate W. Virginia sending private investigators to look at financial crimes of Wall Street or that sheriff in Maricopa county, Arizona sending his people to shine the light on illegal immigrants in Manhattan, some people in W. Virginia don't want anyone short of the BATF or appropriate W. Virginia authorities investigating criminal gun sales in W. Virginia. Even if it's done for a good reason it rubs some folks the wrong way.
I think this pol is likely owned by the NRA, which certainly doesn't want any additional investigations/restrictions on gun show sales. The fact that it's Bloomberg directing this muddies the issue and allows it to be more easily framed as a jurisdiction issue.
It's like if there's a bratty kid acting up in a store and someone besides the parent gives it a talking to or something. Whether or not the kid was in the wrong, many parents simply won't tolerate someone else interfering. I think that's the sort of emotion behind this proposal.
But is it Bloomberg the politician doing this, or Bloomberg personally financing it? If he's doing it with his own funds, there's not much stopping him, is there??
But is it Bloomberg the politician doing this, or Bloomberg personally financing it? If he's doing it with his own funds, there's not much stopping him, is there??
That's a good question SB. I'm not sure of the answer. I have seen articles that indicate the private investigators were hired by New York City and some articles which say they were hired by Bloomberg.
West Virginia is following Virginia's lead on this. Virginia passed a similar law three years back. In retaliation, in 2009 Bloomberg financed a campaign ad against the Virginia Attorney General, McDonnell , who was running for Governor. However McDonnell was elected to Governor. There's just a lot of bad blood around this issue. I don't know if Bloomberg is still sending private investigators into Virginia or not.
(AP) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The husband of an Alabama college professor accused of shooting her colleagues says the couple went to a shooting range weeks before the killing but he didn't know where she got the gun.
James Anderson told The Associated Press Monday that he did not know how long Amy Bishop had a gun before Friday's attack. He says the family did not own a gun.
Bishop is accused of opening fire at a faculty meeting at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, killing three and wounding three.
Anderson says she was acting like "a normal professor" in the days before the shooting.
He also says he and his wife were cleared in the investigation of a pipe bomb sent to one of her former bosses in Massachusetts in 1993.
Jason Morris, president of EmployeeScreenIQ, a Cleveland, Ohio, company that does background checks for colleges and other large institutions, said it's possible a background check would not have turned up the incidents in Bishop's past, particularly since she wasn't charged.
Part of the problem is that college professors often come to campus with very lofty credentials, like Bishop's degree from Harvard University, Morris said.
"Sometimes they overlook certain characteristics because they've got this great person coming to campus," Morris said.
"It's not a silver bullet," he said of background checks, but a check of weapons records "might have uncovered something."
Police previously said Bishop had no permit for the gun believe used in the shooting, and investigators said they didn't know where she got it. The gun was found in a second-floor restroom, one floor below where the shooting occurred.
Bishop's husband told the Chronicle of Higher Education on Monday that her wife had recently borrowed a handgun and had practiced with it at an indoor gun range. He said she wouldn't tell him who she borrowed it from and was 'very cagey.'
Though he's too young to vote, Jonathan Krohn has written his second book on politics and given a much-replayed speech. Just who is this right-wing prodigy?
Family values: An only child, Krohn lives here with his mom, a sales rep and drama teacher, and dad. He is home-schooled and worships at this church.
Grass roots: His parents aren't especially political, hence this comment by his mom. At age 9, something he said he found frustrating aroused Krohn's conservatism.
Fab four: In his three-minute CPAC speech, Krohn outlined four conservative fundamentals: constitutional regard, respect for life, less government and more personal responsibility.
Loves a crowd: As a younger boy, Krohn acted with a local theater troupe and performed on this Bible radio show. Earnings helped him self-publish his first book.
Washington (CNN) -- To the list of instructions you hear at airport checkpoints, add this: "Put your palms forward, please."
The Transportation Security Administration soon will begin randomly swabbing passengers' hands at checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives.
Washington (CNN) -- To the list of instructions you hear at airport checkpoints, add this: "Put your palms forward, please."
The Transportation Security Administration soon will begin randomly swabbing passengers' hands at checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives.
i feel bad for the people who's job is explosives.
AUSTIN, Texas – A pilot furious with the Internal Revenue Service crashed his small plane into an office building that houses federal tax employees in Austin, Texas on Thursday, setting off a raging fire that sent workers fleeing as thick plumes of black smoke poured into the air....
South Carolina Lawmaker Seeks to Ban Federal Currency Posted by Brian Montopoli
South Carolina Rep. Mike Pitts has introduced legislation that would mandate that gold and silver coins replace federal currency as legal tender in his state.
As the Palmetto Scoop first reported, Pitts, a Republican, introduced legislation this month banning "the unconstitutional substitution of Federal Reserve Notes for silver and gold coin" in South Carolina.
In an interview, Pitts told Hotsheet that he believes that "if the federal government continues to spend money at the rate it's spending money, and if it continues to print money at the rate it's printing money, our economic system is going to collapse."
"The Germans felt their system wouldn't collapse, but it took a wheelbarrow of money to buy a loaf of bread in the 1930s," he said. "The Soviet Union didn't think their system would collapse, but it did. Ours is capable of collapsing also."
The judge gave Bernard Kerik an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines today. Ouch. Instead of 23 months, he gave him 4 years .
That's fed time, so he'll have to do most of it. I guess he felt that a former police commissioner had to be held to a higher standard. I agree 100 percent.
Kerik was stupid. If he hadn't pushed his luck and gone for public office under President Bush, he could have retired from the NYPD as a hero and made a fortune as a consultant and from speaker fees. Hubris!
Calif. prosecutor: Penn to be charged with battery Feb. 19, 2010, 2:12 PM EST LOS ANGELES (AP) -- California prosecutors say Sean Penn faces battery and vandalism charges stemming from an altercation with a photographer in Brentwood last fall.
Spokesman Frank Mateljan with the Los Angeles city attorney's office says the two misdemeanor counts were expected to be filed later Friday.
A phone message for Penn's attorney, Barry Hirsch, was not immediately returned.
1. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you> chop.
2. Avoid arguments with females about lifting toilet seat by using the sink.
3. For high blood pressure sufferers ~ simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thereby reducing the pressure on your veins. Remember to use a timer.
4. A mouse trap placed on top of the alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep by hitting the snooze button.
5. If you have a bad cough, take large doses of laxatives. Then you'll be afraid to cough.
6. You only need two tools in life - WD40 & duct tape. If it won't move and it should, use WD40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
7. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
DAILY THOUGHT: Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs
Just paid $95 for a plumber visit (thru the home warranty contract I got from the previous home owner) to check out my tankless water heater. Apparently there wasn't much he could do about it because it was installed (very) improperly, and the warranty doesn't include improper installations because I didn't upgrade the contract within the first month. But I can get a new, top-rated one for only about $2800 installed!
I think for a while I'll live with the hot water turning cold here and there. Bad enough my ice maker went a few weeks ago and still have to call Sears about that. (Fridges aren't included in the contract w/o an upgrade either!). And water (from frozen gutters) was dripping from a kitchen window that I planned to replace in the Spring anyway (4 windows actually). And I'm sure there are other things I'm not thinking of.
Plumbers cost an arm and a leg. When I moved to my condo (3 yrs ago), all my appliances were new. My dishwasher gets very little use because I don't use it jut for me. However, I noticed it had a small leak. At the end of each cycle there was just a little water on the floor. Plus, my "new" oven door came off, with the glass part totally detaching from the door. I know nothing about these things. I ended up having to buy a new gasket for the dishwasher which is a Bosch and evidently, the part was out of the country or something. Anyway, cost me $350 for the gasket and to fix the oven door. I should have gotten a new dishwasher for that price.
I think I'll marry a handyman/plumber next time around. I'll save a bundle. Just think a man that knows his way around a workbench. Has it's advantages. LOL
$2800 for a hot water heater????????? Holy crap! I got a brand new furnace AND hot water heater (60 gallon) installed for $5500 a few years ago. Either prices have really gone up or you're getting ripped off.
Sears is a rip-off, Geoff. I bought a new garage door opener from them. It broke twice within three years, and I had to get a new one, because the second repair would have meant that I'd spent as much to repair it as it would to buy a new one. One of my coworkers spent several hundred with Sears last winter to get his furnace repaired. Guess what? He ended up buying a new furnace this winter!
Well, of course he wanted to sell me the top-of-the-line, and that also includes installation. I have to get a tankless system as there's no room for a tank anywhere any more. Seems Home Depot is selling them for around $800-1200 for the unit itself w/o installation (the previous owner paid $770 for this one, but totally hacked the installation).
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Sears is a rip-off, Geoff.
I was only thinking Sears service because it's a Kenmore fridge. I'll get estimates from them and also a local appliance business and see.
I don't know much about hot water heaters, but I've had to purchase a couple in my lifetime and I never paid that much. I think maybe installed $300 or so. And that price includes a metal strap required in in CA for earthquake protection. But damn!!! Maybe you have an extra big, extra good hot water heater. That's an awful huge price.
TIS, it's a tankless system that hangs on the wall and can fit in a closet. Ironically, it's supposed to save you money since it doesn't have to keep 50 gallons of water heated at all times (it heats it up as you need it).
Geoff, the joys of owning a home. Did I tell you the story of my sewer pipe breaking at the foundation....not covered by the Home Owners Warranty. Its a shitty story. But just think of the tax deductions.
TIS, it's a tankless system that hangs on the wall and can fit in a closet. Ironically, it's supposed to save you money since it doesn't have to keep 50 gallons of water heated at all times (it heats it up as you need it).
Does it look like one of those old fashioned toilet tanks attached to the wall, that you can hide a gun behind?
I don't know much about Stockton but have heard it's pretty bad. Flint and Detroit, I believe. Both are in horrible shape.
But, Chicago????? My kind of town?? I love Chicago. I have no doubt it has it's bad areas but, it is a much more popular tourist/visting spot than the others on the list no?
By Peter S. Goodman updated 5:15 a.m. CT, Sun., Feb. 21, 2010
BUENA PARK, Calif. - Even as the American economy shows tentative signs of a rebound, the human toll of the recession continues to mount, with millions of Americans remaining out of work, out of savings and nearing the end of their unemployment benefits.
Economists fear that the nascent recovery will leave more people behind than in past recessions, failing to create jobs in sufficient numbers to absorb the record-setting ranks of the long-term unemployed.
Call them the new poor: people long accustomed to the comforts of middle-class life who are now relying on public assistance for the first time in their lives — potentially for years to come.
Haha, I've just had a great weekend meeting my boy Mick for the first time. It was very difficult letting the boy go at the train platform. He's got some pictures of the weekend he better post. Four kisses.
I don't know much about Stockton but have heard it's pretty bad. Flint and Detroit, I believe. Both are in horrible shape.
But, Chicago????? My kind of town?? I love Chicago. I have no doubt it has it's bad areas but, it is a much more popular tourist/visting spot than the others on the list no?
By Peter S. Goodman updated 5:15 a.m. CT, Sun., Feb. 21, 2010
BUENA PARK, Calif. - Even as the American economy shows tentative signs of a rebound, the human toll of the recession continues to mount, with millions of Americans remaining out of work, out of savings and nearing the end of their unemployment benefits.
Economists fear that the nascent recovery will leave more people behind than in past recessions, failing to create jobs in sufficient numbers to absorb the record-setting ranks of the long-term unemployed.
Call them the new poor: people long accustomed to the comforts of middle-class life who are now relying on public assistance for the first time in their lives — potentially for years to come.
This is really scary stuff. It will be a drag on any recovery. Companies are still moving more work overseas. People with jobs are going to cut spending, worried they might be next and also will be under pressure to help laid off relatives.
By Peter S. Goodman updated 5:15 a.m. CT, Sun., Feb. 21, 2010
BUENA PARK, Calif. - Even as the American economy shows tentative signs of a rebound, the human toll of the recession continues to mount, with millions of Americans remaining out of work, out of savings and nearing the end of their unemployment benefits.
Economists fear that the nascent recovery will leave more people behind than in past recessions, failing to create jobs in sufficient numbers to absorb the record-setting ranks of the long-term unemployed.
Call them the new poor: people long accustomed to the comforts of middle-class life who are now relying on public assistance for the first time in their lives — potentially for years to come.
This is really scary stuff. It will be a drag on any recovery. Companies are still moving more work overseas. People with jobs are going to cut spending, worried they might be next and also will be under pressure to help laid off relatives.
why hasnt obama done anything else to keep jobs in the states?
The man told his doctor that he wasn't able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete, he said: "Now, Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me."
"Well, in plain English," the doctor replied, "you're just lazy."
"Okay," said the man. "Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife."
why hasnt obama done anything else to keep jobs in the states?
Byron Dorgan, Ron Paul, Joe Stiglitz, Naomi Klein, Ted Rall, Paul Craig Roberts, Sherrod Brown and Pat Buchanan aside, most of the politicians, economists or analysts who are in a position to shape public opinion are not crazy about limiting a business' option to hire cheaper labor overseas. They are committed to "free trade". Obama does not rule by fiat and likely doesn't want to pick a fight on this-especially since by all appearances he is committed to "free trade" as well. This won't change until more people , Americans and others, organize to pressure politicians on this. And THAT won't happen until the unemployment rate grows -especially for those making more than 150K, who don't have a particularly high unemployment rate, I think it was something like 4%.
MIAMI (AP) - In her 88 years, Florence Siegel has learned how to relax: A glass of red wine. A crisp copy of The New York Times, if she can wrest it from her husband. Some classical music, preferably Bach. And every night like clockwork, she lifts a pipe to her lips and smokes marijuana. Long a fixture among young people, use of the country's most popular illicit drug is now growing among the AARP set, as the massive generation of baby boomers who came of age in the 1960s and '70s grows older.
The number of people aged 50 and older reporting marijuana use in the prior year went up from 1.9 percent to 2.9 percent from 2002 to 2008, according to surveys from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The rise was most dramatic among 55- to 59-year-olds, whose reported marijuana use more than tripled from 1.6 percent in 2002 to 5.1 percent
Washington (CNN) -- Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has notified Congress of plans to allow women to serve aboard submarines, a Defense Department official said Tuesday.
Letters of intent were sent Monday to Congress, which has requested briefings on the matter, said the official, who asked not to be identified. There will be no vote on the matter in Congress.
The change was recommended by the chief of naval operations and the secretary of the Navy in addition to Gates, the official said, adding that there was no opposition to the move among Navy leaders.
Washington (CNN) -- Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has notified Congress of plans to allow women to serve aboard submarines, a Defense Department official said Tuesday.
Letters of intent were sent Monday to Congress, which has requested briefings on the matter, said the official, who asked not to be identified. There will be no vote on the matter in Congress.
The change was recommended by the chief of naval operations and the secretary of the Navy in addition to Gates, the official said, adding that there was no opposition to the move among Navy leaders.
Submarines are just full of seamen, but i'm sure they can handle it?
LITTLETON, Colo. – The gunman was walking through a middle school parking lot and taking shots at students with a hunting rifle as terrified teenagers ran for their lives. He had just wounded two students and seemed ready to unleash more violence when a math teacher named David Benke sprung into action.
Benke confronted the 32-year-old gunman, tackled him and pinned him to the ground with the help of another teacher, stopping what could have been a much more violent encounter in a city all too familiar with tragic school shootings. The shooting occurred less than three miles from where the Columbine High School massacre happened nearly 11 years ago.
"Unfortunately he got another round off before I could grab him," Benke said. "He figured out that he wasn't going to be able to get another round chambered before I got to him so he dropped the gun and then we were kind of struggling around trying to get him subdued."
The two students survived Tuesday's shooting and one remained hospitalized.
Police said they aren't immediately sure about what motivated Bruco Strongeagle Eastwood to target Deer Creek Middle School just after classes had ended for the day. Eastwood has an arrest record in Colorado dating back to 1996 for menacing, assault, domestic violence and driving under the influence, and he is believed to have a history of mental issues.
Texts From Last Night (562): We convinced her the game "just the tip" was a billiards game. She was asking a couple guys if they wanted to play as we left. I kinda don't want to ask her how the rest of the night went
A search party of missing actor Andrew Koenig's friends found his body Thursday in a sprawling Vancouver park, and his father later said that the 41-year-old "Growing Pains" star had taken his own life.
About 10 of Koenig's friends assembled in the morning for one final sweep of Stanley Park, which is close to downtown and is larger than New York's Central Park, his father, Walter Koenig, said at a press conference.
PARIS — France’s National Assembly approved Thursday night a proposal to add “psychological violence” to a law intended to help victims of physical violence and abuse, despite doubts that the law is specific enough to have much impact.
The proposed law says that to "act or repeatedly say things that could damage the victim's life conditions, affect his/her rights and his/her dignity or damage his/her physical or mental health'' is punishable by a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to 75,000 euros, or about $103,000. Carefully covering both genders, the law applies to behavior toward a wife, husband, partner or concubine.
Danielle Bousquet, a Socialist, and Guy Geoffroy, a member of the ruling center-right Union for a Popular Movement, wrote the draft law, supported by 30 other legislators. It received backing last November from the government and Prime Minister François Fillon, who called it “very significant progress.”
The new law, Mr. Fillon said, “will allow people to take into account the most insidious situations, which don’t leave a mark to the naked eye but can mutilate the victim’s inner self.” He called the issue “a great national cause,” and the government has started a series of commercials on television to sensitize viewers to conjugal violence, especially against women.
I went tonight to watch my Nephew's MMA fight. But it got cancelled cuz when the the other guy met my Nephew he refused to fight cuz he was a chicken shit. Since he refused to fight he has a 6 month suspension.
I went tonight to watch my Nephew's MMA fight. But it got cancelled cuz when the the other guy met my Nephew he refused to fight cuz he was a chicken shit. Since he refused to fight he has a 6 month suspension.
I went tonight to watch my Nephew's MMA fight. But it got cancelled cuz when the the other guy met my Nephew he refused to fight cuz he was a chicken shit. Since he refused to fight he has a 6 month suspension.
so...he joined MMA just to refuse?
I don't know why the other guy refused to fight my nephew.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Gun control advocates think, if not pray, they can win by losing when the Supreme Court decides whether the constitutional right to possess guns serves as a check on state and local regulation of firearms.
The justices will be deciding whether the Second Amendment - like much of the rest of the Bill of Rights - applies to states as well as the federal government. It's widely believed they will say it does.
But even if the court strikes down handgun bans in Chicago and its suburb of Oak Park, Ill., that are at issue in the argument to be heard Tuesday, it could signal that less severe rules or limits on guns are permissible.
Great, now the furnace isn't kicking on so I'll be freezing my tail off 'til the HVAC appointment. It's 59 degs, which isn't SO bad, but I don't know when in the middle of the night it stopped heating so don't know how low it's gonna go. A look online suggests a dirty thermocoupler which is minor, but it's not something I'm comfortable with fiddling with.
Holy shit -- I had just submitted the service request thru my home warranty people before posting here and just got a call from the HVAC guy -- on a Sunday! He'll be over tomorrow between 9-12 so only one day of chilled patootie lol
PS - Now I really wish I had picked up an electric "fireplace" for the family room, but luckily at least I have a portable "radiator" heater...
A recent report by state and federal transportation officials revealed that many mass transit passengers have fear of being harmed by their fellow passengers. There is a video on YouTube featuring a bloody fistfight on an AC Transit bus between two passengers of bus. In the video, the two passengers are shown in a violent altercation. The concern 67-page study report shows that the highest amount of fear is presented among the women.
According to a spokesman for AC Transit, the fight took place on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. in downtown Oakland. The spokesman further reported that both men were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Several passengers of AC Transit report that they have seen violence on buses for several times. Ms. Keishawn MnQuirter says, she stopped traveling on local buses about two months ago after she witnessed a fight in which several passengers were badly injured. “If something happened to me, the people who did it to me probably won’t get caught,” said McQuirter. “There’s no justice. What’s the point? I got a two year old baby at home.”
On the other hand, Rod Diridon who belongs to the San Jose’s Mineta Transportation Institute insists that public transport is a safe mean of traveling. Although, he supports Public Transit but he also admits that violence on mass transit is causing women to feel unsafe.
Many other passengers commented that although, there are incidents of violence on buses and trains but these kinds of incidents not occur everyday so they will keep traveling on public transport as it is cheaper and safer.
Viewer Discretion is Advised
The guy is getting so popular on the internet:
There's even a documentary about his early life on YouTube.
Holy shit -- I had just submitted the service request thru my home warranty people before posting here and just got a call from the HVAC guy -- on a Sunday! He'll be over tomorrow between 9-12 so only one day of chilled patootie lol
Yay! Heat's back! Guy showed up before 9 and was out by 9:15. It was down to 52°F in here, so my patootie is warming up.
I did hear about that. It's all over the blogosphere. That's got to be the funniest thing I've seen in quite some time. Just because there's snow on the mountain top doesn't mean there's not fire down below. Be careful before you try to start a fight with an old man, because he just might be a Bada$$ Grandpa!!!!
I did hear about that. It's all over the blogosphere. That's got to be the funniest thing I've seen in quite some time. Just because there's snow on the mountain top doesn't mean there's not fire down below. Be careful before you try to start a fight with an old man, because he just might be a Bada$$ Grandpa!!!!
I don't know what the young man was thinking, you don't mess with a senior who's wearing a shirt that says:
December 8 - 6:00 PM It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!
December 9 We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had! Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplough came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life!
December 12 The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment! My neighbor tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.
December 14 Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplough came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska , after all.
December 16 Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
December 17 Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20 Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shoveling! Took all day. The damn snowplough came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March... I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
December 22 Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plough on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the asshole is lying.
December 23 Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.
December 24 6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplough, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow plough, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplough.
December 25 Merry f---ing Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight - Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplough driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.
December 26 Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27 Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.
December 28 Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The BITCH is driving me crazy!!!
December 29 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in... That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?
December 30 Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plough driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars, not only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to her mother. Nine more inches predicted.
December 31 I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.
January 8 Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
A sex-crazed elephant rampaged through a lavish wedding ceremony in New Delhi in hot pursuit of a mate, leaving flipped cars and dazed guests in its wake.
The lovestruck pachyderm, one of three hired for the traditional Indian reception, caused more than $300,000 in damage after it went rogue, according the Bangkok-based Thaindian News.
The elephant charged the couple’s guests, stampeding across a lawn and flipping at least 20 cars as it chased a female elephant in heat.
The animal was subdued with a tranquilizer after six hours on the lam – but not before it rammed a police truck.
Officials for the Wildlife Trust of India blamed the incident on a case of raging hormones, saying the elephant was in "mast," the mating phase that occurs once a year.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court appeared willing Tuesday to say that the Constitution's right to possess guns limits state and local regulation of firearms. But the justices also suggested that some gun control measures might not be affected. The court heard arguments in a case that challenges handgun bans in the Chicago area by asking the high court to extend to state and local jurisdictions the sweep of its 2008 decision striking down a gun ban in the federal enclave of Washington, D.C.
The biggest questions before the court seemed to be how, rather than whether, to issue such a ruling and whether some regulation of firearms could survive. On the latter point, Justice Antonin Scalia said the majority opinion he wrote in the 2008 case "said as much."
The extent of gun rights are "still going to be subject to the political process," said Chief Justice John Roberts, who was in the majority in 2008.
At the very least, Tuesday's argument suggested that courts could be very busy in the years ahead determining precisely which gun laws are allowed under the Second Amendment's "right to keep and bear arms," and which must be stricken.
Postal Service to shed another 30,000 jobs By Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com staff writerMarch 2, 2010: 5:16 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. Postal Service said on Tuesday that it would reduce its workforce by another 30,000 positions and slash overtime this year in an effort to reduce costs
NEW YORK (AP) - Republican strategist Karl Rove says in a new memoir that the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq badly damaged the Bush administration's credibility and led to dwindling public support for the war.
The former White House political adviser blames himself for not pushing back against claims that President George W. Bush had taken the country to war under false pretenses, calling it one of the worst mistakes he made during the Bush presidency. The president, he adds, did not knowingly mislead the American public about the existence of such weapons.
What is driving the Post Office's increased costs?
What many people fail to unerstand is that a business gets to choose its level of service such as service area and services. Generally, government does not. For example, governemnt's service area is its jurisdiction. In the case of the USPS that jurisdiction is the US, all 3.5 million square miles of it. As a consequence, it must accept certain inefficiencies that businesses reject. In both cases, there are revenue and cost outcomes.
We had a similar case here in Texas last decade. An appellate court ruled that such a gesture aimed at police would not be expected to result in a physical confrontation since police are to avoid such situations.
Police are people too with the same emotions as anyone else. However, after a while on the force they seem to forget that they are agents of government, subject to Constitutional constraints, and generally ignorant of common law and judicial precedent. They are not to use their employment to service their emotions or disposition.
Wow! Holy cow! Whisper, she is a living doll. You and your girlfriend are blessed beyond words. My daughter is almost 18 and I remember her that age like it was yesterday. Hold every day as long as you can! They grow up way too fast!
In other news the Sun rose in the east today and is likely to do so tomorrow...
State Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Calif.), the fierce opponent of gay rights who was arrested last week for drunk driving after leaving a gay nightclub, confirmed in a radio interview Monday that he is gay.
"I'm gay," Ashburn told local radio host Inga Barks before returning to the Senate for the first time since his arrest. "Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long."
Ashburn, a 55-year-old divorced father of four, claimed his 15-year crusade against proposed gay-rights laws in the California statehouse stemmed from his desire to vote the way his constituents wanted.
Lactating Kentuckian charged with squirting liquid into jailer's face
MARCH 8--A Kentucky woman is facing a felony assault charge for allegedly squirting breast milk into the face of a female jailer. After Toni Tramel, 31, was arrested last Thursday for public intoxication, she was transported to the Daviess County Detention Center in Owensboro.
A Jamaican man saw his ex girlfriend,who lives in the UK, with a different man on Facebook and flew 4,000 miles in order to stab her over 20 times.......
A Jamaican man saw his ex girlfriend,who lives in the UK, with a different man on Facebook and flew 4,000 miles in order to stab her over 20 times.......
Those "social networks" really are a playgound for stalkers and psychotics.
I teach a theatrical makeup course at a local college. We started discussing makeup techniques used in GF and it turned out that one of my students really likes the film. So, I started doing my Don Corleone impression and everyone reacted with amazement. (Much to my surprise!) Anyway, they demanded more, and more I gave them. I admit it: I am a Ham.
So, I started doing my Don Corleone impression and everyone reacted with amazement. (Much to my surprise!) Anyway, they demanded more, and more I gave them. I admit it: I am a Ham.
I can vouch for SV's GF impressions. I remember at the Philly BB weekend we got a cab ride from hell. The cabbie made a U turn and SV say's "nice work Lou" Do you remember that SV?
I most certainly do remember the cab ride from hell! I don't think it will ever be possible for me to forget it!
I think that would be the ideal answer to the epidemic of Overweight Americans: make everyone ride with that crazy Philly cab driving maniac and nobody would have any appetite left. Ever.
It probably was in Chicago, I heard Cardi asked the Cabbie if he wanted him to drive. Or at least that is how it was spun. I wasn't in that cab either but I always tease DC.
Has anyone ever used Ticketzoom.com?? I'm trying to get tickets to a show at Radio City, and they had very good prices, the best I've seen. That has made me a bit wary. StubHub had more expensive tickets, but I feel more comfortable doing business with them.
BRISTOL, Conn. – Robert De Niro is set to play Vince Lombardi in an upcoming movie.
ESPN announced Tuesday that the Academy Award-winning actor has agreed to play the Hall of Fame coach in the film it is developing with Andell Entertainment and the NFL.
"Lombardi" will chronicle the years in which he transformed the Green Bay Packers from the NFL's worst team to league champions. It is tentatively scheduled to be released in 2012 during the weekend between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.
Screenwriter Eric Roth, who won an Oscar for "Forrest Gump," has also signed on to the project. De Niro's Tribeca Productions will join the producing group. A director has yet to be chosen.
I find this a little odd. Pacino did it, but (modern-day) De Niro as a coach? Hmmm...
BRISTOL, Conn. – Robert De Niro is set to play Vince Lombardi in an upcoming movie.
ESPN announced Tuesday that the Academy Award-winning actor has agreed to play the Hall of Fame coach in the film it is developing with Andell Entertainment and the NFL.
"Lombardi" will chronicle the years in which he transformed the Green Bay Packers from the NFL's worst team to league champions. It is tentatively scheduled to be released in 2012 during the weekend between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.
Screenwriter Eric Roth, who won an Oscar for "Forrest Gump," has also signed on to the project. De Niro's Tribeca Productions will join the producing group. A director has yet to be chosen.
I find this a little odd. Pacino did it, but (modern-day) De Niro as a coach? Hmmm...
this is going to fail big time...who wants to see a movie on a packers coach even if it stars the young don vito.
Has anyone ever used Ticketzoom.com?? I'm trying to get tickets to a show at Radio City, and they had very good prices, the best I've seen. That has made me a bit wary. StubHub had more expensive tickets, but I feel more comfortable doing business with them.
All of the referrals I've read about it are positive.
When the world looks like a real-life Wonderland Posted on Tuesday, March 09, 2010 5:46 PM PT By Jasmin Aline Persch, contributing writer
Like Alice down the rabbit hole, 6-year-old Olivia Watts sometimes sees the world through a distorted lens. Real people look as if they have magnified, telescoped heads or bodies. Sometimes it sounds like the TV’s volume was suddenly turned up. When she has these experiences — sometimes even at school — the kindergartener from Pipersville, Pa., looks as if she’s waking from a nightmare, says her mother Danielle Watts.
Diagnosed with a neurological condition known as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, Olivia usually keeps her dreamlike visions to herself. She first complained of people and objects getting bigger last year. Her symptoms occur in spurts lasting from seconds to 15 minutes and persist for up to two weeks, and then, they can vanish for months just as mysteriously as they occurred. These occurrences are “mini migraines exploding in [her] brain,” a neurologist explained to Olivia’s mother, who suffers from standard migraines herself.
A rare form of migraine, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome causes people to see their own bodies or those of others or everyday objects askew. It typically occurs without a headache, but is usually associated with personal or family history of standard migraines
Oh, dear. My dad was in the Navy, and I don't remember him telling me about inappropriate tickle fights aboard the old USS Bennington.
I think Massa ought to just give up the ghost, come to terms with who he is and move on. But then again stories like this are too funny to be fiction:
Massa also addressed his record in the Navy. In the 1990s, while at sea, he found his bunk mate in the middle of an intimate act. "The other gentlemen was busy remembering his wife; I'll let your imaginations run wild. And I walked in and, instead of embarrassing him, I smacked him on the leg and said, 'You need any help with that, let me know.' And I went to bed. He was so hideously embarrassed, he moved out of the stateroom," he said.
Also, I saw this referenced on Countdown this evening.
Oh, dear. My dad was in the Navy, and I don't remember him telling me about inappropriate tickle fights aboard the old USS Bennington.
I think Massa ought to just give up the ghost, come to terms with who he is and move on. But then again stories like this are too funny to be fiction:
Massa also addressed his record in the Navy. In the 1990s, while at sea, he found his bunk mate in the middle of an intimate act. "The other gentlemen was busy remembering his wife; I'll let your imaginations run wild. And I walked in and, instead of embarrassing him, I smacked him on the leg and said, 'You need any help with that, let me know.' And I went to bed. He was so hideously embarrassed, he moved out of the stateroom," he said.
Also, I saw this referenced on Countdown this evening.
JACKSON, Miss. – A northern Mississippi school district will not be hosting a high school prom this spring after a lesbian student sought to attend with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo.
The Itawamba County school district's board decided Wednesday to drop the prom because of what it called recent distractions but without specifically mentioning the girl's request, which was backed by the American Civil Liberties Union.
The student, 18-year-old high school senior Constance McMillen, said the cancellation was retaliation for her efforts to bring her girlfriend, also a student, to the April 2 dance.
"A bunch of kids at school are really going to hate me for this, so in a way it's really retaliation," McMillen told The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson. Calls to McMillen by The Associated Press late Wednesday went unanswered.
School policy requires that senior prom dates be of the opposite sex. The ACLU of Mississippi had given the district until Wednesday to change that policy, arguing that banning same-sex prom dates violated McMillen's constitutional rights.
Instead, the school board met and issued a statement announcing it wouldn't host the event at Itawamba County Agricultural High School in Fulton, "due to the distractions to the educational process caused by recent events."
JACKSON, Miss. -- An 18-year-old Mississippi lesbian student whose school district canceled her senior prom rather than allow her to escort her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo said she got some unfriendly looks from classmates when she reluctantly returned to campus Thursday.
Constance McMillen said she didn't want to go back the day after the Itawamba County school board's decision, but her father told her she needed to face her classmates, teachers and school officials.
"My daddy told me that I needed to show them that I'm still proud of who I am," McMillen told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "The fact that this will help people later on, that's what's helping me to go on."
The district announced Wednesday it wouldn't host the April 2 prom. The decision came after the American Civil Liberties Union told officials a policy banning same-sex prom dates violated students' rights. The ACLU said the district not letting McMillen wear a tuxedo violated her free expression rights.
My daughter went to her prom with a whole bunch of friends, who all came here first for pictures. One of the couples was two girls and one of them was wearing a tux. If my daughter's prom had been canceled over this, I would have been picketing the school the next morning. We would have been heartbroken and furious if one of my daughter's closest friends was the object of such an absurd controversy.
SAN FRANCISCO - A federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the use of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency, rejecting arguments on Thursday that the phrases violate the separation of church and state.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel rejected two legal challenges by Sacramento atheist Michael Newdow, who claimed the references to God disrespect his religious beliefs.
"The Pledge is constitutional," Judge Carlos Bea wrote for the majority in the 2-1 ruling. "The Pledge of Allegiance serves to unite our vast nation through the proud recitation of some of the ideals upon which our Republic was founded."
Oh, those days were sooooooo bad. Have you given her any Tylenol? I used to squeeze a dosage into their bottle before a feeding, and it seemed to help.
Oh, those days were sooooooo bad. Have you given her any Tylenol? I used to squeeze a dosage into their bottle before a feeding, and it seemed to help.
Motrin seems to work a little better than Tylenol.
She has a tooth that popped through on the bottom. Sharp little thing. I didn't realize until I went to stop her from biting a trash can. She's pulling herself up to stand by herself now.
Motrin will definitely last longer, that's for sure, but it screwed with my kids' stomachs, so I used it sparingly. If she tolerates it, all the better! I also found that those doughnut things you can stick in the freezer really worked well. Do they still make those?
Retail sales rise unexpectedly in February updated 10:49 a.m. CT, Fri., March. 12, 2010
WASHINGTON - Retail sales posted a surprising increase in February as consumers did not let major snowstorms stop them from racking up purchases. The advance, the biggest since November, provided hope that the recovery from the Great Recession is gaining momentum.
Some economists cautioned, though, that spending increases will remain modest as long as wages stay flat and job creation weak. They also noted that the government revised down the increase in retail sales for January.
Her classmates will hate her. They'll feel that she ruined in for everyone.
The kids won't understand that SHE didn't ruin anything, the school board's stagnant thinking -- and fear -- did. Ahh, the Deep South. Gotta love it!
nothing against those who came from or live in the south, but god how stupid and arrogant can these people be.
There are lyrics from two different songs I thought of when I read this story
Alabama's got me so upset Tennessee made me lose my rest But everybody knows about Mississippi G***d***"
and
Well I heard mister Young sing about her Well, I heard ole Neil put her down Well, I hope Neil Young will remember A Southern man don't need him around anyhow
Indoor plumbing? Nah, we are happy with our outhouse. Do you have any Sears catalogs we can borrow? And if you like we will send them back when we get done with them.
I hate changing the time. 2 wall clocks, 2 alarm clocks,1 coffee pot, 1vcr/dvd combo player, 1 stove, 1 microwave.
When I can I only get clocks that set themselves, which includes my watch and 2 alarm clocks, one of the wall clocks, and of course the cable boxes. The oven and microwave and a clock here and there (plus my car) aren't so bad.
Why the F does Ticketmaster exist? To tell people that they CAN'T get tickets to the concert?? It SUCKS. They have a monopoly and they screw you every which way they can. How come I can't get tickets 2 minutes after a show goes on sale, but they're all over the internet like a rash? How do ticket brokers get the tickets? I don't understand! They're for sale on Stub Hub, Ticketzoom, Ebay, all over the place, but no matter how many times I go on Ticketmaster, they make me type in those stupid hidden words, only to tell me there are no seats available.
Why the F does Ticketmaster exist? .... How come I can't get tickets 2 minutes after a show goes on sale, but they're all over the internet like a rash?
Babe, if you have an AmEx card, you need to look for presales. AmEx customers, for some shows, get a 2-day head start usually on the general sale. I got tickets that way for the Idol tour a couple years ago, and I see there's an AmEx presale for Glee (the 4th NYC show; the others are sold out) -- but I wasn't gonna pay $295/each for the fan package or even $44-94 for the shit seats (tho Radio City isn't too bad I guess)...
There was another show, I forget which, that Tickmaster asked for a Pop-Tarts password for a presale and I searched online and found it.
I did the AmEx presale. Those sold out in the first 10 minutes. I was in the queue for so long that it sold out by the time I got through! The 4th show presale is 9:00 on Friday morning, and I'm going to try both online AND on the phone. I hate Ticketmaster.
I did the AmEx presale. Those sold out in the first 10 minutes. I was in the queue for so long that it sold out by the time I got through! The 4th show presale is 9:00 on Friday morning, and I'm going to try both online AND on the phone. I hate Ticketmaster.
I don't use AmEx or any other ticket outlet. Instead, I use Remote. It enables me to sit in a comfortable chair with the snack bar and bathrooms just a few steps away, and air conditioning or heat adjustable to my comfort level. I pay just a few bucks and I get to see just about any movie or concert I want and I always to get to park right near the front gate.
Donna Simpson, from New Jersey, weighs 273kg but told the Daily Mail newspaper she had her heart set on reaching her goal weight of 1000lb (450kg) in two years.
The 42-year-old already holds the title of the world's fattest mother after giving birth to her daughter in 2007 when she weighed 241kg.
"I'd love to be 1000lb ... it might be hard though, running after my daughter keeps my weight down," Ms Simpson told the Daily Mail.
Donna Simpson, from New Jersey, weighs 273kg but told the Daily Mail newspaper she had her heart set on reaching her goal weight of 1000lb (450kg) in two years.
The 42-year-old already holds the title of the world's fattest mother after giving birth to her daughter in 2007 when she weighed 241kg.
"I'd love to be 1000lb ... it might be hard though, running after my daughter keeps my weight down," Ms Simpson told the Daily Mail.
So now why oh why would she pose for a picture in her underwear???? I mean, we get the drift.....she needn't show every fold, droop and sag. Geez, I'd be so embarrassed.
i am too lazy to read the article...is she from the united states or england? anyways thought not trying to sound mean, but i really don't care for those that want to get fat on purpose or just too lazy to lose it.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The teen father of Sarah Palin's grandson has been ordered to make interim child support payments of $1,750 per month to Palin's daughter.
The amount is 20 percent of 19-year-old Levi Johnston's adjusted annual income as set out in Alaska statute.
Bristol Palin, also 19, is the oldest daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the GOP vice presidential nominee in 2008.
His income went up in 2009 because of media interviews and modeling assignments. I don't know if final legal custody has been determined or not.
Alaska law requires that a non-custodial parent pay 20% of their income for child-support up to $105,000 a year.
I think Levi argued (and lost) that 2009 was a very unusual year and not indicative of his future earning potential and that quarterly earnings would be a better metric.
Didn't he make $100,000 just from Playgirl?? Two stupid kids, and now they're linked for life because they didn't use proper protection. Gee, if they had been given condoms in school, then they would have thought about having sex. Oh, wait....
updated 1 hour, 29 minutes ago PHOENIX - Two women are in critical condition with hundreds of bee stings after a swarm attacked them while they were out for an evening walk.
A witness told KTVK-TV that she heard screaming Thursday evening and saw the women lying in the street covered in bees from head to toe.
They were taken to hospital after the incident in Phoenix and were said to be in a critical condition.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Some homeowners who sign up for the government's mortgage assistance program are getting a nasty surprise: Lower credit scores.
For borrowers who are making their payments on time but are on the verge of default, the Obama administration's loan modification program can reduce their credit score as much as 100 points. That makes it harder to get a loan and can present a problem when applying for a new job.
Housing counselors say it's unfair, especially because the news often comes as a surprise to homeowners.
"Why should people's credit be hurt even worse when they're trying to do the right thing?" said Eileen Anderson, senior vice president at Community Development Corp. of Long Island, a housing counseling group in New York.
And many homeowners are angry that a program designed to help carries such a penalty, said Kathy Conley, a housing counselor with GreenPath Inc., a nonprofit group in Farmington Hills, Mich.
I've only used movers once, a few months ago. I can do boxes and stuff, but furniture, forget it. Doesn't help that my friends don't wanna help nor did I wanna ask (cuz I hate moving them lol). One perk of getting old I guess lol
Good luck with it, though - it's certainly not fun.
As for the movers packing your shit up, it'd cost WAY more than what you're paying! They charge for every single cardboard box, let alone the time for them to pack the shit. You don't wanna go that route unless you wanna spend $1k or more (way more if a whole house worth)...
As for the movers packing your shit up, it'd cost WAY more than what you're paying! They charge for every single cardboard box, let alone the time for them to pack the shit. You don't wanna go that route unless you wanna spend $1k or more (way more if a whole house worth)...
I won't do that, but I can dream...
It will be soooooo nice to not be breaking my back this time around though. $50 an hour seems reasonable to me, but yeah I'll end up having to pay 90.
Well, you can always find some strappin' young fellas on Craig's List willing to move your shit -- but they won't be insured for any damages, so it's not advisable.
I don't know how much you have or how far you have to go, but my 2-BR apt ended up costing like $600 or something for a few hours to go a few miles. And I still had a lot left over they couldn't fit on the truck. But they did the heavy lifting -- and my back is pretty bad as well.
3 bedroom house, 1 garage full of boxes of stuff that used to be in storage. A 2 bedroom apt took 6 hours and wasn't done? Shit, I could do it myself in 6 hours!
BTW, I looked at a house down the block (4-5 houses away) when I was house-hunting, but settled on the one I'm in. During the past bad storm, a tree fell into the roof of the other house I wasn't gonna buy it anyway, but, I feel kinda lucky about that...
My husband is very methodical about packing. He gives each box a number and that number, with a brief description of the box's contents, is written on a corresponding list. My job on moving day was to stand at the front door with the list, and when the movers walked in, to say, "Oh, #16? That goes in the kitchen," and it really made it easier to unpack. We moved to this house in November, and were organized enough to host Christmas Eve that year.
After being here for almost 14 years, though, I think it would be easier to burn the place down and start over rather than try to pack again.
Your husband seems alot like my dad when it came to packing and moving. I on the other hand like the burn-down thing (being a fireman, my dad wouldn't like that approach).
So I apply online for a part time job with a small video store chain - because or economy is improving and on the rise again! Anyway, I get a first interview with the store manager and his assistant - two young men old enough to be my sons (in fact one of them grew up with my son and are still friends). It went okay because they asked me to come back the next day and take a "test". I was told it is a basic skills test with math, spelling, reading and simple problem solving. I get all dressed up in my "big boy" clothes again and get ready to leave & take the test. My 17 year old daughter (who is wise beyond her years) says to me: "Why do you need to take a test?!? Any moron can rent out a dvd or video game!" Thanks a lot, honey. I actually found it quite comical and it rleased my stress instantly. After I turned the test in to the manager he checks it and said I did pretty good. I think I tanked the math part but whatta you gonna do? He said the next step is to come in for an interview with the district manager next week when she comes to town and I'll get a call tomorrow setting it all up. I won't lie, I'm feeling pretty good about this and have one foot out the door when the manager says: "Oh, by the way, you'll have to shave off your entire beard because we have a no facial hair policy with this company." I had the beard yesterday - how did he miss that?!? So, any "moron" can rent out dvd's, video games and porn movies to snot noses and perverts as long as he is clean shaven! Needless to say I'm not taking the job. With the exception of 6 years in the navy, I've had that beard since I was 17 years old...My beard is older than the manager!
So I apply online for a part time job with a small video store chain - because or economy is improving and on the rise again! Anyway, I get a first interview with the store manager and his assistant - two young men old enough to be my sons (in fact one of them grew up with my son and are still friends). It went okay because they asked me to come back the next day and take a "test". I was told it is a basic skills test with math, spelling, reading and simple problem solving. I get all dressed up in my "big boy" clothes again and get ready to leave & take the test. My 17 year old daughter (who is wise beyond her years) says to me: "Why do you need to take a test?!? Any moron can rent out a dvd or video game!" Thanks a lot, honey. I actually found it quite comical and it rleased my stress instantly. After I turned the test in to the manager he checks it and said I did pretty good. I think I tanked the math part but whatta you gonna do? He said the next step is to come in for an interview with the district manager next week when she comes to town and I'll get a call tomorrow setting it all up. I won't lie, I'm feeling pretty good about this and have one foot out the door when the manager says: "Oh, by the way, you'll have to shave off your entire beard because we have a no facial hair policy with this company." I had the beard yesterday - how did he miss that?!? So, any "moron" can rent out dvd's, video games and porn movies to snot noses and perverts as long as he is clean shaven! Needless to say I'm not taking the job. With the exception of 6 years in the navy, I've had that beard since I was 17 years old...My beard is older than the manager!
you should get a job in info commercials...dosent matter if you have a beard or clean shaven
As obesity increases, so does challenge to EMS Sunday, March 21, 2010 By Michael A. Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
As recently as two decades ago, ambulance service crews rarely encountered patients who were overweight or obese.
These days, it's not unusual for paramedics, both here and nationally, to transport patients who weigh 300 or 400 pounds -- sometimes even in the 600- to 700-pound range. Or more.
That's because obesity rates for Americans have more than doubled since 1976. As the waistlines of Americans have grown, so too have the challenges for EMS personnel in cost, personnel, equipment, training, safety and transport protocol.
In the United States, 34 percent of adults and 17 percent of children were obese, while more than two-thirds of adults and almost one-third of children were overweight in 2007-2008, according to findings released in January by the Centers for Disease Control. Height and weight calculations determine who is considered to be overweight or obese.
Geoff, I expected more from you. You have a particular view on this bill or Madame Speaker, state it. But that comment? It's really below you.
This is "Random Post Whoring"
Silly me. What was I thinking? That should make it perfectly OK to use sexually degrading and misogynistic terms that some might find offensive as a way to disagrees with another's politics (smacks forehead in a "should have had a V8" gesture).
As for healthcare reform, as someone who was recently hospitalized for several days and is now dealing with who is going to pay for what (and I have what many would consider pretty decent coverage), I personally feel that change is welcome.
LN, thanks for posting that Ted Kennedy quote. It's so sadly true.
i am happy for this bill to be passed, but it does suck that taxes will be up...if anything though i believe that the upper class should pay more of it then the middle and lower class.
but, yea i do understand why some people are mad about this bill...to me and my life i am happy about this being born with handicap (not mental, so no comments from you geoff or anybody else ).
Geoff, I expected more from you. You have a particular view on this bill or Madame Speaker, state it. But that comment? It's really below you.
Silly me. What was I thinking? That should make it perfectly OK to use sexually degrading and misogynistic terms that some might find offensive as a way to disagrees with another's politics (smacks forehead in a "should have had a V8" gesture).
Originally Posted By: J Geoff
Okay, you're right - I'm sorry for using that word here.
Oh god dammit. I could understand an apology to Pelosi, who was twatted so to speak, but to me for reading it? NOOOOO. Geoff is a man, or well, at least an adult... ( ) ...why does he need to apologize for his opinion?
And speaking on the bill I'm not too happy with it but maybe it's a baby step, a tiny tiny baby step in the right direction.
SAN FRANCISCO — Just over two months after threatening to leave China because of censorship and intrusions by Chinese hackers, Google said that it is closing its China-based Internet search service and instead direct Chinese users to a Hong Kong-based uncensored version of its search engine, which may get blocked in mainland China.
In a blog post, Google also said that it would retain much of its existing China operations, including its research and development team and its local sales force.
The stunning move represents a powerful slap at Beijing regulators but also a risky ploy in which Google — one of the world’s technology powerhouses — will essentially turn its back on the world’s largest Internet market, with nearly 400 million Web users and growing quickly.
“Figuring out how to make good on our promise to stop censoring search on Google.cn has been hard,” David Drummond, Google’s chief legal officer, wrote in the blog post. “We want as many people in the world as possible to have access to our services, including users in mainland China, yet the Chinese government has been crystal clear throughout our discussions that self-censorship is a non-negotiable legal requirement.”
11 Secrets Men Don't Know About Women By Stacey Grenrock Woods
1. Women don't like explosions, in art or in life.
2. Women aren't as funny as men. We're often cleverer, frequently wittier, but to be really funny demands a certain clownishness that our grace just does not allow. It's fine, really it is.
3. We grow pathetic goatees and look awful in cargo shorts anyway.
4. Women are aware of about 10 percent of the things men actually think and say about us. Best to keep it under five.
5. Women love to be taken out to eat. It makes our day.
6. A clean apartment will get you more bedroom antics than you'd think.
7. Given the chance, women will smell and re-smell the scented-candle display at the store. We really can do this for ages.
8. Our clothes are complicated, our shoes unforgiving, and our constitutions delicate, so please, valet park.
9. Every living woman likes wedding stuff. Even lesbians.
10. "Girls' night out" is usually some other woman's idea.
11. Women would rather be with you. We like you. Honestly, we talk about you all the time.
I would like to know what other people think of this, especially those members who have been or are instructors/professors in college/high school. I was briefly a TA in grad school but never ran across any situation like this. I think the student was stupid for not realizing that she wasn't going to win that dispute.
These comments were writen by someone else, but they are my thoughts to the teaso:
"Teacher/Prof did the right thing - kept telling the student they had two options.... leave or I will call security and they will make you leave.
Then when the student tells security you will have to carry me out and tries to squirm away security does the right thing. She made her choices and she was cuffed for her safety and the safety of the other students.
Not only should she be arrested and charged but I would think she should be expelled from school. This should not be tolerated or defended at any level. Once she is in college she has to learn that her actions reactions have consequences. No one should have to put up with that kind of behavior, students, teachers, security guards - NO ONE.
I read some of these comments and think there is no way to justify sticking up for this student and her poor behavior and all the choices she made."
Lilo, I taught an SAT class for a test prep center (obviously high school kids). Never in a million years should anyone have to tolerate that kind of behavior. So, you paid to be there? So did all the other students in the class. You object to a test question? Then speak to the professor during office hours or after class. You don't get to monopolize the class, use foul language or threaten anyone.
College is supposed to prepare you for "real life". Do you think you could talk to your supervisor or manager like that and get away with it?? Don't think so!
Unfortunately, people have come to equate free speech with a lack of civility and respect. Make your point, but use the avenues available to you.
I've never suffered an eruption from one of my students. That could be because I'm pretty frank with them about how I deal with such situations. But you've got to expect emotional demonstrations from them. I deal with them one at a time.
I was just amazed and frankly a little amused that the student felt so free throwing the profanity and acting out. She should have recognized that she wasn't going to win. Talk to the professor after class/during office hours or if need be protest to the department head/dean of academic affairs or ombudsman. But doing what she did I don't get. Getting taken down and pulled out of class in handcuffs didn't prove anything.
If you want to be happy, healthy, and powerful, you might consider packing your bags and moving to a picturesque country on the other side of the Atlantic. According to a new report, Sweden tops out as the #1 place for women to live. Is it the year-long maternity leave? The chance to date four men at once? The unisex public bathrooms? (Ewww!)
Ebba von Sydow, 25, is Sweden's current it girl: the face of Swedish fashion brand MQ's antismoking campaign and editor-in-chief of the nation's largest magazine for young women, Vecko Revyn ("Weekly Review").
In other words, Ebba is the perfect example of what the latest research shows: that Sweden is a country in which women truly thrive. In fact, a 2005 report by the World Economic Forum found this Scandinavian nation to be the world's "most advanced country" for women, with greater levels of equality, power, health, and well-being among women than anywhere else. (The survey ranked the U.S. an abysmal 17th place — one above Costa Rica.)
Music producer Richard R. Finch, who cofounded KC and the Sunshine Band, confessed to authorities Wednesday that he has had sex with teenage boys.
The 56-year-old was arrested Tuesday by authorities in Ohio's Licking County after a boy revealed that Finch made sexual contact with him, the Associated Press reports. The seven-time Grammy winner, who is being held on $250,000 bond, admitted to having sex with that boy and others ranging in age from 13 to 17, police said.
Barry returned from a doctor's visit one day and told his wife Carolyn that the doctor said he only had 24 hours to live.
Wiping away her tears, he asked her to make love with him, of course she agreed and they made passionate love.
Six hours later, Barry went to her again, and said: "Honey, now I only have 18 hours left to live. Maybe we could make love again?" Carolyn agreed and again they made love.
Later, Barry was getting into bed when he realised he now had only eight hours of life left.
He touched Carolyn's shoulder and said: "Honey? Please Just one more time. She agreed, then afterward she rolled and fell asleep."
Barry, however, heard the clock ticking in his head, and he tossed and turned until it was down to only four more hours.
He tapped his wife on the shoulder to wake her up. "Honey, I only have four hours left! Could we ...?".
His wife sat up abruptly, turned to him and said: "Listen Barry, I'm not being funny but I have to get up in the morning and go to work while you don't!."
I received this from my cousin. I don't know this comedian but he's pretty good. This video speaks to aging rock stars and how the lyrics to their songs may be amended. It's about 5 minutes, but it's pretty good.
. What's the biggest mistake women make when dating?
Complain. It's the biggest turn-off to a man. You can actually walk into a room and be covered in guano and it still won't be as bad as complaining. Women take that for granted; the one thing men want more than anything in a relationship is positivity. Women don't understand that. When you show up late for a date because you couldn't find parking, don't spend the first 15 minutes of the date complaining about what you just had to do to get there. Put it behind you. Say, "Hey! Sorry I'm late, but I'm glad I'm here."
US Couple Charged With Tampering With Jell-O Pudding Posted by Staff on Mar 29th, 2010
Alexander and Christine Clement, husband and wife from Suffolk County, are looking at being charged with the tampering of Jell-O pudding mix packages. Suffolk County arrested the couple on Sunday only after reports were being made from customers who purchased the Jell-O and discovered after opening them that there was some sort of fine substance, like sand inside.
Authorities state that Christine has been buying the Jell-O boxes from four different Long Island stores where three have already reported food tampering with the Jell-O. Christine has been removing the contents inside the Jell-O boxes, filling the boxes back up with other items and then returning them back to the stores for refunds. Authorities did say that the packages seemed to be opened, emptied out and then refilled with salt and sand. This was not noticed when the boxes were being returned.
UPDATE: The Snyder family is seeking donations to help them continue their suit.
BALTIMORE (AP) — The father of a Marine killed in Iraq and whose funeral was picketed by anti-gay protesters was ordered to pay the protesters' appeal costs, his lawyers said Monday.
On Friday, Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ordered Snyder to pay $16,510 to Fred Phelps. Phelps is the leader of the Westboro Baptist Church, which conducted protests at Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder's funeral in 2006. The two-page decision supplied by attorneys for Albert Snyder of York, Pa., offered no details on how the court came to its decision.
Attorneys also said Snyder is struggling to come up with fees associated with filing a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court.
The decision adds "insult to injury," said Sean Summers, one of Snyder's lawyers.
The high court agreed to consider whether the protesters' message is protected by the First Amendment or limited by the competing privacy and religious rights of the mourners.
"If you make no additional charges and each month you pay only the minimum amount due, you will pay off the balance shown on this statement in about 28 years"
vs
"If you make no additional charges and each month you pay $345, you will pay off the balance shown on this statement in about 3 years and you will save $9,773 (over the above)"
Holy schnitzel!
Is this new that they have to tell you this, or do they really want their money sooner (as opposed to more of it long haul)?
No it is new. I understand all CC companies now have to do that. I can imagine the shock some will have, but then again, I think it is a good thing. It'll make you think twice before using your credit cards excessively. I try to only use my cards when I travel or for other things if absolutely necessary.
I think it's a good thing, too. People never think about how long it will take them to pay it off when they send in that $50 a month, and how much interest they'll pay. It's frightening when you see it in front of you.
We've done our best to never have credit card debt, but sometimes it's impossible to avoid.
I believe too their statements need to be very clear as to the rules/regulations/annual fees, etc. I haven't used my CC for a while so I can't say I've gotten any statements. BUT read whatever updates and changes to your accounts that you may get.
It was rumored (and it wouldn't surprise me) that some of these companies that never charged a yearly fee could do so now. However, what really ticks me off (if it's true) is that they MAY charge you a fee if you don't use your card enough. WTF!!!! I'm checking every bit of info that I get about any of my cards.
However, what really ticks me off (if it's true) is that they MAY charge you a fee if you don't use your card enough. WTF!!!! I'm checking every bit of info that I get about any of my cards.
TIS
Yes, they can do that. It depends on the agreement or any updates to the agreement. They got me with that a few months back for a card I had gotten for my small business but had not used. They charged me a "inactivity fee". Yup. Because I HADN'T borrowed money from them, they charged me money. This would make Don Corleone weep tears of joy. I closed the card account. It was the principle of the thing (no pun intended) and not the principal.
Always read the fine print, disclosures and updates. Banks aren't looking to do anyone any favors. They don't much like people that pay everything off in full each month or worse, don't even use the card. Ideally they want everyone to carry a balance and pay minimum payments a few days late.
We are having problems here in CA/Mex border with drug trafficking and lately murder/shootings and it's become very very dangerous. Mexico is a popular Spring Break vacation for students. They are all cautioned to be very careful. I wouldn't be surprised if the crowds in Mex weren't as large this year.
We are having problems here in CA/Mex border with drug trafficking and lately murder/shootings and it's become very very dangerous. Mexico is a popular Spring Break vacation for students. They are all cautioned to be very careful. I wouldn't be surprised if the crowds in Mex weren't as large this year.
Something really does need to be done.
TIS
mexico is beyond fix sadly...and what else is there to do...make mexico the 51st state?
CLAYTON, Mich. — David B. Stone Sr. and his wife, Tina, made no secret about the fact that they were part of a militia, neighbors say. The couple frequently let visitors in military fatigues erect tents in front of their trailer home at the intersection of rural dirt roads, and the sound of gunfire was routine. Police officers guarded a home in Clayton, Mich., on Sunday after a raid.
A Michigan State Police tank headed down a street in Hillsdale County on Monday during a militia-related standoff. “In Michigan, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal to be in a militia,” said Tom McDormett, a neighbor.
He added: “They would practice shooting, but that’s not a big deal. People do that all the time out here.”
Chicago – Michigan, the home base of the Hutaree militia, has one of the highest concentrations in the United States of militias and other extremist groups that see the federal government as the enemy.
Only Texas, with 57 so-called "patriot" groups, outstrips Michigan's 47, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a nonprofit civil rights organization in Montgomery, Ala., that tracks hate group activity.
Nationwide, the patriot movement has grown dramatically since the election of President Obama. Between 2008 and 2009, the number of such groups increased from 149 to 512, SPLC numbers suggest.
The Hutaree was part of this movement. Nine members of its members were arrested by federal authorities last weekend and charged with conspiring to "levy war" on the United States.
The arrests point to how the Midwest in particular has become a hotbed for patriot activity.
I can't remember and don't care enough to look up his name right now but one of the people that was associated with Timothy McVeigh was from Michigan. Some of the planning for the Oklahoma City attack might have been done on a Michigan farm. But of course there are nuts everywhere..
That's true. And to echo what Lilo said about Michigan not being very diverse, the same can be said of New York, once you get outside New York City and its neighboring suburbs, like Westchester, Rockland and Long Island.
Hey there Bam! I was at my daughter's. Her husband and her felt it but I didn't. I was moving around so I think that's why I didn't feel it. They were sitting down. I did see the hanging candles sway back and forth right after though. What surprised me was they announced it was a 6.9 which is quite big. On my way home however, they upgraded to a 7.2. I believe an 8.0 is considered a massive quake.
It centered in Mexico which would affect SolCal (mainly San Diego) mostly. However the local news said that the buildings in San Diego & L.A. were swaying back and forth. To my knowledge, no damage or injuries, thankfully. Since Blib is in NoCal I doubt he felt it.
A debit payment is really the same thing, so I don't know why people would bother writing out a check.
Exactly. Checks hold everything up. It's 2010 already! lol
Well as a proud check writing Luddite I just like using checks to keep track of my expenses and have a record of what was done. Also don't debit cards have POS fees?
I just like using checks to keep track of my expenses and have a record of what was done.
So a receipt isn't good enough?
Originally Posted By: Lilo
Also don't debit cards have POS fees?
No, they don't. Only if you use them at an ATM machine not owned by your back may you be charged a fee for withdrawing cash. Never a fee for using it as a debit ("credit") card.
A lot of older people seem to like the idea of still being able to write a check. I guess it's because most older people just don't like change.
At any rate, in my neighborhood some of the local bars and grocery stores still cash checks for their regular customers. To tell you the truth, even though it's antiquated, cashing a personal check in a local bar, or deli, on a Sunday, when the banks are closed, almost feels nostalgic. It's a link to the past.
I, for one, hope they never completely do away with paper checks.
It wasn't til I retired that I finally got direct deposit. I would go to the bank to cash my check every month. Since I moved and retired, I hardly walk into a bank. I even pay all my bills on line thru my bank's "bill pay". It's so easy and I like it better than having the company take it out. I do it when I want to. Once you get all your debtors info input, you simply put the amount and click pay. No stamps, no mailing. I keep track of what/when I pay thru my checkbook, but each transaction is kept track of on-line too. I can even easily switch money from my savings to checking or vice versa. I really have to ask myself why it took so long.
That being said though, for some reason I still haven't gone paperless, where the statements are sent to me via e-mail. I still have them send me a copy. I guess I like to have a "physical" copy for my files.
We still won't do direct deposit for one simple reason - what they can deposit, they can also withdraw. I had direct deposit with a job once, and the company paid me my commission check. I gave notice shortly thereafter, and they withdrew the check from my account, claiming they had overstated what they owed me. I had to fight it and wait about three weeks to get repaid. After that, we'll never get direct deposit again.
The Federal Communications Commission does not have the legal authority to slap Net neutrality regulations on Internet providers, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. A three-judge panel in Washington, D.C. unanimously tossed out the FCC's August 2008 cease and desist order against Comcast, which had taken measures to slow BitTorrent transfers before voluntarily ending them earlier that year.
Because the FCC "has failed to tie its assertion" of regulatory authority to an actual law enacted by Congress, the agency does not have the power to regulate an Internet provider's network management practices, wrote Judge David Tatel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
After much controversy surrounding a lesbian student who wanted to take her girlfriend to the prom, a special senior prom event, created for her and her date, falls short.
Constance McMillen said she was one of only seven students to show up at a private event chaperoned by school officials last Friday night.
The 18 year old said the rest of her peers went to another private event where she wasn't invited. Her case drew national attention after she and the ACLU challenged the Itawamba County School District's rule that banned same-sex prom dates and a requirement that only male students wear tuxedos.
McMillen wanted to escort her girlfriend to the event and wear a tuxedo.
The ACLU believes the private prom where McMillen was invited was a decoy to keep her from attending the other party.
As I said, my daughter had a group of friends over to the house for pictures before her prom a few years ago. One of the couples was two girls, and one of them wore a tux. I don't think anyone even blinked.
Evidently Constance's stand was not very popular with her classmates and they don't seem to have missed her presence if pics/statements are any indication. I don't get the gloating but that's just me. So it goes.
(CNN) Ryanair, which is based in Dublin, Ireland, and bills itself as "Europe's first and largest low fares airline," is mulling a plan that would require travelers to pay either 1 euro or 1 British pound (about $1.33 or $1.52) for using the bathroom on flights lasting one hour or less.
The plan, titled "Ryanair Cost Saving Proposal," was published in the airline's inflight magazine. The carrier said it is working with Boeing to develop a coin-operated door release so that when nature calls, passengers would need to deposit the change before being able to use the facilities.
April 3 By Edward D. Murphy emurphy@mainetoday.com Staff Writer
PORTLAND – About two dozen women marched topless from Longfellow Square to Tommy's Park this afternoon in an effort to erase what they see as a double standard on male and female nudity.
A group of women and men who had shed their tops march down a Congress Street sidewalk from Longfellow Square to Tommy's Park. They were promoting the freedom of women to be topless in public. The group attracted many amateur and professional photographers.
The women, preceded and followed by several hundred boisterous and mostly male onlookers, many of them carrying cameras, stayed on the sidewalk because they hadn't obtained a demonstration permit to walk in the street. About a thousand people gathered as the march passed through Monument Square, a mix of demonstrators, supporters, onlookers and those just out enjoying a warm and sunny early-spring day.
After the marchers reached Tommy's Park in the Old Port, some turned around and walked back to Longfellow Square, but most stayed and mingled in the park. Some happily posed for pictures.
Police said there were no incidents and no arrests – nudity is illegal in Maine only if genitals are displayed.
Ty McDowell, who organized the march, said she was "enraged" by the turnout of men attracted to the demonstration. The purpose, she said, was for society to have the same reaction to a woman walking around topless as it does to men without shirts on. However, McDowell said she plans to organize similar demonstrations in the future and said she would be more "aggressive" in discouraging oglers.
Ty McDowell, who organized the march, said she was "enraged" by the turnout of men attracted to the demonstration. The purpose, she said, was for society to have the same reaction to a woman walking around topless as it does to men without shirts on.
Well, what did she expect?
Originally Posted By: Lilo
However, McDowell said she plans to organize similar demonstrations in the future and said she would be more "aggressive" in discouraging oglers.
I know that in one of the Nordic cities, but I can't remember which, the women all leave their office buildings on their lunch hour and sunbathe topless in the city square. Bill Bryson, in his book "Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe", describes it as rather shocking for an American.
FAIRFAX, Va. - A man charged with indecent exposure after two women said they saw him naked inside his own home was acquitted Wednesday by a Virginia jury.
Erick Williamson, 29, has argued since his October arrest that he should not be punished for being naked in the privacy of his own home.
Police and prosecutors, as well as the two women who testified against him, said he intended to expose himself and made no attempt to conceal himself in a residential neighborhood filled with children.
Are the prostitutes crossing? or are they just standing there. Maybe its a warning for drivers to watch out for cars suddenly stopping for....a lube job?
(Reuters) - Liberal Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens announced on Friday that he will resign, giving President Barack Obama his second high court appointment and setting up a potential partisan election-year Senate confirmation battle.
By VICTORIA BURAVCHENKO and MONIKA SCISLOWSKA, Associated Press Writers – 1 hr 16 mins ago
SMOLENSK, Russia – Polish President Lech Kaczynski and some of the country's highest military and civilian leaders died on Saturday when the presidential plane crashed as it came in for a landing in thick fog in western Russia, killing 97, officials said.
Russian and Polish officials said there were no survivors on the 26-year-old Tupolev, which was taking the president, his wife and staff to events marking the 70th anniversary of the massacre in Katyn forest of thousands of Polish officers by Soviet secret police.
I've wondered about such an event ending the life of our President and how the Nation would react. Such an event would put our Constitutional processes to the test.
I've wondered about such an event ending the life of our President and how the Nation would react. Such an event would put our Constitutional processes to the test.
Didn't Air Force One disappear from radar awhile back, then reappear like a minute later?
God, could you imagine? Even if it was a mechanical error, NO ONE would ever believe it for a minute. We are a nation of conspiracy theorists, that's for sure. But not you, Olivant .
Republican crazies would say it was a left wing conspiracy to make him a martyr, Democrat crazies would say it was a right wing conspiracy to thwart health care or something.
By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 20 mins ago
KATMANDU, Nepal – At age 13, Jordan Romero is headed to Mount Everest in an attempt to become the youngest person to scale the world's highest mountain — and complete his goal of climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents.
The teenager from Big Bear, California, was busy Saturday with his father Paul and stepmother Karen packing mountaineering gear and planning details of their expedition with three Sherpa guides who will accompany them.
The team leaves Katmandu, Nepal's capital, for China on Sunday and then will travel to the base camp on the Chinese side of the 29,035-foot (8,850-meter) mountain.
Jordan has already climbed the highest peaks on six other continents and hopes to reach Everest's summit in May.
"I just wanted to do something big, and this was something I wanted to do for myself. It was all about the experience and I just happen to be 13 at this time," Jordan told The Associated Press.
The record for the youngest climb of Everest is held by Temba Tsheri of Nepal, who reached the peak at age 16.
Jordan, who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa when he was 10 years old, says he was inspired by a painting in his school hallway of the seven continents' highest summits.
Everest, however, will be his first over 8,000 meters (26,240 feet).
"This will be a big leap, but we have been training for the altitude," he said.
His father and stepmother have also accompanied him on his previous climbs.
Jordan said he would not take any unnecessary risks and would turn around if they encounter problems like bad weather. He said he has read about past disasters on the mountain that have claimed many lives and has learned lessons from them.
"This may be the first of many attempts," he said. "It could take a couple of years, but I am determined to do it. If I don't reach the summit this time, I will try next time."
"I do feel ready," he said. "I feel very prepared emotionally, and definitely physically."
While he is acclimatizing at the base camp before the May push to the summit, Jordan plans to do his algebra homework, some book reports and write a journal about his experiences. ___ On the Net: Expedition Web site: http://www.jordanromero.com
Molly kisses her reflection, she's so vain she probably thinks this post is about her
That's adorable LN. I imagine she's really growing. She's a year or more right?
When my kids were babies, we were told (or it was suggested) to give them mirrors because it's good for their self-image. Evidently it's working for Molly.
Patrick Buchanan uses the plane crash which killed the Polish President to argue that Great Britain and France never should have gone to war with Hitler over a "German-Polish clash that lasted three weeks".
Patrick Buchanan uses the plane crash which killed the Polish President to argue that Great Britain and France never should have gone to war with Hitler over a "German-Polish clash that lasted three weeks".
By ROBIN HINDERY Associated Press Writer updated 53 minutes ago
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sarah Palin will get first-class airfare for two and three rooms at a luxury hotel when she gives a speech in June for a university foundation. And organizers better not forget to stock her lectern with two water bottles and bendable straws.
The details of Palin's contract with the California State University, Stanislaus Foundation were contained in five pages of the document retrieved from a campus trash bin by students who heard administrators might be shredding documents related to the speech.
By ROBIN HINDERY Associated Press Writer updated 53 minutes ago
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sarah Palin will get first-class airfare for two and three rooms at a luxury hotel when she gives a speech in June for a university foundation. And organizers better not forget to stock her lectern with two water bottles and bendable straws.
The details of Palin's contract with the California State University, Stanislaus Foundation were contained in five pages of the document retrieved from a campus trash bin by students who heard administrators might be shredding documents related to the speech.
Arizona passes new legislation around illegal immigration. Assuming that the governor signs this it will be interesting to see if the federal courts strike it down as stepping onto the federal government's hegemony over immigration law.
The intensely fish smell of herring has been the smell of money for generations of workers in Maine who have snipped, sliced and packed the small, silvery fish into billions of cans of sardines on their way to Americans' lunch buckets and kitchen cabinets.
For the past 135 years, sardine canneries have been as much a part of Maine's small coastal villages as the thick Down East fog. It's been estimated that more than 400 canneries have come and gone along the state's long, jagged coast.
The lone survivor, the Stinson Seafood plant here in the eastern Maine town of Prospect Harbor, shuts down this week after a century in operation. It is the last sardine cannery not just in Maine, but in the United States.
On a windy Monday night, Pete’s Candy Store—a bar in Williamsburg with a railcar-shaped performance space in the back—is crammed to capacity with the thin and the bearded.
Almost no one is drinking. The mood is pregame, expectant and nervous. We’re at one of the oddest New York City powwows in recent memory: a panel designed to quell a metastasizing dispute between bicyclists and Hasidic Jews. Except no Hasids are present. For a moment, it looks like the bicyclists will have to debate themselves.
At immediate issue is the Bedford Avenue bike lane. It’s the longest in Brooklyn and runs through every imaginable ethnic enclave—including the South Williamsburg redoubt of the Satmars, the ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jewish sect. In December, after many complaints from the Satmars about “scantily clad” female riders, the city sandblasted off a small stretch of the lane; some enterprising bikers painted it back in protest; the city then painted over the unauthorized paint job.
Now two activists are up on criminal-mischief charges, the lane is gone, and the two groups are glowering at each other with even less empathy than usual. Worse yet, each group finds itself standing in for a larger one in a larger fight: the Satmars for all Orthodox Jews and the bikers for all young secular Williamsburgers, i.e. hipsters.
Finally, the opponents are at the door. The Hasids are a group of three led by 59-year-old Isaac Abraham, an erstwhile candidate for the City Council and a self-appointed spokesman for the Satmars. The trio is bearded, too, of course, but differently so: These are authority beards. Heritage beards.
Abraham finds his seat on the cramped stage and requests a glass of water, cracking, “Make sure it’s not spiked.” He’s attuned to the absurdity of the premise: Three Hasids and 120 cyclists walk into a bar.
A volcano eruption in Iceland has sent a big cloud of volcanic ash down to the UK and grounded all flights in and out for yesterday,today and probably tomorrow. Even the Luftwaffe never managed to bring our planes to a halt in WW2. Can't mess with nature!!
We've been seeing that on the news, Yogi. My husband's boss is in London and supposed to fly back to the US tomorrow. I'm thinking he's going to be delayed.
I've heard that the King of Norway was marooned in the US and can't fly home. Does Norway still have a king?? Or did I hear that the president of Norway is in the US and can't fly home??
this is why ships are better...nothing ever goes wrong there
Just a few:
1981 January 27th. Java Sea: Indonesian passenger ship "Tamponas II" caught fire and sank; 580 people died
1983 May 25th. Egypt, Lake Nasser: Nile steamer "10th of Ramadan" caught fire and sank; 357 people died
1987 December 20th. Philippines, Tablas Strait, off Mindoro Island: the ferry "Dona Paz" (designed to carry 1,400 passengers and a crew of 50) crowded with approximately 3,000 passengers collided head-on with the tanker "Victor" loaded with 8,300 barrels of oil; in the subsequent explosion and fire at least 3,000 people died; only 24 passengers survived.
1990 April 7th. Europe East Sea, between Norway and Denmark: arson fire aboard the "Scandinavian Star"; 159 people died. An international panel concluded in 1991 that the ship, which had just been sold by the Miami-based SeaEscape cruise line to VR DaNo Lines of Denmark for use in a ferry service, had rotted life boats and missing or insufficient fire alarms. The ship had been certified safe by the U.S. Coast Guard and the London-based Lloyd's Register of Shipping.
1991 March 23rd. Atlantic Ocean, off Spain's Canary Islands: a fire started on board of the Finnish cruise ship "Eurosun", owned by Europe Cruise Line; the crew put out an SOS call but was able to bring the ship on its own power to the port of Las Palmas; none of the 300 people aboard were injured.
1991 July 14th. off the coast of Freeport Bahamas: a fire began in the engine room of the Walt Disney World owned "Majestic"; About 1,120 passengers and crew were called to their lifeboats and were prepared to abandon the ship while the crews fought the fire. The vessel was finally towed to Florida.
1994 November 30th. Indian Ocean, off Somalia: a fire broke out in an engine room of the "Achille Lauro" owned by Italy's Starlauro. Nearly 1,000 people were on board; 4 people died (2 elderly passengers during the evacuation, 1 aboard a rescue vessel, and the fourth was never found).
1995 June 18th. after a fire in the control room knocked out power the 2,560 passengers and crew aboard the Carnival Cruise Lines' "Celebration" drifted for two days with overflowing toilets and no running water. No one was injured, and passengers were transferred to the sister ship Ecstasy and brought back to Miami.
1995 July 22nd. Alaska, Prince William Sound: a fire that began in the engine room disabled the "Regent Star" owned by Regency Cruises and forced the evacuation of 1,280 passengers and crew. Two people sustained minor injuries.
1996 July 6th. Pacific Ocean, northwest coast of British Columbia: a fire broke out in the engine room of the "Golden Princess" during a cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver. About 1,200 passengers and crew were aboard vessel which was towed 60 miles to Victoria. None were injured.
1996 May 8th. off Freeport, Bahamas: a fire broke out in the engine room of the Discovery Cruise Lines' "Discovery 1"; none of the evacuated 800 passengers and 400 crew was injured.
1996 July 27th. Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Alaska: a fire on the San Francisco-based World Explorer Cruises' "Universe Explorer" with 732 people aboard was believed to have started in the laundry room; 5 crewmembers died of smoke inhalation and 70 people were injured
They are adorable. I've seen cards with baby pictures like that. I saw the photographer (or at least a photographer) who shoots those pictures on tv a while back.
The babies are so small and flexible, not to mention so sweet and innocent.
By PAUL DAVENPORT and JONATHAN J. COOPER, Associated Press Writers Paul Davenport And Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press Writers – Fri Apr 16, 7:39 pm ET
PHOENIX – Favoring the constitutional right to bear arms over others' concerns about gun safety, Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday signed into law a bill making Arizona the third state allowing people to carry a concealed weapon without requiring a permit.
The measure takes effect 90 days after the current legislative session ends, which likely puts the effective date in July or August.
"I believe this legislation not only protects the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, but restores those rights as well," Brewer, a Republican, said in a statement.
Alaska and Vermont now do not require permits to carry concealed weapons.
So, does that mean that since there's no permit required that there is no background check??? Can anyone purchase a gun, no questions asked then??? God forbid we ask any questions and trample on anyone's right. I'm confused. I thought it was ok be careful when selling guns.
Before reading the article at the link below, keep in mind that surveys show that married men live longer than single men. However, those same surveys show that married men are more willing to die.
1. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 99 copies. 2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors." 3. Specify that your drive-through order is "TO-GO." 4. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others. 5. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets. 6. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up." 7. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what you think." 8. Practice making fax and modem noises. 9. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc" them to your boss. 10. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up. 11. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophesy." 12. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears and grimacing. 13. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room. 14. Holler random numbers while someone is counting. 15. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way." 16. Staple pages in the middle of the page. 17. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a croaking noise. 18. Honk and wave to strangers. 19. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints at the cash register. 20. TYPE IN UPPERCASE. 21. type only in lowercase. 22. dont use any punctuation either 23. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets. 24. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times. "DO YOU HEAR THAT?" "What?" "Never mind, it's gone now." 25. As much as possible, skip rather than walk. 26. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "No, wait, I messed it up," and repeat. 27. Ask people what gender they are. 28. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet. 29. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down. 30. Sing along at the opera. 31. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme. 32. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles."
So, does that mean that since there's no permit required that there is no background check??? Can anyone purchase a gun, no questions asked then??? God forbid we ask any questions and trample on anyone's right. I'm confused. I thought it was ok be careful when selling guns.
TIS
I'm sure there are still background checks required to purchase in the first place-at least revolvers/pistols. In Michigan for example, you do not need a permit to purchase or own a rifle or shotgun. You do need a permit to purchase a handgun and there will be background checks done. You also need a permit to carry concealed-although absent some form of criminal/mental record the State MUST give you a permit.
It sounds like Arizona is saying as long you already legally own a handgun, it will no longer require additional permits to carry concealed. I would be mildly surprised if this wasn't done in part in reaction to the Krentz murder.
So, does that mean that since there's no permit required that there is no background check??? Can anyone purchase a gun, no questions asked then??? God forbid we ask any questions and trample on anyone's right. I'm confused. I thought it was ok be careful when selling guns.
TIS
I'm sure there are still background checks required to purchase in the first place-at least revolvers/pistols. In Michigan for example, you do not need a permit to purchase or own a rifle or shotgun. You do need a permit to purchase a handgun and there will be background checks done. You also need a permit to carry concealed-although absent some form of criminal/mental record the State MUST give you a permit.
It sounds like Arizona is saying as long you already legally own a handgun, it will no longer require additional permits to carry concealed. I would be mildly surprised if this wasn't done in part in reaction to the Krentz murder.
The Arizon statute will not take effect for a few months yet. When it does, it will not require a background check or training to carry a concealed handgun. Federal law does require background checks when a handgun is purchased from a licensed dealer.
The Arizon statute will not take effect for a few months yet. When it does, it will not require a background check.
Right. No background check for concealed carry. There is still AFAIK a federal (NICS) requirement for background check to purchase. The second and more interesting issue is that Governor Brewer evidently signed a law which exempts guns made and kept in Arizona from any federal regulation, including background checks. This will almost certainly wind up in federal courts. New Law
HOW TO TICK PEOPLE OFF 23. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets.
Many years ago my friend and I set up a detour onto a desolate road into the woods, from a senior citizen community. Big-ass detour sign, flashing barrier, but only had 2 cones so it didn't work very well.
I've been told that smart and clever are very sexy attributes. But seriously, would anyone be getting in line to sleep with Larry King if he wasn't worth, like, a gazillion dollars?
The U.S. and Iraq claimed a major victory against al-Qaida on Monday, saying their forces killed the terror group's two top figures in this country in an air and ground assault on their safehouse near Saddam Hussein's hometown.
NEW YORK - Computers in companies, hospitals and schools around the world got stuck repeatedly rebooting themselves Wednesday after an antivirus program identified a normal Windows file as a virus.
McAfee confirmed that a software update it posted at 9 a.m. Eastern time caused its antivirus program for corporate customers to misidentify a harmless file. It has posted a replacement update for download.
ALBION, Ind. – Police said that officers searching for a man wanted on methamphetamine charges found him hiding neck-deep in a liquid manure pit at a northeastern Indiana farm. Noble County sheriff's deputies thought they'd lost the man until an officer spotted him in the tank beneath an outbuilding floor on the farm near Albion.
Chief Deputy Doug Harp said the man, 52, had been neck-deep in the combination of hog and dog feces for at least an hour Tuesday evening. He later became combative and had to be shocked twice with a stun gun.
The suspect was treated at a hospital for hypothermia before he being taken to jail.
A Steuben County magistrate on Wednesday ordered the suspect held without bail because he missed court hearings in February and March.
Stephen Hawking: Aliens may pose risks The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) - British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking says aliens are out there, but it could be too dangerous for humans to interact with extraterrestrial life.
Hawking claims in a new documentary that intelligent alien lifeforms almost certainly exist, but warns that communicating with them could be "too risky."
The 68-year-old scientist says a visit by extraterrestrials to Earth would be like Christopher Columbus arriving in the Americas, "which didn't turn out very well for the Native Americans."
He speculates most extraterrestrial life will be similar to microbes, or small animals - but adds advanced lifeforms may be "nomads, looking to conquer and colonize."
How can we possibly be so arrogant to believe that we are the only life forms?
Most scientists don't think we are. But many do think (and I agree) that so-called "intelligent," technologically advanced civilizations are very rare, for a number of reasons. There doesn't seem to have been anything inevitable about human evolution on Earth, although it is possible that had there been no humans something else equally intelligent (or unintelligent!) might have developed. Given that humans haven't had high technology for very long, I think it's likely that other civilizations we might someday make contact with will be far more advanced.
And I must say that if I were an extraterrestrial watching Earth, I'd have no particular desire to reveal myself and my society to humans based on human behavior. In many ways, humanity is an interesting civilization, but not one I'd want to actually contact.
Human Civilization has been around for a mere blip compared to the eons that the universe and its trillions of stars have been developing. If they're out there, they'll likely to be far more advanced and would look at us as we watch an ant farm. Awwww, how cute; look at them working. (Of course, there are also just as many who'd be far less advanced.) But to assume that Earth would be an ideal planet for invaders would also assume that the Earth would be an ideal environment for ETs. It surely might not be.
So, SB, Geoff!!! How bout them Yankees??? ;)They had to travel all the way to California to get their asses kicked. Being the big sports nut that I am, you just know I'm following these things.
Noah's Ark found? Not so fast Posted: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 4:00 PM by Alan Boyle
Web sites are buzzing over claims that remains from Noah’s Ark may have been found on Turkey’s Mount Ararat. The finders, led by an evangelical group, say they are "99.9 percent" that a wooden structure found on the mountainside was part of a ship that housed the Biblical Noah, his family and a menagerie of creatures during a giant flood 4,800 years ago.
But researchers who have spent decades studying the region – and fending off past claims of ark discoveries – caution that a boatload of skepticism is in order.
"You have to take everything out of context except the Bible to get something tolerable, and they're not even working much with the Bible," said Paul Zimansky, an archaeologist and historian at Stony Brook University who specializes in the Near East - and especially the region around Ararat, known as Urartu.
Cornell archaeologist Peter Ian Kuniholm, who has focused on Turkey for decades, was even more direct - saying that the reported find is a "crock".
My grandson came home from the hospital last night, 5 weeks old; he is now 6 lbs. and lookin' good. Little girl is still in Philly hospital, but doin' good. Her lungs are getting stronger. No prognosis on her home trip yet, but we're all encouraged by her progress. The circle of life.
Ok, this is the grandson of a very famous actor. It turns out he is in one of my favorite TV shows. I can see a little likeness to his grandfather. Anyone care to take a guess(no cheating- I know you can right click and get the name from properties but try to refrain)
Hints: His grandfather, now deceased for many years, was in an old tv western in the 50's; acted with such greats as, Natalie Wood, Charles Bronson, Karl Malden, Faye Dunaway; he was "into" motorcycles and if I'm not mistaken, in one of his most famous movies, did most of his own stunts. To top it all off, he was quite a sex symbol to many ladies.
Ok, this is the grandson of a very famous actor. It turns out he is in one of my favorite TV shows. I can see a little likeness to his grandfather. Anyone care to take a guess(no cheating- I know you can right click and get the name from properties but try to refrain)
Hints: His grandfather, now deceased for many years, was in an old tv western in the 50's; acted with such greats as, Natalie Wood, Charles Bronson, Karl Malden, Faye Dunaway; he was "into" motorcycles and if I'm not mistaken, in one of his most famous movies, did most of his own stunts. To top it all off, he was quite a sex symbol to many ladies.
Well, Mig guessed it. Steve McQueen's the actor. Oh, and another tidbit, the car chase scene in Bullit was either the longest or one of the longest chase scenes at that time.
Bam, it's been rumored for a long time the Dean was gay. I really don't know if it's a proven fact or not. Anyway, he too was one of my favorites, even if he only made 3 films.
I would have liked to see James Dean paired with Montgomery Clift.
there was another rumor that dean had a thing with marlon brando when both were up-coming stars in the 50's.
but, yea i bet the only person that might have really known if its true would be elizabeth taylor (if i remember right clift and rock hudson had her support).
How exciting (for her lol), Yogi! Sometimes I wish the U.S. wasn't so darn big with only 2 other huge neighbors: It'd be nice to country-hop without traveling across vast oceans.
My daughter is going to France on a school trip next month. Poor thing
My daughter went to France on a class trip when she was in high school, she was taking French as a second language. She said the elder Frenchmen were ogling them . Easier for you guys to get there. Do they take the train?
(CNN) -- After 161 years of treating survivors of major catastrophes, from the sinking of the Titanic to the attacks of September 11, and leading early HIV treatments, New York's St. Vincent's Hospital closed Friday.
Faced with financial troubles and mounting debts, the historic hospital was forced to shutter its operations. By Friday, no patients were left, and about 3,500 employees were laid off.
(CNN) -- After 161 years of treating survivors of major catastrophes, from the sinking of the Titanic to the attacks of September 11, and leading early HIV treatments, New York's St. Vincent's Hospital closed Friday.
Faced with financial troubles and mounting debts, the historic hospital was forced to shutter its operations. By Friday, no patients were left, and about 3,500 employees were laid off.
thats just sad...it should at least be a museum or something (alot has gone through there).
When I was New York we rode past St. Vincent's. I knew it was closing, and just had a feeling of great sadness seeing it. Where are the patients who went there supposed to go now?
My daughter is going to France on a school trip next month. Poor thing
My daughter went to France on a class trip when she was in high school, she was taking French as a second language. She said the elder Frenchmen were ogling them . Easier for you guys to get there. Do they take the train?
Bus down to the south coast of our fair isle. Then the train through the tunnel and then bus again onto Boulougne!
Michael Jackson Secret Boyfriend - Jason Pfeiffer Claims Affair By Daniela Elser May 3, 2010
Jason Pfeiffer, a former dermatologist's assistant, claims he had a "passionate and sexual" relationship with Michael Jackson that began after meeting the King of Pop at his dermatologist’s office.
Michael Jackson Secret Boyfriend - Jason Pfeiffer Claims Affair.
"We definitely hit it off the first time we met," Pfeiffer tells Extra in an exclusive interview.
NEW YORK – A suspect in last weekend's failed car bomb attack on Times Square was taken into custody late Monday while trying to leave the country, a law enforcement official said.
The suspect, a Pakistani, was identified at midnight Monday at John F. Kennedy International Airport and was stopped, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press early Tuesday on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.
The suspect has not been named. He was being held in New York.
(CNN) -- The suspect in the failed Times Square car bombing is a Pakistani who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in April 2009 and had not been on national security radar.
Faisal Shahzad, 30, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was arrested Monday night at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York as his flight to Dubai was about to take off, law enforcement officials said.
Shahzad had traveled to Dubai before. He took a flight there in June 2009 and stayed out of the United States until his return on Feb. 3, officials said.
A woman who said she had lived next door to Shahzad in Shelton, Connecticut, told CNN on Tuesday that the man she knew didn't say much and claimed to work on Wall Street in New York.
"He was quiet. He would wear all black and jog at night. He said he didn't like the sunlight," Brenda Thurman said.
1. Corpus Christi Texas 2. Charleston W.Va. 3. El Paso Texas 4. Dallas Texas 5. Memphis Tenn. 6. Kansas City Mo. 7. San Antonio Texas 8. Baltimore Md. 9. Houston Texas 10. Birmingham Ala.
After working in a school for over 20 years, I can understand certain rules. In my school, like I'm sure all others, certain rules thru the years, had to be created and enforced to coincide with the times.
Students were not allowed to wear any gang colors, or wear their caps backwards; of course no gang related shirts, or clothing with inappropriate language was permitted. These are understandable and it's reasonable to ban them. While the caps themselves, the colors themselves are not "wrong", in total context, when they relate to gangs (or gang activity), it's reasonable.
BUT, to send students home for wearing their country's flag is totally unfair. Be it Cinco De Mayo or not, I see absolutely NO reason for these children to be reprimanded, let alone suspended (which I'm guessing won't happen). The parents have good legal case should they want to pursue this if you ask me.
BUT, to send students home for wearing their country's flag is totally unfair. Be it Cinco De Mayo or not, I see absolutely NO reason for these children to be reprimanded, let alone suspended (which I'm guessing won't happen). The parents have good legal case should they want to pursue this if you ask me.
Wait until you slave for hours planting bulbs, and then the squirrels dig them up and eat them. We literally planted 125 iris bulbs in the front of the house. They looked gorgeous the first year. The next year - nothing. And then we noticed all the holes. You think we would have learned, but then we tried tulips and lilies and crocuses. Gone.
I spent $16 for 2 tiny Egret Flower bulbs (they're each like the size of a peanut) which I just potted 2 days ago. I hope they didn't find them.
In fact, while planting my herbs (so far they're safe; I guess cuz they're aromatic -- or -- cuz they're surrounded by pebbles still ), I found a peanut in the ground with a root coming out of it (!) so planted that in another pot to see what'd happen. I'm sure they found that one.
Repels-All seems to work okay (when I kept up with it around the strawberry plants), but it washes away in rain. Just tried it again around my potted plants -- which are on a table, by the way!
We have strawberries and we literally can't pick them fast enough when they all ripen at the same time. I've seen a squirrel pick one, hop up on the patio table and start to eat it. If they drop it, they don't bother picking it up, but go get a new one. It's like, Ewwww! That one's all dirty!
Not quite. Well, she loved the idea/thought, of course, but the bakery in Brooklyn I ordered the cheesecake from didn't ship it properly and it arrived in bad shape. I'm gonna have to fight with them to resend it.
What is it with shippers. I shipped my mom something and paid extra for a Saturday delivery. They delivered it on Friday.
I placed my order last Sunday, saying it was for Mothers Day (the following Sunday), and it was delivered Thursday. I usually don't mind fast shipping, of course, but Friday or Saturday would've been nice. Tho, I guess it's better to arrive early than late!
What is it with shippers. I shipped my mom something and paid extra for a Saturday delivery. They delivered it on Friday.
I placed my order last Sunday, saying it was for Mothers Day (the following Sunday), and it was delivered Thursday. I usually don't mind fast shipping, of course, but Friday or Saturday would've been nice. Tho, I guess it's better to arrive early than late!
I was lucky I guess. My mom's birthday was Saturday and Mother's day Sunday. I sent her an edible fruit bouquet (those things are delicious). I asked for a Saturday delivery. When I called my mom in the afternoon they still hadn't received it. Within a couple hours they delivered it, on Saturday as requested. I lucked out!! For the price you pay (I paid 12 dollars for delivery), they should get the delivery day right.
Wait until you slave for hours planting bulbs, and then the squirrels dig them up and eat them. We literally planted 125 iris bulbs in the front of the house. They looked gorgeous the first year. The next year - nothing. And then we noticed all the holes. You think we would have learned, but then we tried tulips and lilies and crocuses. Gone.
If they could speak English I'm sure they would let you know how appreciative they were.
BUT, to send students home for wearing their country's flag is totally unfair. Be it Cinco De Mayo or not, I see absolutely NO reason for these children to be reprimanded, let alone suspended (which I'm guessing won't happen). The parents have good legal case should they want to pursue this if you ask me.
TIS
I agree but believe it or not some other students walked out the next day because they didn't feel "respected". This is surreal. Walkout This will just drive up nativism.
If they could speak English I'm sure they would let you know how appreciative they were.
It's like The Happy Squirrel Buffet at our house. Yesterday we found wild turkeys in our strawberry patch.
My parents don't even really live in the country, but they have wild turkeys in there back yard. When I was there for Thanksgiving, we had to stop the car to let a family of turkeys cross the road. Pretty stupid of them hanging out on Thanksgiving.
If they could speak English I'm sure they would let you know how appreciative they were.
It's like The Happy Squirrel Buffet at our house. Yesterday we found wild turkeys in our strawberry patch.
My parents don't even really live in the country, but they have wild turkeys in there back yard. When I was there for Thanksgiving, I we had to stop the car to let a family of turkeys cross the road. Pretty stupid of them hanging out on Thanksgiving.
TIS
Well, they probably have comtempt for our Country's holidays and were flounting their disrespect. No doubt they're in this Country illegally. For sure they don't speak our language and they're probably taking the jobs of American turkeys.
Gabrielle Union probably got a chuckle out of this. Siohvaughn Wade, estranged wife of NBA star Dwyane Wade and archenemy of his current squeeze, the Bring It On star, has been taken into custody by Chicago police after skipping out on a hearing yesterday in the Wades' contentious divorce case.
According to a spokesman for the Cook County Sheriff's Department, Siovaughn, accompanied by her attorney, turned herself in around 11:15 a.m. today and brought along the required $10,000 bond.
She is currently in a basement holding cell at the Daley Center jail complex and is expected to post bail and be released within the next couple of hours.
An APB was put out for her arrest after she failed to show up for a proceeding yesterday, angering Cook County Circuit Judge Marya Nega, who bitterly complained that Wade (née Siovaughn Funches) had ignored a slew of court orders. The judge also threatened to give full custody to her basketball-playing hubby.
The Wades have been engrossed in a nasty court battle ever since the Miami Heat hero filed for divorce in 2007. Last week, Siovaughn sued Union, claiming her and Dwyane's PDA and "sexual foreplay" had caused distress to the pair's two young children. The next hearing has been set for May 28.
I heard on the radio today that Stevie Wonder is 60 years old today. That's probably no surprise, BUT did you know he's been performing now for 48 years. Yep, he was 12 years old when he released "Fingertips" back then as "Little Stevie Wonder." The Motown sound, with artists like Stevie, was the pride of Michigan.
One Stevie Wonder song that has the most meaning to me and is actually my favorite???? "I Just Called To Say I Love You."
Hey, where's Don Cardi been? Has he been forced to lamm it for a while? I know he would never flip on his BB friends so witness protection is out of the question!!
It is pretty funny to see the looks on the faces of the other two newscasters after the male newscaster asks his question . I have a four year old nephew who went through a recent phase of saying that word as often as he could just to mess with people.
More than ever, consumer electronics -- particularly laptops, smartphones and Apple's new iPad -- are shining bright light into our eyes until just moments before we doze off.
Now there's growing concern that these glowing gadgets may actually fool our brains into thinking it's daytime. Exposure can disturb sleep patterns and exacerbate insomnia, some sleep researchers said in interviews.
Waitress fired for gripe about tip on Facebook updated 2 hours, 20 minutes ago CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A North Carolina waitress is out of a job after griping on her Facebook page about the $5 tip she got from a couple who sat at their table for three hours. The waitress says the customers kept her at work an hour after she was supposed to clock out.
The Charlotte Observer reported Monday that 22-year-old Ashley Johnson felt slighted after waiting on the couple at Brixx Pizza.
So she blasted the couple on Facebook, calling them cheap and mentioning the restaurant by name.
In an ironical twist, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has banned guns during their annual meeting. The news was confirmed by a statement on the NRA website itself.
In an ironical twist, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has banned guns during their annual meeting. The news was confirmed by a statement on the NRA website itself.
"North Carolina State law prohibits the carrying of firearms in the Charlotte Convention Center, and the Time Warner Cable Arena," the sign outside the convention hall reads. "In addition, the Rules and Regulations of the Charlotte Convention Center prohibit the carrying of firearms in the Center. Pursuant to Time Warner Cable Arena policy.
Nothing wrong with this. I can't understand the big deal? and the National Rifle Association that is doing the right thing at the right time.
Well, that Commission is similar to public utility commissions in most if not all of the states. Their powers are enabled by either/or their state constitutions or state law. They are regulatory; they do not run power companies. It would be a dubious assertion that they could dictate customer selection to a power company. In any case, like most things, the sellin gor conveyance of goods or services is governed by contract or other agreement. Revenge is usually not covered in a contract.
I heard on the radio this morning that today is 30 years since Pacman came out. Damn!!! I know it's so outdated now (does it even exist anymore?) but it sure doesn't seem that long ago. Geez, I'm getting older(er)
Remember Mario Bros? The only one I remember that my kids had was "BurgerTime" (I think that was what it was called) Does anyone remember that?
Many people here were not even born when Pacman came out. Wow, that's weird.
Flying without a net: Cheer injuries on rise Activity more dangerous than any other sport for young girls
May 19, 2009: With cheerleading stunts getting more daring, devastating injuries are increasing. Laura Jackson broke her neck while attempting a back tuck at cheer tryouts. She’s now a quadriplegic, adjusting to a new life on the sidelines.
Cheerleading — not basketball, not softball, not even field hockey or ice hockey — is by far the most dangerous sport for girls. Cheer accounts for 65 percent of all catastrophic injuries in girls’ high school athletics, shows a recent report by the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at the University of North Carolina.
That’s especially striking considering cheerleaders make up just about 12 percent of the 3 million female high school athletes in the U.S.
So, what do we do? Kids never recognize the risks of anything they do, so do we parents step in and restrict or stop them? Some of the cheer stunts are beyond what is necessary to exemplify cheer skill.
I remember "Burger Time" video game! I liked the commercial they used to have back in the 80's...it ended with the chef slamming the drive up window shut yelling; "We're closed now!!!" Remember that, Italian Stallionette?
Woman found in contempt of court for profane t-shirt.
Jennifer LaPenta did not even have to be in court the day she was held in contempt and jailed. The 20-year-old woman had left the gym and accompanied a friend to court when the judge spotted her t-shirt and flipped.
The shirt, which read "I have the p****, so I make the rules," was apparently too offensive for Lake County Judge Helen Rozenberg, who "singled her out from the gallery and charged her with contempt of court" in early May, the Lake County News Sun reported.
In my opinion, there ARE certain places that I would not be so casual, and court is one of them. I don't know about any other state, but here in California (at least SoCal) there is a dress code, as anyone who has been called to jury duty would know. While it's not a real strict dress code, you are told not to wear certain things (i.e. beach clothes, flip flops) I'm guessing, but don't remember for certain, that clothing with inappropriate language is one no-no. You can wear jeans (if they are not torn/ripped)and be casual. The rules are not over reaching by any means, you just need to use good judgment.
My eldest boy who plays football had his presentation day on Saturday where he made a clean sweep of trophies. He collected six including Players Player and Mnagers Player of the Season. He is very happy and i am very proud
Those of us who are Facebookers can go to my page and see a pic if they want
Even though I'm not a sport's fan I have seen and can appreciate the pride that you and your son must feel. Player "of the season" Wow. Sounds so impressive. Congratulations to you and your son. I hope you have a mantle large enough for all of his trophies.
Am I hearing correctly that the Super Bowl will be in NYC??? Isn't that in January? And, why would anyone want to go freeze their asses off for a ball game??? It's outside right? Burrrrrrrrrrr
It will be in the new Meadowlands Jets/Giants stadium, which is actually in NJ. Usually there's a regulation that the stadium has to have a dome or it has to be in a warm climate. They waived that rule this time. However, it's not until 2014. By that time, with global warming and all, perhaps NJ will be a warm climate!
I think they should play the Super Bowl in one of the home towns of the teams who are playing in the game, just like all other sports. It could be AFC and NFC rotating by years, or it could be like the NBA or NHL and the venues decided by record.
THESE are the first shocking pictures [and video] of smoking toddler Ardi Rizal - who throws tantrums if he can't puff 40 cigs a day.
The Sun told on Saturday how the two-year-old got hooked after dad Mohammed gave him a fag [cigarette] at 18 months.
Now he weighs 4st [56 lb] and trundles round on a toy truck blowing smoke rings - too unfit to run with other kids.
Mum Diana, 26, wept: "He's totally addicted. If he doesn't get cigarettes, he gets angry and screams and batters his head against the wall. He tells me he feels dizzy and sick."
Ardi will smoke only one brand and his habit costs his parents £3.78 a day in Musi Banyuasin, Indonesia.
Officials have offered to buy the family a car if he quits.
But fishmonger Mohammed, 30, said: "He looks pretty healthy to me. I don't see the problem."
I just now saw this on TV. It's unbelievable. I'm speechless!! Why oh why would you even consider giving your baby a cig??? I don't get it? And, 40 a day???? Holy crap!!!
That's disgusting beyond belief. Gee, I'm going to let my child take up a deadly habit and allow him to continue because he might have a tantrum if I try to make him stop.
That's disgusting beyond belief. Gee, I'm going to let my child take up a deadly habit and allow him to continue because he might have a tantrum if I try to make him stop.
Way to go, Mom and Dad!!!
What in the hell is wrong with those people? Just give your 2 year old lung cancer. What will they let him do next meth,heroin?
Am I hearing correctly that the Super Bowl will be in NYC??? Isn't that in January? And, why would anyone want to go freeze their asses off for a ball game??? It's outside right? Burrrrrrrrrrr
Is this a first???
TIS
December games in the NFL are cold in a lot of places, and they are usually packed with fans like all other game days. I'm a fan of the "cold weather" super bowl. Too often it's in Miami or Tampa because rich people who can afford the go to the super bowl don't want to have a shred of discomfort. Maybe this will weed some of them out and get real fans to the game.
If the Bears played the Colts at Soldier Field in December I'd love to be out there freezing my ass off.
Too often it's in Miami or Tampa because rich people who can afford the go to the super bowl don't want to have a shred of discomfort. Maybe this will weed some of them out and get real fans to the game.
Are you kidding?? In the NY tristate area?? Not in a million years. It's too bad, but that's just the way it is.
Updated 8:18 a.m. ET More than 113 census takers have been the victims of assaults or attacks this month, the U.S. Census Bureau said late Wednesday.
In response to inquiries by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Census Director Robert Groves said the bureau's temporary workers knocking on doors to collect information have faced 29 threats involving a gun, four robberies and three instances of being held against their will or carjacked. Seven workers died in car accidents and one was killed while off duty.
I'm sure you all have radio stations that play the top rock songs ever during the Memorial Day holiday. They have the top 500 here in California. While I like the top ten, not necessarily what my picks would be. "My Girl" by the Temps is the #1. Yet, I'd have a very hard time picking my "favorite" of all time
For DeNiro, who is a fellow Beatle fan, I love listening to the radio every Sunday morning for a show called "The Beatle Years". So many different tidbits, with Beatle interviews and info I never knew before. You can listen live if you're interested (although it's done for this week). Also DeNiro, I see to the left of this page a "Viva Elvis" is coming soon. I'll have to check into it.
Some of you may already be aware of this site, but if not it is really cool. It's http://www.lotview.net. It consists of ground level pictures of what I suppose is just about every city in the country.
I went to the house I grew up in and my grade school Corpus Christi. I also checked out Vito's house.You can move the picture up and down a street and rotate it to see what's across the street. Give it a try.
Ha ha...you'd think after 40 years you're pretty much joined at the hip. I mean you gotta know each other inside and out no? Or do you still have your wild oats to sow or catch up on good time you missed or what??
I can't say I know him, but what a shame. How can you die from drinking (if that's how he actually did die). Wow, I can imagine how shocked his family is.
Seems that he had a problem with alcohol, and had been in rehab in the past. When you hear about someone dying from binge drinking, you associate it with a 19 year old fraternity pledge rather than a 40 year old man. Either way, what a shame. As I've said before, burying your child is every parent's ultimate nightmare. May God watch over the Koppel family and give them strength.
SEASCALE, England – A taxi driver went on a shooting spree across a rural area of northwestern England on Wednesday, police said, killing 12 people and wounding 25 others before turning the gun on himself.
The rampage in Cumbria was the deadliest mass shooting since 1996 in Britain, where gun ownership is tightly restricted and handguns are banned.
The deadly spree "has shocked the people of Cumbria and around the country to the core," Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said.
Officers found Bird's body in woods near the Lake District village of Boot. Hyde said two weapons were recovered from the scene.
The shootings occurred in the town of Whitehaven and nearby Seascale and Egremont, about 350 miles (560 kilometers) northwest of London. The area is popular with hikers and vacationers. UK Shooting
I am hearing MSNBC breaking a story about they Dutch boy (Youran Vander Sleut)who was arrested (twice) then released during the Natalie Holloway disappearance. He is now wanted in the disappearance of a Peruvian girl. I don't know details yet.
Apparently, at this point, he's NOT arrested but was the last person to see this girl alive.
Yea, I heard just after I posted. Poor girl!! I think Natalie's parents deep down always had it in their minds that it was this guy. I'm sure they are following this story very very closely. It's playing out very much like the Holloway case so far.
I'm sure he'll not incriminate himself, but I'm curious as to what he (or his lawyer's) comment might be regarding the fact that, at two different times, he was with a young girl the night before they turned up missing/murdered. Gee, what a coincidence?
SEASCALE, England – A taxi driver went on a shooting spree across a rural area of northwestern England on Wednesday, police said, killing 12 people and wounding 25 others before turning the gun on himself.
The rampage in Cumbria was the deadliest mass shooting since 1996 in Britain, where gun ownership is tightly restricted and handguns are banned.
The deadly spree "has shocked the people of Cumbria and around the country to the core," Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said.
Officers found Bird's body in woods near the Lake District village of Boot. Hyde said two weapons were recovered from the scene.
The shootings occurred in the town of Whitehaven and nearby Seascale and Egremont, about 350 miles (560 kilometers) northwest of London. The area is popular with hikers and vacationers. UK Shooting
My girlfriend and I went to a taping of Lopez Tonight last night in Burbank, and I got to see Peter Frampton. That dude's still got it at 60. He was incredible!
Overall, it was a fun time, but there was a lot of waiting, and when we finally got to the studio, they told us there were no more seats available, so we had to stand for the duration. But I can't complain too much, because it was free. George Lopez is hilarious, and the tapings are much more entertaining than what you see on TV. There is a lot that goes down during the commercials and intermissions that you don't get to see on TV. And the hype man was absolutely hilarious! Overall, my girlfriend and I had a good time, and it was nice getting out of the OC for a while and going to the city.
I heard yesterday about the taxi cab driver shooting spree. That is awful. Do they know or have any info as to why this guy went on the shooting spree?
X,
I was in Burbank once a long time ago to see a Murphy Brown taping. For a half hour show it took over two hours to tape. Yet, it was fun and interesting to watch.
CNN is reporting: Former Natalee Holloway case suspect Joran van der Sloot, wanted in slaying in Peru, has been apprehended in Chile.
Beth, I was just gonna post the same thing. He has been arrested for "murder" the news story said. Question, can they re-open the Holloway case also? Or since he was released can they not re-investigate/charge him? After all he is in another country and both murders occurred out of the U.S. Do different laws apply?
CNN is reporting: Former Natalee Holloway case suspect Joran van der Sloot, wanted in slaying in Peru, has been apprehended in Chile.
Beth, I was just gonna post the same thing. He has been arrested for "murder" the news story said. Question, can they re-open the Holloway case also? Or since he was released can they not re-investigate/charge him? After all he is in another country and both murders occurred out of the U.S. Do different laws apply?
TIS
as far as i know they can reopen cases because they don't have double jeopardy (but, i am not 100% sure about that).
CNN is reporting: Former Natalee Holloway case suspect Joran van der Sloot, wanted in slaying in Peru, has been apprehended in Chile.
Beth, I was just gonna post the same thing. He has been arrested for "murder" the news story said. Question, can they re-open the Holloway case also? Or since he was released can they not re-investigate/charge him? After all he is in another country and both murders occurred out of the U.S. Do different laws apply?
TIS
He was taken into custody in Chile and a request from Peruvian authorities to extradite him will probably be honored.
However, I am a little surprised that you would ask if different laws apply.
I guess what I'm getting at is, since he was not arrested in the U.S. nor was the crime committed in the U.S., what the laws of Peru are regarding these murder charges. (i.e. can they reopen the Holloway investigation, is he given the same rights as in the U.S. and should it go to court, is there a trial jury).
The biggest problem with the Holloway investigation is that they still don't have a body.
True. If he is convicted/confesses to this current murder, and if he killed Natalie, for her parents' sake I sure hope he fesses up. I feel bad for them not knowing for certain (even if they do have their hunches). It's gotta be agony.
Whatever happened to those skeletal remains supposedly found at the bottom of the ocean taken by that tourist's camera? The last I heard they said they were deep down or they couldn't locate where they were.
Van der sloor jokedly confessed to that guy in the hidden camera interview he did. Of course, that'll never be admissible. I think Natalie's mom just needs to hold a pair of rusty scissors and give him a castoration to gain her justice.
First of all, he was never tried in Holloway's death. Even if it had happened in the US, double jeopardy wouldn't apply because he was arrested and then the charges were dropped.
Thank goodness he fled to Chile and not Argentina, as was feared. Argentina does not extradite criminals, as the Nazis knew. There were enough former Nazis hiding out in Argentina that they could have changed the capital's name from Buenos Aires to Berlin.
Is Aruba still under Dutch rule? I mean, the Dutch seem all nice, with their chocolates and wooden shoes, but isn't that the same country that ruled South Africa? That's all I'm saying.
First of all, he was never tried in Holloway's death. Even if it had happened in the US, double jeopardy wouldn't apply because he was arrested and then the charges were dropped.
Thank goodness he fled to Chile and not Argentina, as was feared. Argentina does not extradite criminals, as the Nazis knew. There were enough former Nazis hiding out in Argentina that they could have changed the capital's name from Buenos Aires to Berlin.
Is Aruba still under Dutch rule? I mean, the Dutch seem all nice, with their chocolates and wooden shoes, but isn't that the same country that ruled South Africa? That's all I'm saying.
Right. Double jeopardy only attaches (in the US) after a not guilty verdict. Dutch law applies in Aruba. The British were the last rulers of South Afica. By the way, Argentina and the US have an extradition treaty.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—- Law enforcement sources have confirmed to NBC that Natalie Holloway’s mother Beth Holloway was targeted by Joran van der Sloot in an alleged extortion scheme.
Thursday U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance announced extortion and wire fraud charges against van der Sloot.
Vance claimed van der Sloot sold false information about Natalie Holloway’s disappearance and circumstances surrounding her death to someone in Birmingham.
Vance said $15,000 was wired from Birmingham to the Netherlands on May 10, 2010 and that van der Sloot was ultimately seeking $250,000.....
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—- Law enforcement sources have confirmed to NBC that Natalie Holloway’s mother Beth Holloway was targeted by Joran van der Sloot in an alleged extortion scheme.
Thursday U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance announced extortion and wire fraud charges against van der Sloot.
Vance claimed van der Sloot sold false information about Natalie Holloway’s disappearance and circumstances surrounding her death to someone in Birmingham.
Vance said $15,000 was wired from Birmingham to the Netherlands on May 10, 2010 and that van der Sloot was ultimately seeking $250,000.....
Published: Jun 4, 2010 Rush Limbaugh Wedding Date Set? Fourth's a Charm? by Mitch Marconi
Rush Limbaugh is getting married for a fourth time this weekend with Kathryn Rogers. Limbaugh, 59, is marrying Rogers, 33, at his Palm Beach compound. This is an unconfirmed report by the Palm Beach Post.
Egypt: No citizenship in Israeli unions By MAAMOUN YOUSSEF
updated 2:30 p.m. CT, Sat., June 5, 2010 CAIRO - An Egyptian appeals court on Saturday upheld a ruling that orders the country's Interior Ministry to strip the citizenship from Egyptians married to Israeli women.
The case underlines the deep animosity many Egyptians still hold toward Israelis, despite a peace treaty signed between the two countries 31 years ago.
Has anyone else run into this when surfing the net? I used Google to look up federal grants for book writing and when I clicked on my selection my virus software alerted me that it contained a malicious virus. This also happened to me a few weeks a go when I was surfing for a link about autos. I always figured that malicious software was primarily associated with adult sites.
Has anyone else run into this when sufing the net? I used Google to look up federal grants for book writing and when I clicked on my selection my virus software alerted me that it contained a malicious virus. This also happened to me a few weeks a go when I was surfing for a link about autos. I always figured that malicious software was primarily associated with adult sites.
i get that when ever i try to find a episode of a tv show
I really feel so badly for this family and Natalie Holloway's. It's heartwrenching enough to lose your child but to never now where she/he is or what actually happened to her thus never being able to put them to rest has to be unbearable. Not to even mention finding and punishing the person responsible for her death.
I sincerely hope they find Staci and Natalie for that matter.
To bury a child is every parent's nightmare, but to face the unknown must be even more horrible. Do you ever stop jumping every time the doorbell or the phone rings??
Yeah, Elton got paid. But he's appeared/performed with other people that made ugly comments about gays in the past so it's probably not a big deal to him. Business is business.
A Joran van der Sloot confession may close one murder case while raising more questions in another.
The Dutchman, long the prime suspect in U.S. teen Natalee Holloway's 2005 disappearance in Aruba, confessed to killing a different young woman in his Lima hotel room last week, a police spokesman says.
Police Col. Abel Gamarra, head of the Information Directorate of Police, told The Associated Press late Monday that Van der Sloot admitted under questioning by police that he killed 21-year-old Stephany Flores.
Gamarra said the case will be turned over to prosecutors who will present formal charges against Van der Sloot. The National Prison Institute will determine which prison he will be held in while awaiting trial.
According to La Republica newspaper, van der Sloot said he broke Stephany Flores' neck after she grabbed his laptop without his permission and found out that he was involved in the disappearance of an American woman.
The paper quoted van der Sloot as saying, "I did not want to do it. The girl intruded into my private life... she didn't have any right.
"I went to her and I hit her. She was scared, we argued and she tried to escape. I grabbed her by the neck and hit her."
Has anyone else run into this when surfing the net? I used Google to look up federal grants for book writing and when I clicked on my selection my virus software alerted me that it contained a malicious virus. This also happened to me a few weeks a go when I was surfing for a link about autos. I always figured that malicious software was primarily associated with adult sites.
Joran Vandersloot has confessed to killing the Peruvian girl. Evidently he felt she was intruding on his personal life by reading internet stories about him which led to an argument and him grabbing her by the neck and killing her.
Natalie Holloway's father is of course is following this story very closely. I heard yesterday that Joran was on suicide watch. I sure hope this will lead to closure in Natalie's case.
The next time you're having a bad day, count yourself lucky.
updated 2:27 p.m. CT, Tues., June 8, 2010 ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Richard Butler wanted his girlfriend to think they were just taking a scenic hike in the North Carolina mountains, but he had a secret plan. When they got to the top, he planned to pull out a ring and ask her to be his bride.
Lightning struck three times as the Knoxville, Tenn., couple were on Max Patch Bald, near Asheville. The third hit Butler, 30, and his girlfriend, Bethany Lott, 25, killing her on Friday, he told the Asheville Citizen Times. He suffered third degree burns.
The next time you're having a bad day, count yourself lucky.
updated 2:27 p.m. CT, Tues., June 8, 2010 ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Richard Butler wanted his girlfriend to think they were just taking a scenic hike in the North Carolina mountains, but he had a secret plan. When they got to the top, he planned to pull out a ring and ask her to be his bride.
Lightning struck three times as the Knoxville, Tenn., couple were on Max Patch Bald, near Asheville. The third hit Butler, 30, and his girlfriend, Bethany Lott, 25, killing her on Friday, he told the Asheville Citizen Times. He suffered third degree burns.
damn...this is why you should propose indoors, and not in public.
WASHINGTON – The FBI thought it was closing in on Joran Van der Sloot in the notorious Natalee Holloway missing-teenager case, paying him at least $15,000 in a sting operation, federal officials said Wednesday. But when the agency delayed his arrest to help build a murder case, he took the money and headed for Peru, where authorities say he now has confessed to killing a different young woman.
Federal law enforcement officials and a private investigator say the work on Holloway's disappearance was revived about six weeks ago when Van der Sloot reached out to someone close to the Alabama teenager's mother and requested $250,000 in exchange for disclosing the location of the young woman's body on the island of Aruba.
RIO DE JANEIRO – A man in a remote fishing village in Brazil kept his daughter imprisoned for 12 years, raped her repeatedly and had seven children with her, police said Wednesday. The man is also accused of abusing a young girl he had with his daughter.
On a much lighter note, I heard just now that it was 3 years ago today that HBO aired the very disappointing (IMHO but we won't go there again) season finale of The Sopranos. They showed a very brief clip of the ending and commented on how the cable companies received phone calls to see if there tv went out. Plus, they said that "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey has been in the top 10 most downloaded songs even still.
On a much lighter note, I heard just now that it was 3 years ago today that HBO aired the very disappointing (IMHO but we won't go there again) season finale of The Sopranos. They showed a very brief clip of the ending and commented on how the cable companies received phone calls to see if there tv went out. Plus, they said that "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey has been in the top 10 most downloaded songs even still.
'Female viagra' could be approved next week by the FDA
Washington, June 12 (ANI): Next week, the FDA will vote on whether the female libido enhancing drug Flibanserin should be voted in or out. If in, it could mean a business of 2 billion dollars in US markets alone. The Food and Drug Administration will vote on what's being called 'female viagra', a drug that could be a boon to many women suffering from low sex drives across the globe but is still ensnared by controversy.
The pill is designed to treat a condition identified in an estimated 10 percent to 30 percent of women as hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD - characterised by lack of sexual desire or fantasies, causing emotional distress, a rather vague diagnosis. The pill, however, comes with side effects, which include insomnia, nausea and dizziness. As always, women will need to decide whether the risks versus the benefits compared to other treatment alternatives are worth it for them.
Arizona's Next Immigration Target: Children of Illegals
Buoyed by recent public opinion polls suggesting they're on the right track with illegal immigration, Arizona Republicans will likely introduce legislation this fall that would deny birth certificates to children born in Arizona - and thus American citizens according to the U.S. Constitution - to parents who are not legal U.S. citizens. The law largely is the brainchild of state Sen. Russell Pearce, a Republican whose suburban district, Mesa, is considered the conservative bastion of the Phoenix political scene. He is a leading architect of the Arizona law that sparked outrage throughout the country: Senate Bill 1070, which allows law enforcement officers to ask about someone's immigration status during a traffic stop, detainment or arrest if reasonable suspicion exists - things like poor English skills, acting nervous or avoiding eye contact during a traffic stop.
Of course, there are potential (and probable) conflicts with the 14th amendment. Such conflicts will almost certainly be the subject of a Supreme Court case.
Arizona's Next Immigration Target: Children of Illegals
Buoyed by recent public opinion polls suggesting they're on the right track with illegal immigration, Arizona Republicans will likely introduce legislation this fall that would deny birth certificates to children born in Arizona - and thus American citizens according to the U.S. Constitution - to parents who are not legal U.S. citizens. The law largely is the brainchild of state Sen. Russell Pearce, a Republican whose suburban district, Mesa, is considered the conservative bastion of the Phoenix political scene. He is a leading architect of the Arizona law that sparked outrage throughout the country: Senate Bill 1070, which allows law enforcement officers to ask about someone's immigration status during a traffic stop, detainment or arrest if reasonable suspicion exists - things like poor English skills, acting nervous or avoiding eye contact during a traffic stop.
Of course, there are potential (and probable) conflicts with the 14th amendment. Such conflicts will almost certainly be the subject of a Supreme Court case.
this is going the wrong way of handling this...arizona is putting a bad name on this country like hitler did to germany. what's next make 'camps' for all the illegals rounded up?
Germans also. There's a couple of books published during the previous ten years on the internment of what was mostly American citizens whose ancestry originated in the countries on which the US had declared war.
Germans also. There's a couple of books published during the previous ten years on the internment of what was mostly American citizens whose ancestry originated in the countries on which the US had declared war.
really? like a large majority of italians or justs ones suspected on being allied with opposing forces?
This is taken from Wikipedia, but it seems on par with what I've read avout the subject elsewhere.
Italian American internment
Terms The term "Italian American" does not have a legal definition. It is generally understood to mean ethnic Italians of American nationality, whether Italian-born immigrants to the United States (naturalized or unnaturalized) or American-born people of Italian descent (natural-born U.S. citizens).
The term "enemy alien" has a legal definition. The relevant federal statutes in Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the United States Code, for example par. 21 [1], which applies only to persons 14 years of age or older who are within the United States and not naturalized. Under this provision, which was first defined and enacted in 1798 (in the Alien Enemies Act, one of the four Alien and Sedition Acts) and amended in 1918 (in the Sedition Act of 1918) to apply to females as well as to males, all "...natives, citizens, denizens or subjects..." of any foreign nation or government with which the United States is at war "...are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured and removed as alien enemies...."[2]
Thus, at the outbreak of World War II, for example, an Italian businessman temporarily living in the United States, Italian diplomats, and Italian international students studying in the United States all became "enemy aliens" the moment Italy declared war on the United States. In some cases, such temporary residents were expelled (such as diplomats) or given a chance to leave the country when war was declared. Some were interned, as were the Italian merchant seamen caught in U.S. ports when their ships were impounded (discussed below) in 1939 when war broke out in Europe.
The members of the "Italian community" in the United States presented an unusual problem. Defined in terms of national origin, it was the largest community in the United States, having been supplied by a steady flow of immigrants from Italy between the 1880s and 1930. By 1940, there were, thus, millions of native-born Italian Americans in the United States. However, there were also a great many Italian "enemy aliens" (more than 600,000, according to most sources). These were not Italian students, diplomats, or businessmen, but rather 600,000 Italians who had immigrated during the previous decades and had never become naturalized citizens of the United States.
The laws regarding "enemy aliens" did not make ideological distinctions—treating as legally the same pro-Fascist Italian businessmen living for a short time in the U.S. and trapped there when war broke out, anti-Fascist refugees from Italy who arrived a few years earlier intending to become U.S. citizens but who had not completed the process of naturalization, and those who had emigrated from Italy at the turn of the century and raised entire families of native-born Italian Americans but who were not naturalized themselves. They were all considered enemy aliens.
Before United States entry into World War II Custodial detention index The problem of "enemy aliens" in the United States started well before the nation's entry into World War II. The United States entered the war after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
In September 1939, Britain and France declared war against Nazi Germany after the Germans invaded Poland. In a show of support of Britain and France, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, J. Edgar Hoover, to compile a Custodial Detention Index of persons to be arrested in case of national emergency. The Axis powers allied with Germany included Fascist Italy and the Japanese Empire. Thus, at more than one year before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Department of Justice began to list possible saboteurs and enemy agents among the German, Japanese, and Italian populations. [3] Also, resident aliens were registered in 1940 under the Smith Act.
War relocation centers A distinction must be made between:
Italian Americans designated "enemy aliens" (non-U.S. citizens) as defined by Title 50 of the United States Code[4] Italian Americans who were evacuated and interned under the War Relocation Authority. This authority was based on Executive Order 9066 (issued February 19, 1942) and Executive Order 9102 (issued March 18, 1942). These orders authorized the "removal from designated areas of persons whose removal is necessary in the interests of national security."[5] That authority did not distinguish between native-born Americans and citizens of other nations living in the United States; the orders simply said "persons." This was the same basis upon which Japanese Americans were interned, an effort much larger in scale than Italian American internment. Indeed, both foreign-born and native-born Japanese Americans and both citizens and non-citizens were interned, though the majority (about 60 percent) were in fact native-born U.S. citizens.[6][7][8] Italian Americans interned under the War Relocation Authority were not arrested under the Enemy Alien Act, but were simply "persons" removed under the War Relocation Authority. Generally speaking, that was not the case with members of the Italian community.[citation needed] Although there were anomalous cases of U.S. native-born Italian Americans being caught in the round-up, the others had been born in Italy and were still Italian citizens, even if many of them had resided in the U.S. for decades.
Di Stasi[9] cites a number of such cases of mistreatment and internment of "Italian Americans," although he apparently defines "Italian American" as anyone within the Italian community, native-born U.S. citizens or Italian-born non-U.S. citizens.
1941 to 1943 The general chronology of events regarding the treatment of enemy aliens and the reaction in the Italian community is as follows:
In the months immediately after the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, hundreds of Italians were arrested. On December 11, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy declared war on the United States. The United States reciprocated and entered World War II. By June 1942, the total reached 1,521 Italian aliens arrested by the FBI.[9] About 250 individuals were interned for up to two years in military camps in Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. In late December 1941, enemy aliens throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are required to surrender hand cameras, short-wave radio receiving sets and radio transmitters not later than 11 p.m. on the following Monday.[10] In January 1942, all enemy aliens were required to register at local post offices around the country. As enemy aliens they were required to be fingerprinted, photographed, and carry their photo-bearing "enemy alien registration cards" at all times. Attorney General Francis M. Biddle assured enemy aliens that they would not be discriminated against if they were loyal. He cited Department of Justice figures: Of the 1,100,000 (sic) enemy aliens in the United States, 92,000 were Japanese, 315,000 were German, and 695,000 were Italian. In all, 2,972 had been arrested and held, mostly Japanese and Germans. Only 231 Italians had been arrested.[11] On January 11, the New York Times reported that "Representatives of 200,000 Italian-American trade unionists appealed to President Roosevelt yesterday to 'remove the intolerable stigma of being branded as enemy aliens' from Italian and German nationals who had formally declared their intentions of becoming American citizens by taking out first papers before America's entry into the war."[12] A few weeks later, the same newspaper reported that "…Thousands of enemy aliens living in areas adjacent to shipyards, docks, power plants and defense factories prepared today to find new homes as Attorney General Biddle added sixty-nine more districts in California to the earlier list of West Coast sections barred to Japanese, Italian and German nationals.[13] On February 1, the Justice Department warned all aliens of enemy nationalities fourteen years of age or older that they had to register within the week if they lived in the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Montana, Utah or Idaho. Failure to do so could result in severe penalties, including internment for the duration of the war.[14] Later in February, the Italian American Labor Council, founded by Luigi Antonini, met in New York and voiced "opposition to any blanket law for aliens that does not differentiate between those who are subversive and those who are loyal to America."[15] In March, the War Relocation Authority is established (see above). Again, the relocation of citizens and non-citizens, alike, under this authority was legally quite different than the arrest and detention of foreign nationals under the Enemy Alien Act. By September 23, 1942, the Justice Department claimed "…From the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor until 1 September, 6,800 enemy aliens were apprehended in the United States and half of them have either been paroled or released."[16] In October, the 600,000 unnaturalized Italians living in the United States were freed from the stigma of being alien enemies. The plan was approved by President Roosevelt and many restrictions were lifted. Members of the Italian community could now travel freely, own cameras and firearms, and were not required to carry ID cards.[17] Italy's surrender on September 8, 1943 brought about the release of most of the Italian American internees by year's end. Some had been paroled months after "exoneration" by a second hearing board appealed for by their families. Nonetheless, most of the men had spent two years as prisoners, moving from camp to camp every three to four months.[9] Attorney General’s Report on Wartime Restrictions On November 7, 2000, the U.S. Congress passed the Wartime Violation of Italian American Civil Liberties Act.(Pub.L. 106-451, 114 Stat. 1947) This law, in part, directed the U.S. Attorney General to conduct a comprehensive review of the treatment by the U.S. Government of Italian Americans during World War II and to report on its findings within a year. The Attorney General submitted this report, A Review of the Restrictions on Persons of Italian Ancestry During World War II, to the U.S. Congress on November 7, 2001 and the House Judiciary Committee released the report to the public on November 27, 2001.[18] The report, covering the period September 1, 1939, to December 31, 1945, describes the authority under which the United States undertook enforcement of wartime restrictions on Italian Americans and detailed these restrictions. In addition, the report provides 11 lists, most of which include the names of those most directly affected by the wartime restrictions.[19] The lists include:
1.the names of 74 persons of Italian ancestry taken into custody in the initial roundup following the attack on Pearl Harbor and prior to the United States declaration of war against Italy, 2.the names of 1,881 other persons of Italian ancestry who were taken into custody, 3.the names and locations of 418 persons of Italian ancestry who were interned, 4.the names of 47 persons of Italian ancestry ordered to move from designated areas under the Individual Exclusion Program or, and an additional 12 who appeared before the Individual Exclusion Board, though it unknown if an exclusion order was issued, 5.the names of 56 persons of Italian ancestry not subject to individual exclusion orders who were ordered to temporarily move from designated areas, 6.the names of 442 persons of Italian ancestry arrested for curfew, contraband, or other violations, 7.a list of 33 ports from which fishermen of Italian ancestry were restricted, 8.names of 315 fishermen of Italian ancestry who were prevented from fishing in prohibited zones, 9.the names of 2 persons of Italian ancestry whose boats were confiscated, 10.a list of 12 railroad workers of Italian ancestry prevented from working in prohibited zones, of whom only 4 are named, and 11.a list of 6 wartime restrictions on persons of Italian ancestry resulting specifically from Executive Order 9066.
In the world of bullfighting, a bit of cowardice comes at a high cost.
That's a lesson Christian Hernandez learned the hard way Sunday, when, in a bullfight at Mexico City's famed Plaza Mexico, the 22-year-old matador decided to bolt across the ring and leap headfirst over a wall as the bull charged forward. The move drew jeers and whistles from less-than-impressed spectators.
Though he briefly re-appeared in the ring, a humiliated Hernandez was later arrested for breach of contract. According to local media reports, he was released by police after paying a fine.
"There are some things you must be aware of about yourself," the Mexican apprentice matador said in an interview before announcing his retirement. "I didn't have the ability, I didn't have the balls ... this is not my thing."
This is not Hernandez's first brush with infamy in the bullfighting arena. Earlier this year, he was injured after being gored in the leg by a bull. Brave Sir Christian Ran Away
I have never understood people who lose it after romantic setbacks and want to kill other innocent people.
A correction officer went on a blood-thirsty rampage in Long Island Wednesday, killing her ex-girlfriend and her uncle, and wounding her grandfather, police said.
The suspected shooter then abducted her niece and hopped in a car, surrendering during a traffic stop about four hours after the carnage began. Charges are pending against Kim Wolfe, 43, who was hospitalized after having trouble breathing.
"She loved her job," Patricia Bines said of her slain sister, Stacie Williams, a nurse's aide. "She loved working with babies. This is the worst day of our lives."
School bans student's hat honoring Army troops over no-weapons policy Associated Press • June 17, 2010
Twitter FarkIt Type Size A A A PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island mother says her son's school cited its no-weapons policy in stopping the second-grader from wearing a patriotic hat he made to honor Army troops.
Christan (KRIS'-ten) Morales says her 8-year-old son, David, was assigned to make a crazy hat for his class at the Tiogue (TEYE'-ohg) School in Coventry. She says they brainstormed and he came up with an idea to glue small plastic Army figures to a camouflage hat with an American flag. But she says David was not allowed to wear the hat for the project. Morales says his teacher called her to say it wasn't appropriate because it had guns, violating a school ban on weapons and toy weapons. The principal did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Nevada's jobless rate hit a record high last month and and is now the highest in the nation, the first time in four years that Michigan doesn't hold that distinction, according to a government report released Friday.
The Silver State's unemployment rate climbed to 14% in May, the highest in the state since 1976 when the Labor Department began collecting the data. It was up from 13.7% in April.
School bans student's hat honoring Army troops over no-weapons policy Associated Press • June 17, 2010
Twitter FarkIt Type Size A A A PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island mother says her son's school cited its no-weapons policy in stopping the second-grader from wearing a patriotic hat he made to honor Army troops.
Christan (KRIS'-ten) Morales says her 8-year-old son, David, was assigned to make a crazy hat for his class at the Tiogue (TEYE'-ohg) School in Coventry. She says they brainstormed and he came up with an idea to glue small plastic Army figures to a camouflage hat with an American flag. But she says David was not allowed to wear the hat for the project. Morales says his teacher called her to say it wasn't appropriate because it had guns, violating a school ban on weapons and toy weapons. The principal did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
TRENTON, N.J. – Tired of boorish comments and jokes about New Jersey, residents and business people have created a website to express their Garden State pride.
The site — JerseyDoesntStink.com — is designed to rally those who are tired of the putdowns about pollution, wisecracks about wise guys, and cheap shots about corruption. With companion Facebook and Twitter pages, state residents can sound off online in defense of their home state.
Not much content on there - more of a petition and links to Facebook. Where's the list of "all that's good about NJ"?
Wow, what's wrong with Jersey??? Geez, nearly everyone interviewed in the video hated it. It doesn't look bad. Plus Tony Soprano is from Jersey. Heck, don't they even know that Jersey has Geoff??????? That alone says a lot.
Btw, what is a "roundabout" that the one guy was complaining about? I'm guessing something to do with traffic??
We had a roundabout put in a few years ago. People are still bitching about it. If they could figure out how to drive they'd realize it's a lot better than what it used to be. It's not difficult to use at all, if you have a shred of (un)common sense, I like it.
Only when people know how to drive through them, I suppose. They've had to add Yield signs to teach people not used to circles. But the real benefit is to keep traffic moving, rather than having huge intersections with backed-up traffic at stop lights.
I see. It's a circle then? It does look very dangerous and I don't quite understand "why" there would be such a road. I'd hate to be new to the area and driving drunk (not that I would).
NEW YORK – Calling himself a "Muslim soldier," a defiant Pakistan-born U.S. citizen pleaded guilty Monday to carrying out the failed Times Square car bombing, saying his attack was the answer to "the U.S. terrorizing ... Muslim people."
Wearing a white skull cap, Faisal Shahzad entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Manhattan just days after a federal grand jury indicted him on 10 terrorism and weapons counts, some of which carried mandatory life prison sentences. He pleaded guilty to them all.
"One has to understand where I'm coming from," Shahzad calmly told U.S. District Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum, who challenged him repeatedly with questions such as whether he worried about killing children in Times Square. "I consider myself ... a Muslim soldier."
The 30-year-old described his effort to set off a bomb in an SUV he parked in Times Square on May 1, saying he chose the warm Saturday night because it would be crowded with people who he could injure or kill.
He revealed that he actually packed his vehicle with three separate bombs, hoping to set off a fertilizer-fueled bomb packed in a gun cabinet, a set of propane tanks and gas canisters rigged with fireworks to explode into a fireball.
Shahzad said he expected the bombs to begin going off after he lighted a fuse and waited between 2 1/2 minutes and five minutes for them to erupt.
"I was waiting to hear a sound but I didn't hear a sound. So I walked to Grand Central and went home," he said.
Shahzad dismissed the judge's question about the children by saying the U.S. didn't care when children were killed in Muslim countries.
"It's a war. I am part of the answer to the U.S. terrorizing the Muslim nations and the Muslim people," he said. "On behalf of that, I'm revenging the attack. Living in the United States, Americans only care about their people but they don't care about the people elsewhere in the world when they die."
Shahzad made the plea and an accompanying statement as Cedarbaum began asking him a lengthy series of questions to ensure he understood his rights.
Cedarbaum asked Shahzad if he understood some charges carried mandatory life sentences and that he might spend the rest of his life in prison. He said he did.
At one point, she asked him if he was sure he wanted to plead guilty.
He said he wanted "to plead guilty and 100 times more" to let the U.S. know that if it did not get out of Iraq and Afghanistan, halt drone attacks and stop meddling in Muslim lands, "we will be attacking U.S."
A Portland, Oregon massage therapist's claim of "unwanted sexual contact" against former Vice President Al Gore has been dismissed by local authorities.
Multnomah County District Attorney Schrunk said Wednesday there was insufficient evidence to support the masseuse's accusations. She has since refused to be interviewed by police and did not want the investigation to continue.
According to the police report, Gore went under the alias "Mr. Stone" at the upscale Hotel Lucia. On the day of the alleged incident, Oct. 24, 2006, Gore was in Portland to give a speech on climate change.
The massage therapist said Gore asked for an abdominal massage, according to a transcript of the interview released by police. The masseuse said Gore began to moan during his appointment, insisted that she go lower and..
It doesn't seem like it, but it's been one year already since Michael Jackson died. I guess they are having some kind of tribute here in L.A. Also, they are having an auction at Planet Hollywood in Vegas in which they are selling various MJ items, like the shirt he wore in the Beat-it video. They say they expect at least 16,000 for it.
It doesn't seem like it, but it's been one year already since Michael Jackson died. I guess they are having some kind of tribute here in L.A. Also, they are having an auction at Planet Hollywood in Vegas in which they are selling various MJ items, like the shirt he wore in the Beat-it video. They say they expect at least 16,000 for it.
TIS
also too MTV is showing jacksons best music videos today (4-5:30 central time). its sad that this is the only way they show music videos now.
I was at the rehab facility with my wife & daughter having dinner with my mother (she just had knee replacement surgery) when one of my daughter's friend texted her that Michael Jackson just died.
They are having something in L.A. (or wherever the cemetary is)and mentioned a lot of guidelines and dos/don'ts to anyone planning to attend. I haven't heard any updates, but I do know that they banned any kind of signs/banners or you'd be turned away.
If Joe Jackson could sell tickets to this memorial, I'm sure he would.
GOP: Schwarzenegger 'a great disappointment' updated 6/26/2010 7:49:26 AM ET
ANAHEIM, CALIF. — When Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina, the Dream Team of the California GOP, joined hands at a rally celebrating their primary victories this month, there was one broad-shouldered Republican conspicuously missing from the scene: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Organizers said the actor-turned-politician declined an invitation to the event. The truth is, he would not have been welcome. After nearly six years in office, Schwarzenegger has few friends left in either party. The state budget deficit hovers around $20 billion; his approval rating has sunk below 25 percent.
"We thought he was going to be a great governor, but he has been a great disappointment," said Geneviève M. Clavreul, a Republican activist.
As candidates in races across the country try to position themselves as the politician with the least political experience, Schwarzenegger's troubles in California illustrate some of the possible downsides of outsiderdom. Like Whitman, the GOP's candidate for governor, and Fiorina, the party's Senate nominee, Schwarzenegger came to office as a non-politician who would solve problems with unconventional ideas.
By ROB GILLIES, Associated Press Writer – 21 mins ago
TORONTO – Police raided a university building and rounded up hundreds of protesters Sunday in an effort to quell further violence near the G-20 global economic summit site a day after black-clad youths rampaged through the city, smashing windows and torching police cars.
The violence shocked Canada, where civil unrest is almost unknown. Toronto police Sunday said they had never before used tear gas until Saturday's clashes with anti-Globalization activists.
Police said they have arrested more than 600 demonstrators, many of whom were hauled away in plastic handcuffs and taken to a temporary holding center constructed for the summit.
Police adopted a more aggressive strategy Sunday by going into the crowd to make arrests, compared to the previous day when they stood back as protesters torched four police cars and broke store windows.
I'm sorry, but I don't care if people are protesting against the devil himself; there's absolutely NO reason to ever resort to vandalism! BUT at the same time, these latest arrests were in a university building, before the fact (and before anything happened), to prevent such further actions. That's a slippery slope perhaps....
Geoff, I have to say that I'm as surprised as the Toronto police seemingly were. I've been to Toronto several times. I've even been there during a garbage strike, and have always been impressed by the orderliness and friendliness of that beautiful city.
LN, those first steps are a thrill, but you'll soon long for the days when she was immobile. I was always amazed at how quickly they learn to RUN - and usually in the opposite direction of you!
That is fun. Like SB says, they sure move quickly. You'll do a lot of running. I always thought of it as my daily workout. Enjoy LN. These milestones only happen once and they're wonderful.
WASHINGTON, June 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday extended gun rights to every state and city in the nation in a ruling involving Chicago's 28-year-old handgun ban.
By a 5-4 vote and splitting along conservative and liberal lines, the nation's highest court extended its landmark 2008 ruling that individual Americans have a constitutional right to own guns to all the cities and states for the first time.
The right to bear arms, under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, previously applied to just federal laws and federal enclaves, like Washington D.C., where the court struck down a similar handgun ban in its 2008 ruling.
Gun rights have been one of the country's most divisive social, political and legal issues. Some 90 million people in the United States have an estimated 200 million guns.
The United States is estimated to have the world's highest civilian gun ownership rate. Gun deaths average about 80 a day, 34 of them homicides, according to U.S. government statistics.
The ruling, issued on the last day of the Supreme Court's term, was a victory for four Chicago-area residents, two gun rights groups and the politically powerful National Rifle Association.
It was a defeat for Chicago, which defended its law as a reasonable exercise of local power to protect public safety. The law and a similar handgun ban in suburban Oak Park, Illinois, were the nation's most restrictive gun control measures.
"We hold that the Second Amendment right is fully applicable to the states," Justice Samuel Alito concluded for the court majority in the 45-page ruling. (Reporting by James Vicini, Editing by Vicki Allen)
I have kind of been following that story too. That I recall, I don't remember ever hearing of anything like this happening in Canada before. From what I heard reported, it started as a peaceful demonstration with a segment of the peaceful group breaking away becoming violent, but yes, it is inexcusable to become violent.
Lilo,
I didn't know about this Chicago gun law and never having a gun, I don't know much about the laws, yet of course am reminded (news wise) constantly how it is a constitutional right. However, I would ask are there any rules as to whom owns a gun? Should there be? I've always been unclear as to what exactly the NRA and "gun owners" want. I am for guidelines and background checks.
I didn't know about this Chicago gun law and never having a gun, I don't know much about the laws, yet of course am reminded (news wise) constantly how it is a constitutional right. However, I would ask are there any rules as to whom owns a gun? Should there be? I've always been unclear as to what exactly the NRA and "gun owners" want. I am for guidelines and background checks. TIS
There are state and federal mandated rules on who is legally allowed to purchase and own a handgun. Without getting bogged down in excessive detail, usually it boils down to you must be a non-felon, you can not be legally insane or under domestic violence restraints and you must pass a background check to prove the first listed conditions and a few others. I'm not sure about other states but in Michigan if you wish to have a concealed carry license, you also must take a gun safety/gun rights class to demonstrate your knowledge of the workings of the gun and the law.
I don't think this ruling will really make that much difference in the day to day reality of Chicago. The people that were violent before this ruling will be violent after the ruling. The issue was that Chicago outright banned ownership of handguns-which according to the SC, they didn't have the right to do. Chicago could still be within the law to make legal ownership of handguns extremely onerous and difficult. And I'm betting that will be their response.
Edit:
Monday's decision did not explicitly strike down the Chicago area laws, ordering a federal appeals court to reconsider its ruling. But it left little doubt that they would eventually fall.
Still, Alito noted that the declaration that the Second Amendment is fully binding on states and cities "limits (but by no means eliminates) their ability to devise solutions to social problems that suit local needs and values."
(Reuters) - A university can legally deny recognition to a Christian student group that bars gays and nonbelievers, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday in a case that pitted anti-discrimination principles against religious freedom.
Such official recognition qualifies campus groups for funding and other benefits.
By a 5-4 vote, the justices upheld a U.S. appeals court ruling in favor of the University of California's Hastings College of the Law. It denied recognition to the group because of a school policy that membership should be open to all.
The high court's ruling was a defeat for the Christian Legal Society. It argued the U.S. Constitution does not allow a school to deny recognition to a religious student group which insists its members agree with its core views.
(Reuters) - A university can legally deny recognition to a Christian student group that bars gays and nonbelievers, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday in a case that pitted anti-discrimination principles against religious freedom.
Such official recognition qualifies campus groups for funding and other benefits.
By a 5-4 vote, the justices upheld a U.S. appeals court ruling in favor of the University of California's Hastings College of the Law. It denied recognition to the group because of a school policy that membership should be open to all.
The high court's ruling was a defeat for the Christian Legal Society. It argued the U.S. Constitution does not allow a school to deny recognition to a religious student group which insists its members agree with its core views.
Regarding these two Supreme Court rulings today, it is really exciting for a political science instructor such as myself. I'll post more on these rulings later, but for now suffice it to say that it creates quite a conundrum for Strict Constructionsists and other fans of judicial restraint. You have the same members of the same Court ruling with identical 5-4 votes what conservatives would consider on one hand on the basis of "original intent" (guns) while on the other hand engaging in judicial activisim (religion). It's interesting if not downright exciting.
Well, that was a long-ass tiring weekend! Went down to Annapolis early Friday to visit family thru Saturday late afternoon, recuperated a bit Sunday and got ready for Monday's trip to NYC for my dad's minor (but overnight stay) procedure. Took the bus up, stayed overnight w/ my mom, then drove them both back down. I'm taking tomorrow off for 'Geoffy Time'! lol
Been well, I guess. Busy with this-and-that (work/house/play/fam) for a while. Summery weather got me outside more, so on here less (which should be healthy, right?) You??
Good to hear! And maybe the next time you pop in it won't be the middle of the night (I've been trying to be good! lol) I miss your webisodes, at least posted here - have you made any others? I gotta check...
Me, too... not that I use it much, but the one I have drives me a bit crazy cuz it's one of those round ones, and it doesn't like to stay in its stand very well. But you can have it when I get around to replacing it if you want lol
We just had a roundabout put in at an intersection that was always backed up during rush hour by a half-mile or more. It moves a lot more quickly now. It helps that there are yield signs at appropriate places.
It was my great-nephew's birthday today and we all gathered at my niece's for a BBQ. It was a beautiful summer day, not too hot. He was so adorable, too. The first gift he opened was a giant parachute from his dad's sister, and he was so in love with it (seems they use one in his library play-group) that he had no desire to open any other gifts.
Located in Bridgehampton New York, this mega mansion raises the bar when it comes to fully loaded havens. Walk in the front door and you'll be blown away with grand style and luxury. This house has 31 thousand square foot of living space and every inch is a jaw dropper.
Lets start with the 2-story foyer that leads to a double living room with two grand fireplaces...
Wow! I like it actually. Not that it makes one bit of difference. I checked my account and I'm a couple dollars short.
Seriously, gorgeous if you're rich. Well, gorgeous if you're not rich. The basement is huge and what was it 10,000 sq. ft. children's area? TIS
Yeah it was 17,000 sq ft in upper levels, 10,000 sq. ft in lower levels and 4100 sq ft pool house...
But if I had a spare few hundred million to spend on housing I think I'd just purchase the Biltmore Estate. I think I could get used to 175,000 sq. ft.
WASHINGTON – Buy those Forever stamps now. The cost of mailing a letter is going up again.
Fighting to survive a deepening financial crisis, the Postal Service said Tuesday it wants to increase the price of first-class stamps by 2 cents — to 46 cents — starting in January. Other postage costs would rise as well.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A man went to the police after getting robbed by a woman he intended to pay for sex, but refused when she flashed a smile full of bad teeth. The man told investigators he and a 25-year-old woman were negotiating a price until he noticed her dental problems. He told police that after he resisted, she snatched a checkbook containing $78 from his shirt pocket and fled.
The man told authorities the woman did not realize that he had tucked a wad of cash into her bra and that she got scared and ran away.
The woman was arrested on a robbery charge.
Gainesville police said it was unlikely the man would face misdemeanor charges for solicitation, because he was the victim of a felony. ___
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A man went to the police after getting robbed by a woman he intended to pay for sex, but refused when she flashed a smile full of bad teeth. The man told investigators he and a 25-year-old woman were negotiating a price until he noticed her dental problems. He told police that after he resisted, she snatched a checkbook containing $78 from his shirt pocket and fled.
How bad were her teeth?
Were her teeth so crooked she could eat an apple through a chain link fence?
Were her teeth so yellow that when she smiled cars slowed down?
Was she missing so many teeth that it took her an hour to eat minute rice?
Biggest Defaulters on Mortgages Are the Rich By DAVID STREITFELD
LOS ALTOS, Calif. — No need for tears, but the well-off are losing their master suites and saying goodbye to their wine cellars.
The housing bust that began among the working class in remote subdivisions and quickly progressed to the suburban middle class is striking the upper class in privileged enclaves like this one in Silicon Valley.
Whether it is their residence, a second home or a house bought as an investment, the rich have stopped paying the mortgage at a rate that greatly exceeds the rest of the population.
More than one in seven homeowners with loans in excess of a million dollars are seriously delinquent, according to data compiled for The New York Times by the real estate analytics firm CoreLogic.
By contrast, homeowners with less lavish housing are much more likely to keep writing checks to their lender. About one in 12 mortgages below the million-dollar mark is delinquent.
Though it is hard to prove, the CoreLogic data suggest that many of the well-to-do are purposely dumping their financially draining properties, just as they would any sour investment.
“The rich are different: they are more ruthless,” said Sam Khater, CoreLogic’s senior economist.
Five properties here in Los Altos were scheduled for foreclosure auctions in a recent issue of The Los Altos Town Crier, the weekly newspaper where local legal notices are posted. Four have unpaid mortgage debt of more than $1 million, with the highest amount $2.8 million.
Was coming home from my folks, and there are a lot of Senior Citizen complexes in the area. Approaching the traffic light there were 3 cars in the left lane, and none in the right, so of course I went into the right lane to pass the ol' farts because after the light it merges into one lane. Nothing worse than getting stuck behind some grey-haired driver doing 40 in a 50mph zone.
At the red light, I look over and see an old couple -- like, really old. I was happy not to have gotten stuck behind them. Until the light changed. A very slight hesitation on both sides, and then the pedals hit the floor. (I was a bit shocked WHEN HE FLOORED IT, TOO!)
His top-of-the-line Toyota's 0-60 is apparently much better than my Civic's, and it's not like I didn't try. And yes, we both reached 60mph.
Part of me can't wait until I'm old and decrepit-looking and still drive like this. I gotta mind-fuck everyone else like this gentleman did to me today. I hope in his rearview mirror he saw me smile and wave in awe.
Was coming home from my folks, and there are a lot of Senior Citizen complexes in the area. Approaching the traffic light there were 3 cars in the left lane, and none in the right, so of course I went into the right lane to pass the ol' farts because after the light it merges into one lane. Nothing worse than getting stuck behind some grey-haired driver doing 40 in a 50mph zone.
At the red light, I look over and see an old couple -- like, really old. I was happy not to have gotten stuck behind them. Until the light changed. A very slight hesitation on both sides, and then the pedals hit the floor. (I was a bit shocked WHEN HE FLOORED IT, TOO!)
His top-of-the-line Toyota's 0-60 is apparently much better than my Civic's, and it's not like I didn't try. And yes, we both reached 60mph.
Part of me can't wait until I'm old and decrepit-looking and still drive like this. I gotta mind-fuck everyone else like this gentleman did to me today. I hope in his rearview mirror he saw me smile and wave in awe.
Can Your Sunscreen Cause Skin Cancer?: A dermatologist sheds light on a new study that claims your SPF might be doing more harm than good. By Kate SchweitzerFind more
A new study has found that an overwhelming amount of sunscreens on the market contain an ingredient that speeds cancerous cell growth. That's right: sunscreen might cause cancer, the very thing people lather it on to protect themselves from.
Can Your Sunscreen Cause Skin Cancer?: A dermatologist sheds light on a new study that claims your SPF might be doing more harm than good. By Kate SchweitzerFind more
A new study has found that an overwhelming amount of sunscreens on the market contain an ingredient that speeds cancerous cell growth. That's right: sunscreen might cause cancer, the very thing people lather it on to protect themselves from.
I had to take the day off work to go fight a speeding ticket. The officer claimed I was in a construction zone. I didn't think I was. The last ticket I got was 4 years prior and I paid without dispute but this one I thought was a little shady.
Anyway I set up the informal hearing-what Michigan calls the pre-hearing- and I was under the impression that the officer would have to show up (if he doesn't they have to dismiss) and that I would have an opportunity to tell my side of the story to the judge. WRONG.
I get to the court an hour early and find there's like 60 people who have a "pre-hearing" scheduled with the same judge at the same time. We share war stories. This particular municipality-Romulus- is so notorious for speed traps and tricks that Metro Airport took the rare move of putting up a billboard warning people.
Anyway I don't get to see the judge. The judge has outsourced his decision making ability to the prosecutor and a police officer. That REALLY doesn't seem fair or for that matter legal to me but it is what it is. If you have a good driving record-and I did-they offer you a much lowered (60%) fine with no points on your driving record. Otherwise you can request a formal hearing in 4-6 weeks with the judge and the actual cop who gave you the ticket but you would need a lawyer and if you lose you'd have to pay not only double the construction zone fine but also court costs.
So I did the wise thing and took the deal. I'm not going to spend $800-$1200 to fight a ticket that's a fraction of it. And I since I work in a pretty time critical job, it's difficult to get time off. BUT I still wonder if that was the right thing to do, as opposed to the pragmatic thing to do. I'm glad I didn't just pay the original ticket fine but this city is obviously running stings. Anyway I learned more about how the system works. If I get another ticket in that area I think I will not take any deals and fight all the way. But it was just a little worrisome to see that the judge who would have heard my case is so clubby with the cops and prosecutor...
If you're ever in Michigan be careful driving around the airport. That's Romulus and they will cost you some $$$.
Lilo, same thing happened to my daughter. She got a speeding ticket. The officer wouldn't even look at her PBA card. He threw it back at her and said he doesn't believe in courtesy cards!
Anyway, she got her court date, met with the officer prior to the court, worked out a deal that had a $125 fine, but wasn't a moving violation (won't raise insurance rates). She also took the deal.
The municipalities are desperate for cash. They're doing tons of "Click It or Ticket" stings, and that means they can also check registrations and inspections, brake lights, and so on. They're getting tons of money from this stuff.
Haha, no. Anarchists don't want to kill police, they just don't think there should be police.
I, for the record, don't think 'all police should die'. But they annoy the hell out of me. The whole notion of somebody being able to put a uniform on and then being able to have a certain amount of power over somebody who isn't wearing that uniform gives me the willies.
The municipalities are desperate for cash. They're doing tons of "Click It or Ticket" stings, and that means they can also check registrations and inspections, brake lights, and so on. They're getting tons of money from this stuff.
Haha, for a second there I had visions of these people going round breaking brake lights just so they can fine you for broken brake lights.
The whole notion of somebody being able to put a uniform on and then being able to have a certain amount of power over somebody who isn't wearing that uniform gives me the willies.
Haha, no. Anarchists don't want to kill police, they just don't think there should be police.
I, for the record, don't think 'all police should die'. But they annoy the hell out of me. The whole notion of somebody being able to put a uniform on and then being able to have a certain amount of power over somebody who isn't wearing that uniform gives me the willies.
so you want all actors, rich people, and politicians dead too?
The municipalities are desperate for cash. They're doing tons of "Click It or Ticket" stings, and that means they can also check registrations and inspections, brake lights, and so on. They're getting tons of money from this stuff.
Haha, for a second there I had visions of these people going round breaking brake lights just so they can fine you for broken brake lights.
The economic situation in some of these towns is so desperate, nothing would surprise me!
We got two new kittens this weekend. Originally we were going to name them Smoky and Bandit because they're smoky-grey, but the shelter had named them ChooChoo and Margarita. Margarita seemed WAY too big a name for such a little kitten, so she is now Bandit, but ChooChoo stayed ChooChoo. They're lots of fun, but Angel and Stella, our dog and cat, have been less than thrilled. That's Bandit in the front, who looks rather fox-like.
Very nice!!! I'm guessing once Angel & Stella get use to them, they'll all do just fine.
Then again, what ever happened to the days when dogs and cats just didn't get along? Remember the phrase, "fighting like cats & dogs?" It seems in recent times a lot of people have both cat & dog.
We had rounds of hissy-fits (literally) today. Stella was hissing at the kittens, ChooChoo hissed at Angel, it was just ugly. Poor Angel just wants everyone to love her!
LOVE your new feline friends, SB!! Cute names. And Bandit sure does look like a foxy lady! I'm sure they'll all learn to get together and love one another - or at least accept each other. I don't think my Tiger cares much for Angie, but they get along alright.
Sorry for not responding yet to posts/PMs... I'm beside myself w/ multiple computer issues that're pissing me off to no end, and destined to become an expense I really don't want to bare... FML.
Sorry for not responding yet to posts/PMs... I'm beside myself w/ multiple computer issues that're pissing me off to no end, and destined to become an expense I really don't want to bare... FML.
Geoff,
Boy, if YOU can't figure out the computer issues, I don't know who can. I hope by now they are resolved. Good luck!!! I hope you're up and running soon.
Man with neo-Nazi ties leading patrols in AZ By MICHELLE PRICE, Associated Press Writer – Sat Jul 17, 6:08 pm ET
PHOENIX – Minutemen groups, a surge in Border Patrol agents, and a tough new immigration law aren't enough for a reputed neo-Nazi who's now leading a militia in the Arizona desert.
Jason "J.T." Ready is taking matters into his own hands, declaring war on "narco-terrorists" and keeping an eye out for illegal immigrants. So far, he says his patrols have only found a few border crossers who were given water and handed over to the Border Patrol. Once, they also found a decaying body in a wash, and alerted authorities.
But local law enforcement are nervous given that Ready's group is heavily armed and identifies with the National Socialist Movement, an organization that believes only non-Jewish, white heterosexuals should be American citizens and that everyone who isn't white should leave the country "peacefully or by force."
if YOU can't figure out the computer issues, I don't know who can. I hope by now they are resolved.
The one that freaked me out the most prevented me from playing Mafia Wars on Facebook -- took all night last night and this morning to figure out! but now I have my fix
Man with neo-Nazi ties leading patrols in AZ By MICHELLE PRICE, Associated Press Writer – Sat Jul 17, 6:08 pm ET
PHOENIX – Minutemen groups, a surge in Border Patrol agents, and a tough new immigration law aren't enough for a reputed neo-Nazi who's now leading a militia in the Arizona desert.
Jason "J.T." Ready is taking matters into his own hands, declaring war on "narco-terrorists" and keeping an eye out for illegal immigrants. So far, he says his patrols have only found a few border crossers who were given water and handed over to the Border Patrol. Once, they also found a decaying body in a wash, and alerted authorities.
But local law enforcement are nervous given that Ready's group is heavily armed and identifies with the National Socialist Movement, an organization that believes only non-Jewish, white heterosexuals should be American citizens and that everyone who isn't white should leave the country "peacefully or by force."
It takes 7 seconds for food to pass from mouth to stomach. A human hair can hold 3kg. The length of the penis is three times the length of the thumb. A woman's heart beats faster than a man's. Women blink twice as much as men. We use 300 muscles just to keep our balance. A woman has read this entire thing in a few seconds. While a man is still looking at his thumb.
"New York City is where people come when they are tired of being judged for being gay or Sikh or brown or green. In New York, if you want to raise your hands on a street corner and proclaim the lordship of Jesus or the glories of hot yoga, go right ahead. If you want to walk across 23rd Street kneeling every few blocks, more power to you."
Posted by: Stephen Prothero - CNN Belief Blog contributor
Eldest son Mike just in from school where he has had his end of year sports day. He won the 800 metres, the 400 metres and the 4 x 400 relay. Very proud of him as usual
Here’s one way to make a drum solo even more awesome: by proposing marriage to the drummer right afterward. That’s what Carlos Santana did last Friday at a concert in Tinley Park, Ill., according to a press release. The guitar hero popped the question four songs into his set when noted drummer Cindy Blackman finished her spotlight moment in his song “Corazon Espinado.” She said yes.
(HealthDay News) -- Postmenopausal women who take fish oil supplements may reduce their breast cancer risk, a new study suggests.
The study focused on the potential health benefits of 15 different so-called "specialty" supplements to see if they affect breast cancer risk, said study senior author Emily White, an epidemiologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
"The only one that had an effect was fish oil," she said.
I recently (2/3 weeks ago) had to get a new computer too. The thing is, for me, it's become something like a telephone...I HAVE to have one.
Geez, I can't believe it's been ten years now since I got my first computer which was given to me (an old HP desktop). I was thrilled but always thought it'd be just something I'd play around on occasionally and certainly not a "must have." LOL
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/23/1007:35 PM
I'm good Mig and you? Where have you been?
Yes, I hate it if I'm without a computer. At least when I was working I could use that one, now it's only my laptop and I admit.....I'm addicted to it.
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/24/1012:35 AM
Long Ring Finger and Prostate Cancer Risk
A study has shown that men with long ring fingers could be three times more likely to develop prostate cancer. Doctors have found that men whose ring fingers extend much farther than their index finger present more of a risk. The findings were conclusive, and now doctors may begin taking a longer look at the hands of men when assessing prostate cancer risk. In the study, blood tests confirmed that men with long ring fingers, primarily on their right hand, have higher levels of prostate specific antigen, which is also known as PSA. The chemical is found in high levels in the blood when cancer is present.
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/24/1002:05 AM
Speaking of prostates....there was a study recently (heard on the rah-dio) that people with bigger heads are less likely to suffer from Alzheimers. My head is on the large side. My ring finger is normal...I think.
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/24/1002:32 PM
White House predicts record $1.47 trillion deficit By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer – Fri Jul 23, 3:12 pm ET
WASHINGTON – New estimates from the White House on Friday predict the budget deficit will reach a record $1.47 trillion this year. The government is borrowing 41 cents of every dollar it spends.
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/25/1004:21 AM
Originally Posted By: olivant
Long Ring Finger and Prostate Cancer Risk
A study has shown that men with long ring fingers could be three times more likely to develop prostate cancer. Doctors have found that men whose ring fingers extend much farther than their index finger present more of a risk...... http://health.spreadit.org/long-ring-finger-and-prostate-cancer-risk-309/
My doctor seems to have a very long ring finger. I know this because last time he was checking my prostrate I felt a little pressure on my shoulder and turned to see both of his hands on my shoulders. Hey wait a minute.... if.... lol
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/25/1004:23 PM
Just a bit of trivia. I always listen to a radio show every Sunday in which they pay tribute to the Beatles, not with just songs, but interviews with the Beatles, and those around them at the time. It's very interesting to me.
Anyway, today they are saluting the movie "Help", which (get this) was released 45 years ago this week. Holy crap!!! Seems like maybe a decade ago. I remember so clearly that time period.
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/25/1005:15 PM
Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Just a bit of trivia. I always listen to a radio show every Sunday in which they pay tribute to the Beatles, not with just songs, but interviews with the Beatles, and those around them at the time. It's very interesting to me.
Anyway, today they are saluting the movie "Help", which (get this) was released 45 years ago this week. Holy crap!!! Seems like maybe a decade ago. I remember so clearly that time period.
TIS
I hear ya! God, time is flying by. We're grandparents. I was in high school when the Beatles overpowered the American music scene. One anecdote. My sister told me that she recently talked to a friend of hers who was just about the most popular and good-looking girl in school. She told my sister that she had a crush on me back then. God, had I only knew!
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/25/1010:58 PM
Originally Posted By: Mignon
How long does it take for poison Ivy to go away?
Poison ivy treatments are usually limited to self-care methods, and the rash typically goes away on its own within two to four weeks. In the meantime, you can use poison ivy remedies, such as oatmeal baths and cool compresses, as well as over-the-counter anti-itch medications to relieve your signs and symptoms.
If the rash is widespread or results in a large number of blisters, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, for poison ivy treatment. If a bacterial infection has developed at the rash site, your doctor will likely give you a prescription for an oral antibiotic.
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/27/1004:10 AM
In a new ranking by Businessweek.com based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Louisiana claims the top spot as the country's laziest state. To be clear, by "lazy" we do not mean lacking work ethic or engagement. Rather, it is a measure of leisure time spent doing sedentary activities compared with activities that require more physical effort, such as exercising and even working. Mississippi and Arkansas came in second and third, and while states in the south and southeast are represented heavily in the list, such East Coast states as Delaware and New York placed in the top 20.
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/28/1011:20 AM
The green light came down from the bosses. You see a goose, leave it in the street...
Officials plan to reduce the number of Canada geese in New York State by two-thirds, eventually trimming the population to 85,000 from 250,000, according to a report prepared by several city, state and federal agencies.
The reduction is part of a larger plan that also calls for the near halving of the Canada geese population in 17 Atlantic states, to 650,000 from 1.1 million. The New York Times obtained a copy of the report.
In New York City, the report says, the current goose population of 20,000 to 25,000 is “five times the amount that most people would find socially acceptable,” suggesting the number would be reduced to about 4,000.
A high-level official of the United States Department of Agriculture who is familiar with the proposal called it a “one-of-a-kind plan.”
“New York is leading the way,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press. Plans for other areas, he said, “do not include all the scientific background.”
The document contained specifics of goose removal in the New York area: “The captured geese are placed alive in commercial turkey crates. The geese would be brought to a secure location and euthanized with methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Euthanized geese would be buried.”
The plan emerged from five months of meetings that followed the crash-landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after geese flew into its engines and disabled them in January 2009. The plan was completed in summer 2009 but not made public. ...
Re: Random Post Whoring (2010)I' - 07/28/1005:45 PM
PHOENIX—A judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown.
The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents -- including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.
U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton put those controversial sections on hold until the courts resolve the issues.
Opponents say the law will lead to racial profiling and is trumped by federal immigration law.
It is my 40th birthday next week .....but my "surprise" party tomorrow night. Looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. 50+ folk trampling through my house
Great Yogi, but how are you so sure you're having a "surprise" party???? 50 people? Wow! Sounds like quite the bash!! Happy birthday!! Keep the music down so the neighbors don't complain. Oh, and I won't say "stay sober."
It was supposed to be a surprise but i found out about it nearly straight away. The fact that it is in my own home would have been a dead giveaway anyhow
LACONIA, N.H. – A black bear walked into a New Hampshire house through an open door, ate two pears and a bunch of grapes, took a drink from the family fishbowl and grabbed a stuffed bear on its way out the door. Mary Beth Parkinson said the bear apparently took advantage of the open outside door to get into her kitchen Tuesday in Laconia, about 20 miles north of Concord. She thinks the garage door going up scared the bear enough that it fled the house.
She said she arrived in time to save the fish.
Parkinson said her 6- and 9-year-old boys made sure the doors were locked before they went to bed.
Did anyone else laugh at the "controversy" over that joke Macca told which PBS censored? Dear Lord Leno used to (or still does?) make such jokes every night, nobody got their titty caught in a ringer.
I guess that award is only given to those alive, like the Nobel. If not otherwise, then why didn't he and Lennon (or hell, the Beatles as whole) receive it?
Not knocking McCartney at all, he earned it. Just a question that came to mind when I watched a bit of that concert on YouTube.
Are you gonna share "the joke" or you gonna make us all search for it?
Lazy bastard, someday you'll discover Google.
The joke:
"It's a fantastic honor (for) the Gershwin family to give me this incredible award and for me to be awarded it by the Library of Congress. And in fact, after the last eight years, it's great to have a president who knows what a library is."
Fox News unsurprisingly had their panties in a knot over this, and I say: Did you guys write "Maybe, I'm Amazed"? No? Well fuck you jack.
I saw the complete show last night (well minus the hilarious dig to W) and was, at first disappointed that McCartney wasn't going to do ALL the entertaining. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed singing along (I was by myself so nobody could tell me to shut up) I was even amazed that the Jonas Brothers (even my little grandaughters like them) actually did a decent job singing "Baby You Can Drive My Car." Hey Jude was perfect for the crowd to join in. Even Nancy Pelosi was singing. Hard to vision hu?
Nice to see Sir Paul and Stevie Wonder do "Ebony & Ivory" again and when Paul sang Michelleto Michelle Obama, was really nice. I guess wishing for "A Day In The Life" might have been a bit much for a WH appearance though.
Was a sad day at work today as we were told that one of our work collegues had passed away suddenly in the night,as far as we know he had no health problems and was only 39. I didn't know him on a personal level but would say hello when passing in the office..
Was a sad day at work today as we were told that one of our work collegues had passed away suddenly in the night,as far as we know he had no health problems and was only 39. I didn't know him on a personal level but would say hello when passing in the office..
"No man is an island, Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manner of thine own Or of thine friend's were. Each man's death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee."
Ex marks the breakup spot for Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston.
The 19-year-old mom called off her second engagement to her baby daddy last week following a fight over one of his ex-girlfriends, a source close to the couple tells E! News.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The latest form of identity theft doesn't depend on stealing your Social Security number. Now thieves are targeting your kid's number long before the little one even has a bank account.
Hundreds of online businesses are using computers to find dormant Social Security numbers — usually those assigned to children who don't use them — then selling those numbers under another name to help people establish phony credit and run up huge debts they will never pay off.
Authorities say the scheme could pose a new threat to the nation's credit system. Because the numbers exist in a legal gray area, federal investigators have not figured out a way to prosecute the people involved.
"If people are obtaining enough credit by fraud, we're back to another financial collapse," said Linda Marshall, an assistant U.S. attorney in Kansas City. "We tend to talk about it as the next wave."
The sellers get around the law by not referring to Social Security numbers. Instead, just as someone might pay for an escort service instead of a prostitute, they refer to CPNs — for credit profile, credit protection or credit privacy numbers.
Julia Jensen, an FBI agent in Kansas City, discovered the scheme while investigating a mortgage-fraud case. She has given presentations to lenders across the Kansas City area to show them how easy it is to create a false credit score using these numbers.
"The back door is wide open," she said. "We're trying to get lenders to understand the risks."
It's not clear how widespread the fraud is, mostly because the scheme is difficult to detect and practiced by fly-by-night businesses.
But the deception is emerging as millions of Americans watch their credit scores sink to new lows. Figures from April show that 25.5 percent of consumers — nearly 43.4 million people — now have a credit score of 599 or below, marking them as poor risks for lenders. They will have trouble getting credit cards, auto loans or mortgages under the tighter lending standards banks now use.
(CNN) -- Nine people died in a mass shooting Tuesday at a workplace in Manchester, Connecticut, according to a police official close to the investigation.
That number includes the shooter. He died at the scene of a gunshot wound, Manchester police Lt. Joe San Antonio said. Police had not fired at him, he added.
The suspect was Omar Thornton, said Sgt. Sandy Ficara of the Manchester Police.
The shooting happened at Hartford Distributors, a beer distributor close to the communities of South Windsor and Manchester, a South Windsor dispatcher said.
Three people were rushed to Hartford Hospital, and one of them later died, a doctor told reporters.
Police declined to say how many people were wounded.
Police in the community of South Windsor were assisting Manchester police in handling the incident, authorities said.
LOS ANGELES – Justin Bieber is adding movie star to his resume.
Paramount Pictures, MTV Films and Bieber's record label, Island Def Jam, say the 16-year-old pop star has signed on to appear in a feature film about his life and career.
The yet-to-be-titled movie is set for release on "Valentine's weekend" of 2011, the companies said Tuesday.
Bieber will also be producing the film, along with mentor Usher, manager Scooter Braun and Island Def Jam Music Group chairman LA Reid.
The movie will offer a "VIP backstage pass" into Bieber's life and will feature 3-D footage from his "My World 2.0" concert tour.
The ubiquitous teen sensation is also bringing his life to readers: HarperCollins announced Monday that it will publish his memoir in October.
SERIOUSLY?? He's 16. A memoir and a movie about his life????
LOS ANGELES – Justin Bieber is adding movie star to his resume.
Paramount Pictures, MTV Films and Bieber's record label, Island Def Jam, say the 16-year-old pop star has signed on to appear in a feature film about his life and career.
The yet-to-be-titled movie is set for release on "Valentine's weekend" of 2011, the companies said Tuesday.
Bieber will also be producing the film, along with mentor Usher, manager Scooter Braun and Island Def Jam Music Group chairman LA Reid.
The movie will offer a "VIP backstage pass" into Bieber's life and will feature 3-D footage from his "My World 2.0" concert tour.
The ubiquitous teen sensation is also bringing his life to readers: HarperCollins announced Monday that it will publish his memoir in October.
SERIOUSLY?? He's 16. A memoir and a movie about his life????
Didn't Miley Cyrus already release a biography? In my opinion that's alot more ridiculous as Bieber has become a cultural phenomenom and Miley Cyrus is probably just a flavour of the week.
Despite past statements by federal agencies such as the TSA that images from body scanners were not and could not be saved or recorded, a government agency has admitted to storing approximately 35,000 body scan images, CNET reports.
According to CNET, "U.S. Marshals Service admitted this week that it had surreptitiously saved tens of thousands of images recorded with a millimeter wave system at the security checkpoint of a single Florida courthouse."
The resolution and detail of the body scan images varies depending on the technology used in the scanner (i.e. X-ray backscatter vs millimeter wave. See full-body millimeter wave images below, via TSA.gov).
Privacy advocates have denounced the machines for generating images so graphic they are tantamount to "virtual strip-searching," and minors were recently barred from passing through the controversial full body scanners over child pornography fears. Body Scan
Colorful elation and sullen disappointment follow Prop. 8 ruling Revelers in San Francisco, West Hollywood and elsewhere hit the streets singing after a federal judge strikes down California's ban on same-sex marriage. Opponents are already working on an appeal.
Geoff, my manager was looking for a poster of body structures. Someone emailed him a link to a possible website where he could buy one. The website is allposters. haha. Too bad they're not in our database currently.
Britain Reels as Austerity Cuts Begin By SARAH LYALL LONDON — Last month, the British government abolished the U.K. Film Council, the Health Protection Agency and dozens of other groups that regulate, advise and distribute money in the arts, health care, industry and other areas.
It seemed shockingly abrupt, a mass execution without appeal. But it was just a tiny taste of what was to come.
Like a shipwrecked sailor on a starvation diet, the new British coalition government is preparing to shrink down to its bare bones as it cuts expenditures by $130 billion over the next five years and drastically scales back its responsibilities. The result, said the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a research group, will be “the longest, deepest sustained period of cuts to public services spending” since World War II.
Until recently, the cuts were just election talking points, early warnings of a new age of austerity. But now the pain has begun. And as the government begins its abrupt retrenchment, the implications, complications and confusions in the process are beginning to emerge.
“It feels like they’re just sticking a finger in the air and guessing,” John Mutton, leader of the City Council in Coventry, said of the government’s methods for deciding which programs to cancel and which to cut.
In June, the government announced its first round of cuts, removing about $10 billion from the current year’s budget.
While that is a drop in the bucket compared to the final goal, the reduction measures have already had severe consequences. Public sector workers across the country, except for the lowest paid, will have their salaries frozen for the next two years. Oxfordshire, facing a nearly $1 million trim in its road safety budget, has been forced to shut down all of its 161 traffic speed cameras.
Nottinghamshire plans to close three recycling facilities and some of its day care centers. The city of Coventry, which already cut spending in January, is trying to find $5.6 million more to cut from its current child services budget.
But far worse cuts await in October, when the government issues its long-term budget plans. Mr. Mutton, the Coventry official, predicted that the next round of cuts would cost the city at least 10,000 jobs. Analysts have estimated that about 600,000 public-sector jobs could be lost nationwide.
Mr. Mutton said that the most recent news — which included the cancellation of a multimillion-pound program to build new schools and refurbish crumbling old ones in Coventry — had come so abruptly that carefully wrought plans and partnerships had to be torn up overnight.
“It’s impossible to plan,” he said. “We believe in trying to plan our budget for three years, particularly in order to give our voluntary and private-sector partners some stability. But we can’t do that at the moment. We haven’t a clue.”
They are not the only ones. The urgency of the task has sent cabinet ministers scrambling to find cuts so quickly that speed may be overtaking sober reflection, critics say.
For instance, the U.K. Film Council is not, in fact, sure whether it is meant to exist or not. Two weeks ago, a Culture Department official told its chief executive, Tim Bevan, that it was being abolished. The next week, the department said in a news release — and the culture secretary said in Parliament — that the abolition was one of a number of “proposed” changes.
A spokesman for the council said that no one from the Culture Department had explained what was going on. But a spokeswoman for the department declared that it was a done deal: the group would cease to exist.... UK Austerity Complete Article
Not yet but we are waiting for cuts to be made to our public services and at work we have been told the over time has to be drastically cut so that will be affecting me in my pocket
msnbc.com staff and news service reports updated 2 hours 27 minutes ago
A Southwest Airlines flight attendant reportedly removed a baby from her parents' care mid-flight after witnessing the mother slap her crying child. Flight 879 was enroute to Albuquerque from Dallas on Monday when the incident occurred. The flight attendant did return the 1-year-old girl to her parents just before the plane landed.
"Our flight attendants do great customer service," said Southwest Airlines spokesman Brad Hawkins. "In this case, it was a baby that was upset, and the flight attendant asked the mother if she wanted help with the baby." He declined to release the name of the flight attendant. Hawkins did not have further details about the onboard incident, but said the airline asked police to meet the plane when it arrived around 4:30 p.m. at the Albuquerque International Sunport.
“I think it was a solid move [on] the part of the flight attendant to take custody of the child,” Albuquerque International Sunport police chief Marshall Katz told KRQE News. “It neutralized the situation. It calmed everybody down.” Airport spokesman Daniel Jiron said paramedics checked the baby when the flight landed.
Police returned the child to her parents after speaking to the couple, the flight attendant and other witnesses. The parents were not cited. “We felt it was an isolated incident,” Katz told KRQE.
Conservative website WND has dropped Ann Coulter as the keynote speaker at its upcoming conference over her plan to speak to a group in favor of gay rights.
WND says that Coulter's decision to speak at Homocon, an event sponsored by a gay Republican organization called GOProud, disqualifies her from speaking at their "Taking America Back National Conference."
"Ultimately, as a matter of principle, it would not make sense for us to have Ann speak to a conference about 'taking America back' when she clearly does not recognize that the ideals to be espoused there simply do not include the radical and very 'unconservative' agenda represented by GOProud," WND editor and CEO Joseph Farah said. "The drift of the conservative movement to a brand of materialistic libertarianism is one of the main reasons we planned this conference from the beginning."
Coulter, who is and will remain a WND columnist, said she was hired to deliver a speech at Homocon but that does not mean she endorses GOProud's views.
"They hired me to give a speech, so I'm giving a speech. I do it all the time," she said. "I speak to a lot of groups and do not endorse them. I speak at Harvard and I certainly don't endorse their views. I've spoken to Democratic groups and liberal Republican groups that loooove abortion. The main thing I do is speak on college campuses, which is about the equivalent of speaking at an al-Qaida conference. I'm sure I agree with GOProud more than I do with at least half of my college audiences. But in any event, giving a speech is not an endorsement of every position held by the people I'm speaking to."
Coulter added that she was set to speak for WND, but she thinks the organization is "nuts on the birther thing."
Coulter's history on gay issues is checkered: she notoriously called John Edwards a "f*****" in 2007, and earlier this year she railed against "irritating lesbian" Constance McMillen for challenging the sanctimony of heterosexual-only proms.
msnbc.com staff and news service reports updated 8/18/2010 1:06:55 AM ET
Dr. Laura Schlessinger says she's shutting down her 30-year-old syndicated radio program at the end of the year so she can get her "First Amendment rights" back.
Her announcement on "Larry King Live" comes just a week after she repeatedly used the N-word while taking a call on the air from a black woman who wanted to discuss her interracial marriage.
She told King, "My contract is up for my radio show at the end of the year and I've made the decision not to do radio anymore."
"The reason is I want to regain my First Amendment rights," she told King, according to E! Online. "I want to be able to say what's on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry, some special interest group deciding this is the time to silence a voice of dissent and attack affiliates, attack sponsors. I'm sort of done with that."
Today is the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Over the last decade, the percentage of women voting in presidential elections has exceeded that of males by about 5 percentage points. This was true in every age cohort except the elderly where it was either even or males exceeded females.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger says she's shutting down her 30-year-old syndicated radio program at the end of the year so she can get her "First Amendment rights" back.
At the end of the movie "Fast Times at Ridgmont High" Judge Reinhold is told that ".. the party is over". He responds by saying "I'm still waiting for the party to start!" I sort of feel like that after reading this article. I want my big house too!!!
They've been called McMansions, Starter Castles, Garage Mahals and Faux Chateaus but here's the latest thing you can call them - History.
In the past few years, there have been an increasing number of references made to the "McMansion glut" and the "McMansion backlash," as more towns pass ordinances against garishly large homes, which are generally over 3,000 square feet and built very close together.
What sets a McMansion apart from a regular mansion, according to Wikipedia, are a few characteristics: They're tacky, they lack a definitive style and they have a "displeasingly jumbled appearance."
Well, count 2010 as the year the last nail was hammered into the McCoffin: In its latest report on home-buying trends, real-estate site Trulia declares: "The McMansion Era Is Over."
Just 9 percent of the people surveyed by Trulia said their ideal home size was over 3,200 square feet. Meanwhile, more than one-third said their ideal size was under 2,000 feet.
"That's something that would've been unbelievable just a few years back," said Pete Flint, CEO and co-founder of Trulia. "Americans are moving away from McMansions."
The comments echoed those made in June by Kermit Baker, the chief economist at the American Institute of Architects.
"We continue to move away from the McMansion chapter of residential design, with more demand for practicality throughout the home," Baker said. "There has been a drop off in the popularity of upscale property enhancements such as formal landscaping, decorative water features, tennis courts, and gazebos." ....
Just 9 percent of the people surveyed by Trulia said their ideal home size was over 3,200 square feet. Meanwhile, more than one-third said their ideal size was under 2,000 feet.
Perhaps it's because the baby boomers bought all the McMansions to begin with. Now, 15 or so years later, they're semi- or fully-retired empty nesters who are looking to downsize the amount of space they occupy as well as eliminate the headache of property maintenance.
Just 9 percent of the people surveyed by Trulia said their ideal home size was over 3,200 square feet. Meanwhile, more than one-third said their ideal size was under 2,000 feet.
Perhaps it's because the baby boomers bought all the McMansions to begin with. Now, 15 or so years later, they're semi- or fully-retired empty nesters who are looking to downsize the amount of space they occupy as well as eliminate the headache of property maintenance.
So what you're saying is that once again the baby boomers get a hold of a good thing and run it into the ground before us younger folk get a piece of the action. Rock music, free love, Wall Street, McMansions...
Mother Russia has long been ensconced in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach, feasting on pirogi, borscht and the tang of salty air reminiscent of Odessa. But her assimilated children have been planting colonies across the New York area, and one of the largest is flourishing on Staten Island.
Staten Island’s Russians — even if many are really from Ukraine or other lands of the former Soviet Union — number 22,288 by the most recent census estimates, or more than 50,000 by their own estimates, which would make Russians one-tenth of the island’s population. As immigrant strivers, they moved to Staten Island for the affordable houses, good schools, suburban feel and pace, even a boardwalk in South Beach that can match Brighton Beach’s in length, if not in ambience.
But they have not escaped the ethnic encounters often associated with urban migrations, including grumbling by natives that the newcomers are taking over. This has surfaced most vividly as a result of a Russian-run community and day care center’s plan for a new 10,000-square-foot building that it promises would be for all Staten Islanders.
It will become another “Russian thing,” one skeptic, Joanne Bennetti, a 60-ish retired beautician, said at a meeting of the South Beach Civic Association. “You don’t know what it’s like to feel like a foreigner in your own neighborhood.”
Janele Hyer-Spencer, a local assemblywoman, who arranged for $4 million in state funding for a new Staten Island Community Center, said the tensions reflected the discomfort of some old-timers with the rapid influx of immigrants — Liberians, Albanians and Mexicans as well as Russians — into a once-sleepy, relatively homogeneous island.
According to Ms. Hyer-Spencer and the police, there has been a spate of hate crimes in recent months, including one in April in which a Mexican bakery worker’s skull was bashed. In June, large numbers of islanders turned out to oppose plans to build a mosque in a former convent, a plan that was eventually withdrawn.
“We are experiencing, across the island, a demographic shift of monumental proportions and the cultural conflict that is an outgrowth of that shift,” Ms. Hyer-Spencer said.
Meanwhile, the plan for the community center, to replace a derelict amusement arcade, has turned into a muddle. Though funds became available two years ago, the State Dormitory Authority has yet to approve the building. Ms. Hyer-Spencer suggested that she had exhausted her efforts to convince local civic associations that the center would be multicultural, not just for Russians.
“Because of so much cultural conflict, it’s impossible to move forward,” she said.
Joseph McAllister, the president of the South Beach Civic Association, said that based on what he had learned so far, he was opposed to the center because cars picking up and dropping off children would clog traffic. Moreover, he said, no details have emerged about parking on the site or about the building’s size.
Mr. McAllister says he does not, however, side with those who express antagonism toward newcomers, pointing out that most residents have ancestors who came through Ellis Island.
“We’re very diversified in South Beach,” he said.
In the meantime, Arkadiy Fridman, 53, and his wife, Ella, who run the center’s day care and after-school programs and art and music classes out of a cramped house on Jefferson Avenue, fear they have lost a $65,000 deposit for the arcade site.
That has disheartened Mr. Fridman, who started the center to see if he “could combine Russian culture with American culture and create something better.” Half the center’s 100 students, he said, are not Russian.
“They can’t understand how people who came from a foreign country 10 or 15 years ago can build successful businesses,” he said of the critics. “But most of us are educated, and we’re hungry to work.”
Some Russians, like Rabbi Shlomo Uzhanksy, detect a chord of jealousy by longer-rooted blue-collar or middle-class families. That strain seemed to emerge in some interviews. Betty Mateo, 58, an East Shore resident who wanted only her maiden name used, said she was angry that the state had given money to a Russian-founded center when “you see them coming out of the center with their expensive cars and their mink coats.” ....
The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming! Is Staten Island considered a nicer borough than the others? Is it less built up?
It's probably the most residential of the 5 boroughs, although there are a few sections, like Stapleton, with lower income apartment buildings. Most people consider Staten Island to be more an extension of North Jersey than part of NYC, given its proximity to Jersey (through the Goethals and Outer Bridges). It's also the only borough to consistently vote Republican.
Is it nicer? Well, I have to admit, some of the mansions are absolutely gorgeous, and it is the wiseguy capital of NYC , so they're probably not going to welcome change or any of the "new" immigrants. But in all fairness, I live in a similar section up in the Bronx (Country Club/Throggs Neck).
It's the natural "next step" for the upwardly mobile Russians of Brighton Beach, given that the Verrazano Narrows Bridge is just a stone's throw away.
That'll be 50 cents for the geography and background lessons, Lilo.
Jeremy Sparig spent months fighting bedbugs. Now, to some people, he is like a mattress left on the street, something best avoided in these times.
“They don’t want to hug you anymore; they don’t want you coming over,” said Mr. Sparig, of East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. “You’re like a leper.”
At the Brooklyn district attorney’s office, which recently had a bedbug breakout, defense lawyers are skittish about visiting, and it is not because of the fierce prosecutors.
Even Steven Smollens, a housing lawyer who has helped many tenants with bedbugs, has his guard up. Those clients are barred from his office. “I meet outside,” he said. “There’s a Starbucks across the street.”
Beyond the bites and the itching, the bother and the expense, victims of the nation’s most recent plague are finding that an invisible scourge awaits them in the form of bedbug stigma. Friends begin to keep their distance. Invitations are rescinded. For months, one woman said, her mother was afraid to tell her that she had an infestation. When she found out and went to clean her mother’s apartment, she said, “Nobody wanted to help me.”
John McCluskey was captured Thursday night, three weeks after he escaped from an Arizona prison.
Casslyn Welch, Mr. McCluskey’s fiancée, was also captured Thursday night.
PHOENIX — The escaped inmate and his fiancée who were captured Thursday night after three weeks on the run had used their knowledge of the wilderness, their ability to talk a good game and their guns to elude a huge multistate search, the authorities said.
It took an alert forest ranger to bring their long, violent escapade across much of the West to an end.
John McCluskey, 45, who escaped from an Arizona prison with two fellow inmates on July 30, was arrested in a remote area of northeastern Arizona with Casslyn Welch, 44, his fiancée and first cousin , who is believed to have been the one to spring the trio.
Mr. McCluskey and Ms. Welch were camping in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest when a ranger spotted an untended campfire and an oddly parked car. After speaking briefly with Mr. McCluskey, the ranger checked the license plate, found that it belonged to a stolen car and notified law enforcement personnel.
The couple were armed and were with another man whom they had befriended along the way when Apache County sheriff’s deputies moved in.
While being arrested, Ms. Welch reached for a gun hidden in the small of her back, the authorities said. Mr. McCluskey, who was lying on a sleeping bag in front of a tent when deputies pounced on him, later told officials that he had a gun in the tent and that he should have used it on the ranger.
Mr. McCluskey, who was serving a 15-year sentence for attempted murder, escaped from a privately run detention center near Kingman along with Tracy Province and Daniel Renwick, both of whom were serving time for murder. Ms. Welch is accused of throwing wire cutters over the fence of the medium-security prison to aid in the escape.
The getaway was very much a family affair, the authorities said. Mr. McCluskey’s mother, Claudia Washburn, was arrested on charges that she helped her son and niece flee by giving them money. His former wife, Diana Joy Glattfelder, was also charged with aiding in the escape by driving Mr. McCluskey, Ms. Welch and Mr. Province during their initial getaway.
Ha ha....Yea, I've kind of been following that story. MSN reported the other day that as the cops took the gun that Ms Welch reached for, one cop said it might be the murder weapon, and she replied, "no the murder weapon is in the car" (paraphrasing). Dumb as doornobs. But yea, I couldn't help but laugh/cringe/roll my eyes when I heard the fiance' was a first cousin. (dueling banjos?)
It might be a good idea for Board members to read this article (and link) since many people might be unaware that there are credit card reforms that are only now about to become effective:
Washington (CNN) -- New rules designed to protect credit card users from "unreasonable late payment and other penalty fees" come into force Sunday as a result of the Wall Street reform bill.
The rules block credit card companies from charging more than $25 for late payments except in extreme circumstances, prevent them from charging customers for not using their cards, and requires them to reconsider rate increases imposed since January 1, 2009, according to the Federal Reserve, which approved the regulations.
They are the final provisions of federal legislation that placed new restrictions on credit card interest rates and fees, completing the most comprehensive overhaul of the credit card industry in history.
China's massive traffic jam could last for weeks Anita Chang / Associated Press Beijing -- A massive traffic jam in north China that stretches for dozens of miles and hit its 10-day mark on Tuesday stems from road construction in Beijing that won't be finished until the middle of next month, an official said.
Bumper-to-bumper gridlock spanning for 60 miles with cars moving little more than a half-mile a day at one point has improved since this weekend, said Zhang Minghai, director of Zhangjiakou city's Traffic Management Bureau general office.
But he said he wasn't sure when the situation along the Beijing-Zhangjiakou highway would return to normal...
The Government's New Right to Track Your Every Move With GPS By ADAM COHEN Adam Cohen – 25 mins ago
Government agents can sneak onto your property in the middle of the night, put a GPS device on the bottom of your car and keep track of everywhere you go. This doesn't violate your Fourth Amendment rights, because you do not have any reasonable expectation of privacy in your own driveway - and no reasonable expectation that the government isn't tracking your movements.
That is the bizarre - and scary - rule that now applies in California and eight other Western states. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which covers this vast jurisdiction, recently decided the government can monitor you in this way virtually anytime it wants - with no need for a search warrant.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which covers this vast jurisdiction, recently decided the government can monitor you in this way virtually anytime it wants - with no need for a search warrant.
The Government's New Right to Track Your Every Move With GPS By ADAM COHEN Adam Cohen – 25 mins ago
Government agents can sneak onto your property in the middle of the night, put a GPS device on the bottom of your car and keep track of everywhere you go. This doesn't violate your Fourth Amendment rights, because you do not have any reasonable expectation of privacy in your own driveway - and no reasonable expectation that the government isn't tracking your movements.
Disgusting. One would hope that this sort of decision and many others would open people's eyes.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which covers this vast jurisdiction, recently decided the government can monitor you in this way virtually anytime it wants - with no need for a search warrant.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which covers this vast jurisdiction, recently decided the government can monitor you in this way virtually anytime it wants - with no need for a search warrant.
Borrow your neighbor's car.
Park the car in your garage.
What is one interesting aspect of the decision is that the 9th circuit is considered by some jurists to be the most liberal of the Circuit Courts.
Oli, how is that possible? Your driveway is still private property. When they come onto your property to place the GPS on your car, wouldn't they need your permission or a warrant, or it would be trespassing? How can they justify committing a crime to place a tracking device?
Oli, how is that possible? Your driveway is still private property. When they come onto your property to place the GPS on your car, wouldn't they need your permission or a warrant, or it would be trespassing? How can they justify committing a crime to place a tracking device?
Babe, as the Court opined in a synopsis: one has no expectation of privacy in the driveway. It's similar to public intoxication. Even though you are on your porch or in your front yard, if you are perceived as intoxicated, you are subject to arrest. I'll have to read the opinion.
I could concede to that point if you parked in the street in front of your house. However, private property is private property. For example, can they go through your garbage if it's behind a gate on the side of your house? I know they can once it's brought to the curb, but what if it's still on your property?? It seems ridiculous.
I scanned the opinion. In law there is something called Curtilage which is that area that surrounds a house, for example. A driveway can be considered within that curtilage if it is sequestered in some way such as by a fence or gate. Pineda's driveway was not sequestered. As the court found, anyone could traverse the driveway such as a paperboy or meter reader. Thus, there was no expectationof privacy in his driveway. The court also opined that the tracking device was attached to the vehicle's undercarriage where there is no expectationof privacy.
It's important to understand that an appellate court hears arguments between opposing sides regarding Constitutional issues - not evidence. From my scanning of the ruling, it's clear that Pineda's attorney didn't argue his case effectively. He based much of his argument on the wrong precedent which is a previous case in which the court ruled. I should also point out that the opinion is only applicable in the 9th circuit courts 9 state jurisdication which is mainly out west.
Oli, how is that possible? Your driveway is still private property.
Babe, as the Court opined in a synopsis: one has no expectation of privacy in the driveway.
I'm not agreeing with the ruling, but, think of Oli's example while undressed. Not in your room reading this on the computer (unless you want to lol), but: while your driveway is personal property, you cannot dance nude in your driveway like you might get away with in your garage or inside your house or perhaps even your backyard. Anywhere anyone minding their own business can view you is more restricted than anywhere someone would have to purposely go out of their way to try to view you. If that makes sense. Nudists can't walk to their mailboxes nude.
Regardless, I find it despicable that our gov't would use such tactics. But at the same time, they probably wouldn't unless someone was significantly suspect of some crime to begin with -- and I assume with a court order. It's not something I would worry about if I were innocent.
Carter gains freedom for American held in N. Korea
updated 2 hours 38 minutes ago — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter flew out of North Korea on a private jet Friday after securing a special pardon for an American who had been jailed in the communist country since January.
Carter and Aijalon Gomes, 31, were expected to arrive in Boston later Friday, Carter Center spokeswoman Deanna Congileo said in Atlanta late Thursday.
North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Carter's departure, saying the ex-leader apologized for Gomes' actions.
I wonder if the economy is affecting the ambulance chasers? We got rear ended a few days ago, and all we are getting in the mail is advertisements from the ambulance chasers. My 14 year old son is even getting them.
msnbc.com and NBC News updated 2 hours 2 minutes ago
SILVER SPRING, Md. — A gunman with a possible explosive device strapped to himself entered the Discovery Communications building in Silver Spring, Md., Wednesday afternoon and was holding a “small number” of hostages, police said.
Montgomery County police Chief Thomas Manger said hostage negotiators were talking with the man but said he would not reveal the nature of the negotiations. No injuries were known, he said, and he wouldn’t confirm reports that a shot or shots had been fired.
People on the eighth and ninth floors of the building in the close-in suburb of Washington were safely evacuated, as were children in the Discovery Kids Place day care center, police said, adding that nobody was known to have been injured.
Law enforcement authorities told NBC News they believed the man was James Jay Lee or James Jae Lee, 43, a longtime protester at the building who was sentenced to six months of supervised probation for disorderly conduct in March 2008.
I wonder if the economy is affecting the ambulance chasers? We got rear ended a few days ago, and all we are getting in the mail is advertisements from the ambulance chasers. My 14 year old son is even getting them.
I'm not so sure that's a true statement at least as far as Ohio goes...
Just kidding!!!!! Football season is about to start and I am convinced that this is the year that we either beat Ohio State or (MUCH more likely) RichRod is fired. Either outcome is good for me...
I'm not so sure that's a true statement at least as far as Ohio goes...
Just kidding!!!!! Football season is about to start and I am convinced that this is the year that we either beat Ohio State or (MUCH more likely) RichRod is fired. Either outcome is good for me...
nice joking with beating ohio state...you almost got me their
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (CBS/AP/KBAK) Dr. Jacquelyn Kotarac, a woman who apparently tried to force her way into her "on-again, off-again" boyfriend's home by sliding down the chimney, died of mechanical asphyxia, according to autopsy results released Tuesday.
Kotarac's decomposing body was found in the chimney three days after the attempt, reportedly by someone house-sitting at the address.
According to police, the 49-year-old woman first tried to get into the house with a shovel, then climbed a ladder to the roof last Wednesday night, removed the chimney cap and slid feet first down the flue.
It is unknown if Kotarac was drunk when she apparently tried to force her way into her boyfriend's home, but Bakersfield police Sgt. Mary DeGeare said Kotarac had been drinking earlier that evening at a restaurant.
While she was trying to break in, the man she was pursuing escaped unnoticed from another exit "to avoid a confrontation," authorities said.
Ha ha!! You know I heard that story Lilo. I never really read more than the headline; "Dr. dies in chimney". Wow! One would think, she was probably drunk or crazy (or both). You never ever think of dying in that manner, that's for sure.
What a way to go! What is "mechanical asphyxiation"? Does that mean she was squeezed to death by the tight fit? Yikes!
I guess so. I imagine that she probably got to a point where she couldn't exhale, took a deep breath, pluged a few inches further and then found she couldn't inhale. So it goes. Life is hard. It's harder if you're stupid...
Check out this golf towel. My son-in-law got it custom made for the Godfather of my grandkids. And I'm Godfather to the new Godfather who is my nephew, AND his name is Michael. When he was growing up I would give me my best Vito voice; Michael I never wanted this for you,.....Governor.., Senator..
NEW YORK — A federal court has ruled that “Ladies Night” is all right.
The Manhattan-based Second Court of Appeals rejected a claim by Den Hollander, a self-proclaimed "Men's Rights" lawyer, who insisted that “Ladies Night” promotions such as half-price drinks and cheaper admission were unconstitutional, a result of “40 years of lobbying and intimidation, [by] the special interest group called ‘Feminism.’ "
Hollander insisted that because nightclubs are licensed by the state, the special deals required them to adhere to the equal protection clause of the Constitution. Without court intervention, Hollander claimed “none other than what’s left of the Wall Street moguls” will be able to afford to attend nightclubs.
The court wasn’t impressed by Hollander's lawsuit against a handful of New York clubs. It said nightclubs weren’t “state actors,” and dismissed the action.
Ha ha ha!! Talking about "stretching", blaming "feminism?"
I remember in my younger days when I lived in Michigan, they'd have "Ladies Nights" at bars during hunting season (especially deer hunting I think). Knowing most of the men would be out hunting, ladies could get two for one deals or no cover charge and such.
Doesn't the moron realize that bars need to attract scores of women in order to attract male customers? That's why they have Ladies Nights, not because we've been lobbying for them.
Doesn't the moron realize that bars need to attract scores of women in order to attract male customers? That's why they have Ladies Nights, not because we've been lobbying for them.
Exactly. You think lawyers and politicians know that?? Of course not...
There is a growing feeling in some quarters that what is good for the goose is good for the gander no matter how petty, silly or frivolous. I would expect more, not less of these sorts of suits in years to come.
September 6, 2010 CNN Poll: GOP's midterm advantage is growing
Posted: 10:01 AM ET Share this on:Mixx Digg Facebook del.icio.usreddit StumbleUpon MySpace Share | Permalink | Add a comment CNN Wire Staff
'Independents and voters who dislike both parties are starting to break toward the GOP,' says CNN's Keating Holland. (CNN) - With November's midterm elections less than two months away, a new national poll indicates that the Republicans' advantage over the Democrats in the battle for Congress is on the rise.
According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Monday, the GOP leads the Democrats by 7 points on the "generic ballot" question, 52 percent to 45 percent. That 7-point advantage is up from a 3-point margin last month.
The generic ballot question asks respondents if they would vote for a Democrat or Republican in their congressional district, without naming any specific candidates.
"The survey indicates that independents and voters who dislike both parties are starting to break toward the GOP," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "In a year when anger at incumbents is a dominant political force, the key to the election lies among those who aren't rooting for either side."
i will give up my automatic weapon and stick with a regular hunting rifle when the LEFT give up partial birth abortion and stay with regular abortion. (all abortion is wrong in my view anyway)
I'm sure everyone has been getting bombarded with political ads for their states. There are a couple that just make me laugh.
Here's a radio ad for California Attorney General by Kamala Harris (D) charging Steve Cooley (R) with getting "illegal funds/gifts" saying "it's Christmas every day." I Love the Christmas music sound. (click the arrow to play)
I looked for another (radio ad)for Governor with Meg Whitman (R) saying "Why Jerry Brown (D) was still getting an allowance from his parents until he was 54." Say what??
Mike Edwards, a former cellist in the British rock band Electric Light Orchestra, died in a freak accident Friday in Devon, England. Edwards was driving a vehicle that collided with a 1,300-pound hay bale that rolled down a hill, police said.
Okay right-wing Board members, chime in here about one of your own.
By MITCH STACY GAINESVILLE, Fla. - A Christian minister said Tuesday that he will go ahead with plans to burn copies of the Quran this weekend to protest the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks despite a warning from the top U.S. general in Afghanistan that doing so would endanger American troops.
Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center said he understands Gen. David Petraeus' concerns, but plans to go forward with the burning this Saturday, the ninth anniversary of the attacks.
Racism is racism. It's an outrageous act, but, unless it's against the law to set a fire, then I guess he can do it. I'd be concerned whether it's inciting a riot, though, given the hatred he'll be stirring up.
Yea, it's a real shame and downright scary seeing all this hate. It won't happen, but what IF the media totally ignored this story and NOBODY covers it at all??? What if these people simply didn't get the attention they crave?
By MITCH STACY GAINESVILLE, Fla. - A Christian minister said Tuesday that he will go ahead with plans to burn copies of the Quran this weekend to protest the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks despite a warning from the top U.S. general in Afghanistan that doing so would endanger American troops.
Fucking inbred idiot.
It's time to saw Florida off from the rest of the country and let it float away into the Carribbean.
By MITCH STACY GAINESVILLE, Fla. - A Christian minister said Tuesday that he will go ahead with plans to burn copies of the Quran this weekend to protest the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks despite a warning from the top U.S. general in Afghanistan that doing so would endanger American troops.
Fucking inbred idiot.
It's time to saw Florida off from the rest of the country and let it float away into the Carribbean.
TIS, here's the information on Triglycerides from the American Heart Association. It's something we all should know, although you're so freaking thin, you'll probably never have to worry about it, lucky you!
All I know is, my dad (a retired cardiologist) saw a super-high triglycerides level one time and first thing asked me about my drinking. I had drunk plenty that night before, which skewed the results in a major way. So my point being still: don't drink (or eat anything) at least 12 hrs before a blood test!
The lab I go to doesn't even want you to eat breath mints or chew gum before a test...
I feel for you Yogi. Are you a light sleeper normally? Although I've never worked a night shift job, I am sure I'd have a problem adjust. I am a very light sleeper normally. If someone dropped a pin, I'd wake right up wondering what the noise was. I'm thinking it'll probably take you a few weeks totally adjust.
A Christian minister said Tuesday that he will go ahead with plans to burn copies of the Quran this weekend to protest the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks despite a warning from the top U.S. general in Afghanistan that doing so would endanger American troops.
Fucking inbred idiot.
It's time to saw Florida off from the rest of the country and let it float away into the Carribbean.
Can we leave South Florida intact, SC?
Most of the rednecks are in the north and middle of the state, like this moronic preacher up in Gainesville .
If the asshole wants to burn those books, I guess it's his right. But like I always say, just because you have the right to do something, doesn't mean you should do it.
That's the beautiful paradox of our First Amendment. I have to believe that the Founding Fathers wrote it hoping that it wouldn't be exploited by sensationalistic boobs like this preacher .
And FYI, the hate mongers in southern churches like these are no more truly Christian than the suicide bombers were truly Muslim.
And FYI, the hate mongers in southern churches like these are no more truly Christian than the suicide bombers were truly Muslim.
That's a very good analogy, PB.
Yogi, did you every try Melatonin?? It's a hormone our bodies produce at night, and it helps to control your sleep/wake cycle. Since you're trying to sleep in the day, it may help you to take some before going to bed when you're working nights.
Mr. Babe worked nights for years, so I know how much it sucks. Here's a link to more information on melatonin. Here in the US, you can buy it over the counter where you get vitamins. Melatonin Information
MSNBC is announcing that this wanna-be pastor, man of the cloth is going to have a news conference this afternoon. They are speculating a possible change of heart. Well, he did say if God tells him not to burn the Quran (or is it Koran??) he won't do it.
Where are the lessons that Jesus taught his apostles?? How do these people call themselves "Christians" and yet ignore the lesson that Jesus taught? About acceptance and tolerance, about how we are all God's children??
Where are the lessons that Jesus taught his apostles?? How do these people call themselves "Christians" and yet ignore the lesson that Jesus taught? About acceptance and tolerance, about how we are all God's children??
Christian or not, we as people tend to bite off more than we can chew. A committment to any principles is easy enough to adopt. However, practicing them is the trick. Anger and similar emotions expressed within limits have few consequences. In this case, this pastor is finding out about those consequences: admonition, recrimination, alienation. I'm sure he didn't anticipate those.
In order to preserve the 9/11 tribute thread, I wanted to offer my viewpoint, but in a different thread out of respect.
Originally Posted By: dontomasso
The first hand accounts from board members on this tic are truly chilling. I recall watching in disbelief the second plane hit the tower and learning about the pentagon.
Here we are nine years later, and I really wonder if we have accomplished anything meaningful to break up these terrorist networks. The 9-11 attacks cost those bastards a couple hundred thousand. It has drained this country of its treasury, and bin laden is still at large and probably laughing his sick a** off, while we do little more than get into pissing contests about the president being a "muslim," the placement of an Islamic center and the qu'ran burning event.
Well said, DT. I was going to post something similar but refrained. My comment is that as a compromise to the debates about the Ground Zero Mosque and the Qu'Ran burning, we should simply flatten Afghanistan as a starting point. It needs to be wiped off the face of the earth. And if the terrorists flee to Pakistan or another country that offers a safe haven, do the same thing.
Nine years of trying to be politically correct and worrying about civilian casualties has gotten us where? The Taliban is up and running again after their ouster in late 2001. We need to stop the mentality that we are fighting a war against a country (or countries) like past wars. After billions of dollars spent, it is quite obvious that we are not. Instead, we face a cowardly enemy which hides behind churches, children, and are scattered throughout the world. Until we show them that this will not be tolerated, they will continue. I just wish that someone in this country's military had the guts to go through with it and end Afghanistan once and for all.
Appeals court blocks Pa. town's immigration law By MICHAEL RUBINKAM (AP) – 59 minutes ago
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Hazleton, Pa., may not enforce its crackdown on illegal immigrants, dealing another blow to 4-year-old regulations that inspired similar measures around the country.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said that Hazleton's Illegal Immigration Relief Act usurped the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration.
"It is ... not our job to sit in judgment of whether state and local frustration about federal immigration policy is warranted. We are, however, required to intervene when states and localities directly undermine the federal objectives embodied in statutes enacted by Congress," wrote Chief Judge Theodore McKee.
Appeals courts are split on whether states and municipalities have the right to enforce laws dealing with immigration. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments over a 2007 Arizona law that prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.
Hazleton, a northeastern Pennsylvania city of more than 30,000, had sought to fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs. A companion measure required prospective tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit.
Mayor Lou Barletta had pushed the measures in 2006 after two illegal immigrants were charged in a fatal shooting. The Republican mayor, now mounting his third try for Congress, argued that illegal immigrants brought drugs, crime and gangs to the city of more than 30,000 and overwhelmed police, schools and hospitals.
PHILADELPHIA – A Kraft Foods plant worker who had been suspended for feuding with colleagues, then escorted from the building, returned minutes later with a handgun, found her foes in a break room and executed two of them with a single bullet each and critically wounded a third, police said Friday.
Yvonne Hiller, 43, had gotten into an argument Thursday evening with her co-workers at the northeast Philadelphia plant, police said. After she was disciplined, she went to her vehicle, made several phone calls, and then grabbed a .357 Magnum and used it to force her way past security guards at the front gate.
About 100 people were at work at the plant, which makes Nabisco cookies and crackers.
Hiller walked to the third-floor mixing area and found four people in the break room. She had no quarrels with one woman and told her to leave. She then opened fire on the others, Philadelphia Homicide Capt. James Clark said.
"She believed they were spraying chemicals at her, saying things behind her back," Clark said.
I don't understand the whole workplace shooting thing. While it was once confined to postal workers, it seems all over the place now.
SB, I don't know how far back your "was once confined to" goes, but I doubt that workplace shootings were incipient with or ever confined to postal workers (I hope I'm not being too literal).
Dec. 30, 1999: Housekeeper Silvio Izquierdo-Leyva, 36, fatally shot five co-workers at Tampa, Fla.'s Radisson Bay Harbor hotel. He pleaded guilty, was sentenced to life in prison.
_ Nov. 2, 1999: Copier repairman Byran Uyesugi, 40, fatally shot seven people at Xerox Corp. in Honolulu. He was convicted, sentenced to life in prison.
_ Aug. 5, 1999: Truck driver Alan E. Miller, 35, fatally shot two co-workers at Pelham, Ala., office, then killed a former co-worker. He was convicted, sentenced to death.
_ July 29, 1999: Former day trader Mark Barton, 44, killed nine people at two Atlanta brokerage offices before he committed suicide.
_ March 6, 1998: Former Connecticut Lottery Corp. accountant Matthew Beck, 35, fatally shot four lottery executives, then himself, in Newington.
_ Dec. 18, 1997: Fired employee Arturo R. Torres, 43, killed four former co-workers at maintenance yard in Orange, Calif., and was shot to death by police.
_ Sept. 15, 1997: Fired assembly line worker Arthur H. Wise, 43, shot and killed four at Aiken, S.C., parts plant. He was convicted, sentenced to death.
_ April 24, 1996: Firefighter Kenneth Tornes killed four superiors at Jackson, Miss., firehouse. He died on death row.
_ April 3, 1995: Former employee James Simpson, 28, shot and killed five people at refinery inspection station in Corpus Christi, Texas, then killed himself.
_ July 19, 1995: City electrician Willie Woods shot and killed four supervisors at C. Erwin Piper Technical Center in Los Angeles. He was sentenced to life in prison.
_ July 1, 1993: Gian Luigi Ferri, 55, a mentally disturbed man with a grudge against lawyers, killed eight people and himself in a San Francisco law office.
_ June 18, 1990: James E. Pough, 42, killed 10 people and wounded four others before killing himself at a General Motors Acceptance Corp. office in Jacksonville, Fla.
In order to preserve the 9/11 tribute thread, I wanted to offer my viewpoint, but in a different thread out of respect.
Originally Posted By: dontomasso
The first hand accounts from board members on this tic are truly chilling. I recall watching in disbelief the second plane hit the tower and learning about the pentagon.
Here we are nine years later, and I really wonder if we have accomplished anything meaningful to break up these terrorist networks. The 9-11 attacks cost those bastards a couple hundred thousand. It has drained this country of its treasury, and bin laden is still at large and probably laughing his sick a** off, while we do little more than get into pissing contests about the president being a "muslim," the placement of an Islamic center and the qu'ran burning event.
Well said, DT. I was going to post something similar but refrained. My comment is that as a compromise to the debates about the Ground Zero Mosque and the Qu'Ran burning, we should simply flatten Afghanistan as a starting point. It needs to be wiped off the face of the earth. And if the terrorists flee to Pakistan or another country that offers a safe haven, do the same thing.
Nine years of trying to be politically correct and worrying about civilian casualties has gotten us where? The Taliban is up and running again after their ouster in late 2001. We need to stop the mentality that we are fighting a war against a country (or countries) like past wars. After billions of dollars spent, it is quite obvious that we are not. Instead, we face a cowardly enemy which hides behind churches, children, and are scattered throughout the world. Until we show them that this will not be tolerated, they will continue. I just wish that someone in this country's military had the guts to go through with it and end Afghanistan once and for all.
LMFAO! ARE YOU KIDDING? 'Out of respect' for whom? Fuck you. 'Compromise'? Fuck off.
Vile, repelling douchebag.
So long as we've learned nothing from 9/11, we'd actually be best to forget it. We've got to go beyond naive naval-gazing jingoist outrage.
Also, I find it revealing that the primary concern about Terry Jones was that his actions could "endanger our troops"; that is, in case that's gone over your flag-flying head, the concern about Terry Jones is that it might threaten an illegal imperialist war that has claimed thousands of lives - he is not being discouraged because it's a horrible act of bigotry.
Just as revealing is the notion given by the ruling establishment and its putrid media that one man's actions can "endanger" or undo an entire war effort - nice to know there's a great stronghold on Afghan after nine years of being there, and that the hatred felt toward this war hasn't anything to do with its gross illegality...
DT, immediate victory is not the only acceptable outcome of our efforts in Afghanistan. We've been fighting the Mafia for almost 100 years. Have we won yet? No. Have we significantly injured its ability to operate? Yes. The same is true in Afghanistan. Now, Al Queda cannot use Afghanistan with impunity to plan and train for its operations against us and it has been forced to deploy some of its resources to defend itself against us. Thus, those resources cannot be used to plan and execute attacks on our soil.
And Goombah, we can't trash over 200 years of our trying to do the right thing and defending and propagating freedom and liberty by flattening an entire country. Unlike Japan and Germany, the peoples of Afghanistan hardly know what is going on in the village a few miles away let alone what is going on their country and they cannot in the least be construed as supporting something they know little or nothing about. The same was true in Vietnam. Those peole were just trying to get through each day. We need to be persistent. It will bear fruit.
I have Internet Explorer 7 and also Firefox. Can anyone tell me why it is that as of an hour or so ago I can connect to Firefox but not IE??? I keep getting the message that "remote device or resource won't accept connection????" I did remove a Norton program which had expired a few months ago but other than that I didn't make any other changes before this happened. I'm confused. Oh, and when I click "internet access" it does say "connected".
I have no idea, TIS, and don't really have time right now to help much, but a quick google of your problem brought this. Give it a shot: "Try going to tools > internet options > connections tab > lan settings > make sure those three boxes aren't checked" Hopefully that'll do it?
Earlier last evening, without warning, I suddenly got my Internet access back from my cantankerous home PC (aka The ComputerSaurus).
I have no idea how or why this happened. I had run a Scan Disc cleanup on The Monster, but no errors were detected. I then defragmented The Beast for good measure - but I had done this in the past with no improvement whatsoever. But now, in addition to actually deigning to connect me to the Internet, I think ol' M-5 is actually running a little faster than before. (I had installed an updated version of AOL a couple of weeks ago and, up to now, the damn thing didn't work at all.)
So, it looks like I'm back, at least for the time being.
Hallelujah!
HooooooooHah!!!
We'll just see how long this lasts...
On the other hand, my printer croaked several days ago. Figures. I went to my local Staples to buy a new one, only to find that no one is making printers that are compatible with my ancient computer's equally ancient operating system. Can't update my damn McAfee virus protection program either, for the same reason.
In order to preserve the 9/11 tribute thread, I wanted to offer my viewpoint, but in a different thread out of respect.
Originally Posted By: dontomasso
The first hand accounts from board members on this tic are truly chilling. I recall watching in disbelief the second plane hit the tower and learning about the pentagon.
Here we are nine years later, and I really wonder if we have accomplished anything meaningful to break up these terrorist networks. The 9-11 attacks cost those bastards a couple hundred thousand. It has drained this country of its treasury, and bin laden is still at large and probably laughing his sick a** off, while we do little more than get into pissing contests about the president being a "muslim," the placement of an Islamic center and the qu'ran burning event.
Well said, DT. I was going to post something similar but refrained. My comment is that as a compromise to the debates about the Ground Zero Mosque and the Qu'Ran burning, we should simply flatten Afghanistan as a starting point. It needs to be wiped off the face of the earth. And if the terrorists flee to Pakistan or another country that offers a safe haven, do the same thing.
Nine years of trying to be politically correct and worrying about civilian casualties has gotten us where? The Taliban is up and running again after their ouster in late 2001. We need to stop the mentality that we are fighting a war against a country (or countries) like past wars. After billions of dollars spent, it is quite obvious that we are not. Instead, we face a cowardly enemy which hides behind churches, children, and are scattered throughout the world. Until we show them that this will not be tolerated, they will continue. I just wish that someone in this country's military had the guts to go through with it and end Afghanistan once and for all.
LMFAO! ARE YOU KIDDING? 'Out of respect' for whom? Fuck you. 'Compromise'? Fuck off.
Vile, repelling douchebag.
So long as we've learned nothing from 9/11, we'd actually be best to forget it. We've got to go beyond naive naval-gazing jingoist outrage.
Also, I find it revealing that the primary concern about Terry Jones was that his actions could "endanger our troops"; that is, in case that's gone over your flag-flying head, the concern about Terry Jones is that it might threaten an illegal imperialist war that has claimed thousands of lives - he is not being discouraged because it's a horrible act of bigotry.
Just as revealing is the notion given by the ruling establishment and its putrid media that one man's actions can "endanger" or undo an entire war effort - nice to know there's a great stronghold on Afghan after nine years of being there, and that the hatred felt toward this war hasn't anything to do with its gross illegality...
Seriously, fuck me.
Are you kidding me that you have the audacity to talk to anyone on these boards like that? Look at the context, Capo. I clearly meant "out of the respect" to the 9/11 thread.
I will have to agree with one point you made - your last statement.
Goombah, there are plenty of Board members who value each other's posts. There is worth to reading those posts and continuing to post yourself. Some Board members have an unresolved rage against something in their lives and they use the Board as a finger-tapping outlet. Just ignore them and continue with your contributions.
(Sept. 4) -- An American cartoonist's rendition of the Mexican flag is causing controversy south of the border, where Mexicans say it's offensive to taint their national symbol with images of drug violence.
Political cartoonist Daryl Cagle's drawing, which ran on the front page of several Mexican newspapers this week, shows what's normally a regal-looking eagle at the center of Mexico's flag riddled with bullets and bleeding. It's a reference to the drug wars that have riled Mexico and left more than 28,000 people dead there in less than four years.
"Editorial cartoonists look for readily recognizable metaphors and that's an obvious one for Mexico," Cagle told CNN.
But some Mexicans say they're offended by the cartoon. Like the American flag, Mexico's banner is a national symbol under which many soldiers and civilians have given their lives. They say Cagle overstepped his creative license in this case.
"It is a shame that a patriotic symbol like our flag, which is so beautiful to me, can be mocked by a stupid cartoonist," one angry reader complained to the Mexican newspaper El Universal. "I think there are many other ways to graphically protest what's happening in our country."
The Mexican Embassy in Washington weighed in on the issue, with a spokesman Ricardo Alday saying Thursday that Mexico "respects and defends freedom of speech and freedom of expression" but "differs" with Cagle "on the use he makes of the Mexican flag and the message it conveys."
In a letter to MSNBC.com, which employs Cagle, Alday said the cartoon "triggered a negative response from some sectors of Mexican public opinion."
Goombah, there are plenty of Board members who value each other's posts. There is worth to reading those posts and continuing to post yourself. Some Board members have an unresolved rage against something in their lives and they use the Board as a finger-tapping outlet. Just ignore them and continue with your contributions.
Goombah, there are plenty of Board members who value each other's posts. There is worth to reading those posts and continuing to post yourself. Some Board members have an unresolved rage against something in their lives and they use the Board as a finger-tapping outlet. Just ignore them and continue with your contributions.
Best post EVER!
Ditto!
Goom, awhile back you gave me the best advice I've ever received on this board: To use the "ignore" feature. And it worked wonders for me! I hardly ever want to quit his place anymore .
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Lady Gaga said the controversial "meat" dress she wore at the MTV Video Music Awards was intended to make a statement.
Winning eight prizes at Sunday's ceremony, the glam pop performance artist chose to accept one of her statuettes wearing nothing but a raw, red meat dress with a matching purse, that became one of the most talked about moments of the televised show.
"If we don't stand up for what we believe in and if we don't fight for our rights, pretty soon we're going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones," Lady Gaga, 24, told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres on her TV program broadcast on Monday.
"And, I am not a piece of meat," she added.
Sunday's outfit comes on the heels of a meat bikini Gaga donned for the cover of Vogue Hommes Japan's September issue. It was one of several different costumes the singer wore on Sunday, including one that looked like a large black trash bag.
Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said that "wearing a dress made from cuts of dead cows is offensive enough to bring comment."
Lady Gaga told DeGeneres she meant no disrespect to anyone that is vegan or vegetarian, and called herself "the most judgment free human being on the earth."
Singer Cher, whom Gaga asked to hold her meat purse while accepting her award on stage, defended the 24-year old songbird.
In a series of several tweets regarding the meat dress, Cher wrote on Monday that as an "art piece it was astonishing!" and that the meat purse was "genius."
Continuing on Twitter, Cher added: "modern art elicits discussion, introspection & conflict! Everyone's talking about it! BINGO!"
Lady Gaga's eccentric outfits, string of hit records like "Bad Romance" and "Paparazzi" and startling live stunts including setting her piano on fire, have made her a worldwide pop culture phenomenon over the past two years with more than 10 million album sales.
Lady Gaga is a bit odd, if I may say so. I don't understand these artists who feel compelled to make their award acceptance a political statement. Take your award, thank your mother, and get off the stage. If you want to work on or for a political cause, then go volunteer for the Organization to Save Such-and-Such. Enough already with the red ribbons and the pink ribbons and the meat dresses.
Now, there's a sentence I never thought I'd be writing.
And her persona is really nothing new, either, although she probably thinks she's breaking new ground.
The only difference between her "shocking" outfits and those of, say, Grace Jones or David Bowie or Cher (all 30 plus years ago), is that those artists were more than marginally talented, Miss Gaga is not. But she's a runaway success, no doubt about that, rich beyond anyone's wildest dreams before her 25th birthday.
Chalk it up to the Ritalin addled minds of the Twitter generation .
I don't understand how some of these artists sell out concerts. They must lip-synch, because on the rare occasions when you hear them live, they're awful. They can't hold a note to save their lives. Miley Cyrus is a prime example. I heard her do "The Climb" live and my dog is STILL howling from the sharp notes she hit. Taylor Swift is another one. She did a live duet with Stevie Nicks at the Grammy Awards and she was frightful. Stevie Nicks' voice has been on the decline for years now, and she still sang rings around Taylor.
I don't understand how some of these artists sell out concerts. They must lip-synch, because on the rare occasions when you hear them live, they're awful. They can't hold a note to save their lives. Miley Cyrus is a prime example. I heard her do "The Climb" live and my dog is STILL howling from the sharp notes she hit. Taylor Swift is another one. She did a live duet with Stevie Nicks at the Grammy Awards and she was frightful. Stevie Nicks' voice has been on the decline for years now, and she still sang rings around Taylor.
SB, I think a lot of it is autotune. The show is just as important or more so than the actual music or singing. Also people don't care as much as they used to about lip-synching or pre-recorded tracks in live performances.
And these days record companies don't have the time or money to nurture artists until they find their voice. If they can earn money with someone right now that's what they want, never mind how good they may or may not be. To be fair I think that's always been the case; it's just more obvious these days.
Hey guys, I wasn't sure if there was a introduction thread, so I thought I should just post in here. My name is Dino, I live in Seattle, I'm originally from Bosnia (Eastern Europe). My favorite movies are Blood In Blood Out, Goodfellas, Godfather Trilogy, Un Prophete, Mesrine, Scarface, and all the other greats. My favorite mobsters are Carmine Persico, Tony Accardo, Tommy Lucchese, and Frank Costello.
Well hi there Dino and welcome to the board. If you've browsed the board a while I'm sure you know we have people from all over the world and of course being a GF fan, you certainly are in the right place. Feel free to jump in on any conversations and start one of your own if you like.
Likewise, it's nice to meet you as well. I look forward to your input. Have fun!!!
NewsCore - The man captured on camera ripping pages out of a Koran and burning them near Ground Zero in lower Manhattan Saturday -- the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks -- was fired from his job at NJ Transit, the New Jersey transportation provider told NewsCore Tuesday.
NJ Transit said that Derek Fenton's "public actions" violated its code of ethics and that he “violated his trust as a state employee.”
It was not clear that Fenton was terminated because of his actions on Saturday. The NJ Transit statement indicated that he was fired on Monday.
In response to questions from NewsCore Tuesday, NJ Transit released a statement saying: “Derek Fenton was terminated on September 13, 2010 from his employment at NJ TRANSIT. An at-will employee, Mr. Fenton’s public actions violated New Jersey Transit’s code of ethics."
It continued: "NJ TRANSIT concluded that Mr. Fenton violated his trust as a state employee and therefore was dismissed.”
Hi, everybody. It's been a long time, but I'm hoping to visit more frequently. I've been having a Charles Dickens year- the best of times and the worst of times- but life rolls merrily on. My family is doing very well though. My oldest is looking at colleges and enjoying his senior year in high school. More to follow. I have a lot of catching up to do, but it's been great reading your posts.
Hi, everybody. It's been a long time, but I'm hoping to visit more frequently. I've been having a Charles Dickens year- the best of times and the worst of times- but life rolls merrily on. My family is doing very well though. My oldest is looking at colleges and enjoying his senior year in high school. More to follow. I have a lot of catching up to do, but it's been great reading your posts.
Bullshit, Counselor .
My oldest daughter will graduate the University of Miami in December. My younger daughter just started her freshman year at Penn State a few weeks ago. And my son just started his freshman year at Stepinac (high school). My life is insane (read: expensive), too, yet I make time for my buddies on the BB .
Aw, f*** it, I'm just glad to have you back. But remember, "I can out-learn you. I can out-read you. I can out-think you. And I can out-philosophize you."
A gunman opened fire inside one of the buildings at Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Hospital, where at least one doctor was reported shot.
Baltimore police say they're setting up a tactical operation to deal with a gunman who is holed up on the eighth floor of Johns Hopkins hospital after shooting a doctor. (ABC News)The gunman, who has not been identified, is not in custody but has been "isolated" in a particular area of the hospital, according to Baltimore Police.
"We are in the process of getting the suspects, it's possible he is barricaded in a room," said Anthony Guglielmi, chief of public affairs for the Baltimore Police Department.
Guglielmi said that the doctor is in surgery but his injuries are not critical.
"The doctor is going to be OK – he's in the best place in the world," he said.
In the initial confusion, some reports said the shooter had been subdued, while others said police were trying to get a negotiator close enough to talk with him.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had an unusual form of praise for New York's junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, this morning at the fundraiser Mayor Bloomberg hosted for him at his townhouse - referring to her as "the hottest member" as she sat just a few feet away, according to three sources.
The comment prompted Gillibrand to turn red, according to the sources, and created a bit of stir among the small crowd there.
"It was pretty shocking when he said it," said one source familiar with the remark and the reaction.
A Reid spokesman confirmed it happened, but also noted that the Democratic Majority Leader also praised Gillibrand for her work.
First Bloomberg spoke, then Sen. Chuck Schumer, and then Reid, according to the sources. Reid praised Schumer at length, discussing how he could have run for governor - and won - in 2006, but didn't, and instead accepted the Nevada senator's entreaties to run the DSCC.
Then he turned his attention to Gillibrand, saying something about how "many senators are known for many things," according to a source. He added, "We in the Senate refer to Sen. Gillibrand as the hottest member."
He also then discussed her knowledge of securities law as extremely deep, and suggested she was better on certain policy elements than other people, according to the sources.
Jonathan Mederos set a personal record in Disney's Princess Half Marathon last year, winning first place with a time of 1:16:17.
The reception he got was far from his personal best, though. "When I crossed the finish line, the announcers were silent, and I got downcast looks from the crowd," says Mr. Mederos, a 25-year-old high-school philosophy teacher in Miami.
That's what a guy gets for winning a women's race. As Rick Cordes took last year's Nike Women's Half Marathon, he slunk across the finish line, with a finger pressed to his lips, beseeching silence after having been heckled throughout the race.
"Maybe I shouldn't have been so competitive in a race that I would have been slaughtered in if it were an all-men's field," says Mr. Cordes, a 48-year-old California real-estate broker, in an email. He was one of nearly 700 men among more than 12,700 women in the Nike Half Marathon.
This year, at least a dozen races styled for women are having their debuts across America, from the Nashville Women's Half Marathon on Sept. 25, to Long Island's Divas Half Marathon a week later.
The growth results from an explosion in the number of female runners, who last year accounted for 53% of all U.S. road-race finishers, according to the research center Running USA.
"You take out the testosterone and these events are kinder, cleaner, gentler and sweeter," says Robert Pozo, who runs a group of women's races from a website called Run Like a Diva.
Men can register for these races, as footnotes on the event websites note. Technically allowing guys to run avoids legal spats, pleases charity sponsors whose fund-raisers are often male and engenders a magnanimous spirit. But these races tolerate rather than welcome male participants..... Full WSJ Article
Must be a bad week for fish. My niece had to flush one of their 5 fish this week. It had some kind of infection. She was not taking a $2 fish to the vet.
I had no idea the founder of FB, Mark Zuckerberg, was so freekin' rich! We're talking over 23 billion!! Holy crap! He's only 26 (but looks like he's 15). He just donated 100 Million to New Jersey Schools. Some are saying it's connected to a movie being released (soon) showing him in a not so flattering light. I saw an interview with two guys who claim they had the idea first and/or worked with Zuckerberg. I thought they were going to sue, but I am not sure.
Anyway, I see this young kid and think OMG, he's filfty rich!! I wish I had the idea first.
I had no idea the founder of FB, Mark Zuckerberg, was so freekin' rich! We're talking over 23 billion!! Holy crap! He's only 26 (but looks like he's 15). He just donated 100 Million to New Jersey Schools. Some are saying it's connected to a movie being released (soon) showing him in a not so flattering light. I saw an interview with two guys who claim they had the idea first and/or worked with Zuckerberg. I thought they were going to sue, but I am not sure.
Anyway, I see this young kid and think OMG, he's filfty rich!! I wish I had the idea first.
Okay. A friend of ours is getting married this Saturday, and she asked me to take her fiance out for a bachelor night. He's in his 20s and has become a friend as well. Well, last night was the night, and it was just he, my military buddy and I. After a nice dinner with mountain lagers, brewed on the premises, we headed for a gentleman's club. Our ladies had no problem with this, and, in fact, the groom's wife-to-be encouraged the trip...with some obvious restrictions. We had planned on having a couple of drinks there, and buying our buddy a couple of lap dances (he had never had one before).
Five hours later, I staggered out of there $1200 poorer. My military buddy spent more than that, and the guest of honor had passed out. I'd certainly go to confessions if I could only remember what the hell I may have done to confess. I'm sure it wasn't too bad. But my friend and I will wait until after the wedding to tell our wives about our expenditures.
Kly... a strip/titty bar is the LAST place you wanna host a bachelor party, trust me. It's cheaper to have *someone* come to you to *entertain* the bachelor!
And FS is right (for once)... What happens at the bachelor party STAYS at the bachelor party!! If you tell your wife, you might be up against her AND a colleague. So shush it. If that's too much to ask, then refuse being a Best Man or even in the wedding party next time.
Okay. Five hours later, I staggered out of there $1200 poorer. My military buddy spent more than that, and the guest of honor had passed out. I'd certainly go to confessions if I could only remember what the hell I may have done to confess.
OMG, has anyone been following or heard about this CT. home invasion in which several people invaded a home, held family hostage, raped the mother and a daughter. The husband was beaten with a baseball bat tied up in the basement forced to listen to all the cries for help. While the wife was taken to the bank by one of the invaders to withdraw money. The house was burned down by the invaders and the wife and two daughters were killed, leaving the husband the sole survivor. Poor guy is in court listening to testimony reliving the event. What a horror!
There are so many stories on this, I just randomly picked this one.
TIS, it's one of the most horrible things I've ever heard. It's been on the local news every day of the trial. The wife actually told the teller at the bank what was happening, and she notified authorities. There must have been some sort of screw-up, because the guys still had time to rape the wife and set fire to the house when they returned with the money. The police didn't arrive in time to stop it.
They were a beautiful family. The father actually had to leave the courtroom yesterday because the testimony was too painful.
Stories like that are why I am rarely bothered when a homeowner shoots a burglar or would be burglar. That's horrible. You can't bring that family back.
Just the idea of losing your entire family is bad enough but under conditions that are so totally heartless is just unacceptable. This poor guy will have to live with this horror the rest of his life. My heart aches for him.
Five hours later, I staggered out of there $1200 poorer. My military buddy spent more than that, and the guest of honor had passed out. I'd certainly go to confessions if I could only remember what the hell I may have done to confess. I'm sure it wasn't too bad.
You either paid hundreds of dollars to buy the girls (watered down) champagne OR were charged a few hundred each to use "private facilities".
Either way (and speaking from personal experience), it was probably a ripoff.
London: Researchers have found that a typical elevator button harbours nearly 40 times as many germs as a public toilet seat. A study carried out in hotels, restaurants, banks, offices and airports found 313 ‘colony forming units’ of bacteria on every square centimetre of lift button.
The equivalent surface area of toilet seat had only eight units.
The bacteria on the lift buttons could include stomach bugs such as E.coli, the researchers say.
"In a busy building, a lift button can be touched by dozens of people who will have come into contact with all kinds of bacteria every hour,” the Daily Mail quoted Dr Nicholas Moon, from Microban Europe, which carried out the research for the University of Arizona in the US, as saying.
"Even if the buttons are cleaned regularly, the potential for the build up of bacteria is high," he added.
It really is pretty sad isn't it? I am not too surprised at the East L.A. incident. I'm guessing they get those a lot since honestly, it's got that kind of reputation.
Although, I don't know the details because I was half listening. I heard some mom was cheering her daughter as she was fighting another student at some sporting event. Damn!!!! What's going on these days???
My middle boy Andrew was threatened by his headmaster with being sent home from school yesterday. His crime? Having his hair spiked up with gel. We are not talking mohicans here,just spiked up on top with a bit of gel. My wife went over to have a word but was told it is new school policy. There are kids wandering around wearing all sorts of non uniform items,trainers on instead of shoes and the like and they are clamping down on spiky hair for 10 year olds.......
This for a boy who has not missed a days school in 3 years either......
I've had pain in my inner arm at the elbow joint. It turns out I have "golfer's elbow". I don't even golf! WTF?????
Ha ha ha!! I find that amusing. I'm not even quite sure what tennis elbow is. However, anyone know if there is a difference between Tennis elbow and golf elbow???? I wonder if you can get "bowling" elbow.
Leave it to SC!!! DT, that was just plain MEAN! BTW, I swear, the teams have a conspiracy! Both the Rays and the Yankees lost last night! Bastards!
TIS, I don't golf, so have no idea how the hell this happened. I have started using an elliptical, but don't know if that would do it. And the difference between tennis elbow and golf elbow? Tennis elbow is on the outside of the arm, golf elbow is on the inside of the arm. I can't take any anti-inflammatory meds, so that will make the healing process a lot slower. I do have a lovely brace.
Geez you guys are good. I was still working on a "spare" smartass remark. I think you've covered all the bowling terms I know. Unless of course we could work some kind of joke about a "bowling shirt." Ha ha ha
Here's a sure sign that I am getting old. In my late teens and 20s, I used to regularly check out the women who were driving cars to see if they were attractive. Now, as I close in on 40, I'm checking to see the size and shape of...the minivan they are driving.
Here's a sure sign that I am getting old. In my late teens and 20s, I used to regularly check out the women who were driving cars to see if they were attractive. Now, as I close in on 40, I'm checking to see the size and shape of...the minivan they are driving.
Ha ha ha ha!!!! That's funny! And when you were in your twenties, the last thing you pictured yourself driving was a mini-van right??
Here's a sure sign that I am getting old. In my late teens and 20s, I used to regularly check out the women who were driving cars to see if they were attractive. Now, as I close in on 40, I'm checking to see the size and shape of...the minivan they are driving.
Ha ha ha ha!!!! That's funny! And when you were in your twenties, the last thing you pictured yourself driving was a mini-van right??
TIS
I never pictured driving one, so I was recently horrified to discover that I enjoyed driving one! We rented a Toyota Sienna this summer for a long weekend trip and it was great.
Fit me for my white shoes, move me down to Miami, and get it over with...
I don't know the California standard of living but in Michigan $23/hr is not cheap. We'll see how it all plays out...
From TMZ/Yahoo Nicky Diaz Santillan, Whitman's housekeeper of 9 years, held a news conference with her lawyer, Gloria Allred, and claims Whitman had all the clues she was an undocumented worker but closed her eyes to it because she was cheap help ... $23 an hour.
Allred claims the housekeeper was "exploited, disrespected, humiliated and emotionally and financially abused" by Whitman.
Allred claims when the housekeeper was hired 9 years ago through an agency, Whitman never asked if she was in the U.S. legally. And, during her employment, Santillan told Whitman she couldn't travel to Mexico. And, Allred said, Whitman found out Santillan's Social Security number didn't match her name, but Whitman did nothing. Allred said it's the classic case of "don't ask, don't tell."
That all changed, Allred says, when Whitman launched her campaign for Governor, realizing having an illegal alien on board was a liability ... and fired her.
Santillan says Whitman treated her "like a piece of garbage" by letting her go.
Allred says Santillan is filing a claim with the Labor Commission for back wages and mileage.
Yesterday, Whitman said in the debate with Jerry Brown that employers should be held accountable for hiring undocumented workers.
Meg Whitman's campaign just gave us documents suggesting that her former maid, Nicky Diaz Santillam, actually lied to Meg about her immigration status when she was hired back in 2000.
The documents, which Whitman claims Nicky filled out and signed back in 2000 during her application for employment, appear to show that the maid stated under the penalty of perjury that she was a "lawful permanent resident" of the United States.
Whitman also claims Nicky provided her with a social security card and valid California Driver's License with her employment application ... which Meg kept and has now handed over to TMZ.
Whitman has also issued a statement on the matter, saying ... "After 9 years of faithful service, Nicky came to us in June 2009 and confessed that she was an illegal worker." Whitman continues, "Nicky has falsified the hiring documents and personal information she provided to the employment agency that brought her to us in 2000."
And, Whitman continues, "I believe Nicky is being manipulated by Gloria Allred for political and financial purposes during the last few weeks of a hotly contested election."
Whitman concludes, "This is a shameful example of the politics of personal destruction practiced by people like Jerry Brown and Gloria Allred. The charges are without merit."
I don't know the California standard of living but in Michigan $23/hr is not cheap. We'll see how it all plays out...
Very coincidentally, one of the local NYC tv stations did a story on the City's subway car cleaners. These men and women are responsible for cleaning the subway cars when the train pulls into a terminal station (and then turns around and goes the other way). They are supposed to sweep and mop, if necessary, the floors and pick up discarded newspapers.
The fact that more than half were filmed slacking off (sitting in the subway cars and reading newspapers) notwithstanding, thanks to a union they are paid $23/hour.
Is it any wonder that the state and city are in such horrible shape?
I am NOT surprised by the $23 per hour, but hell yea, it's a lot. Yet, Whitman can afford it since she's put up what? $120 MILLION (so far) of her own money into this campaign. Chump change!!!!
I don't know the California standard of living but in Michigan $23/hr is not cheap. We'll see how it all plays out...
Very coincidentally, one of the local NYC tv stations did a story on the City's subway car cleaners. These men and women are responsible for cleaning the subway cars when the train pulls into a terminal station (and then turns around and goes the other way). They are supposed to sweep and mop, if necessary, the floors and pick up discarded newspapers.
The fact that more than half were filmed slacking off (sitting in the subway cars and reading newspapers) notwithstanding, thanks to a union they are paid $23/hour.
Is it any wonder that the state and city are in such horrible shape?
$48,000 a year?? It's not much money, quite honestly. It's very difficult, even in the suburbs of NYC, to find a one bedroom apartment for less than $1,200/month. If you're taking home $3,000 per month, what are you left with after rent, food, transportation, and so on?
And that's a ONE bedroom apartment, with no chance that you might have kids to support.
$48,000 a year?? It's not much money, quite honestly. It's very difficult, even in the suburbs of NYC, to find a one bedroom apartment for less than $1,200/month. If you're taking home $3,000 per month, what are you left with after rent, food, transportation, and so on?
And that's a ONE bedroom apartment, with no chance that you might have kids to support.
Good points SB. By the way, do NYC apartment rents usually include utilites?
I agree it's not much depending on where you live I guess. If you live in CA and pay high mortgage/rent of 1000,2000 per month, it's not that much. If you pay 3/400 a month (or whatever) you'll feel pretty good.
$48,000 a year?? It's not much money, quite honestly. It's very difficult, even in the suburbs of NYC, to find a one bedroom apartment for less than $1,200/month. If you're taking home $3,000 per month, what are you left with after rent, food, transportation, and so on?
And that's a ONE bedroom apartment, with no chance that you might have kids to support.
Take your head out of your culo.... we're talking about getting paid that kind of money for CLEANING SUBWAY CARS.
$48,000 a year?? It's not much money, quite honestly. It's very difficult, even in the suburbs of NYC, to find a one bedroom apartment for less than $1,200/month. If you're taking home $3,000 per month, what are you left with after rent, food, transportation, and so on?
And that's a ONE bedroom apartment, with no chance that you might have kids to support.
So why does everyone thing that each person should be able to make enough money to have their own home. If you want to get ahead you should get roommates and split a place. it doesn't have to be a high rise condo or a palace. Or maybe you have to travel into work on a transit system to have a place to live.
Maybe you rent a mother in law apartment somewhere. There are so many ways....Hell get married and enjoy yourself.
SC has a point. But just like gas prices, what should wages or salaries be for certain professions? That's usually determined byt he market, but other variables can affect it.
SC has a point. But just like gas prices, what should wages or salaries be for certain professions? That's usually determined byt he market, but other variables can affect it.
You pretty much said it right there. As far as I know, at the end of the day, the variations in wages and salaries among regions is dependant on the Consumer Price Index for said region...A gallon of milk is 6/$7 dollars in Hawaii, but only $2 in Idaho:.Wage levels are adjusted accordingy.
My middle son has just recieved his new football(soccer) strip for his new team. The socks come up to his goolies. The shorts go from his neck to his ankles and the shirt could cover his whole frame. How is he supposed to run around and play with that on?
I was listening to the boring commercials on the radio and all of a sudden I hear Vito saying "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." Made my day.
I sure hope Michael Douglas can beat this thing, but this really makes me sad.
TIS
Fears are growing for the health of MICHAEL DOUGLAS amid reports that his wife CATHERINE ZETA JONES flew back to the US from Wales on Thursday (30th September 2010) after receiving a call from the actor's doctor. According to the UK's Sun newspaper, Zeta-Jones jetted back to New York after visiting the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament, but was emotional on her arrival in the US.
Is anyone following that story about the 33 miners trapped in a mine in Chile? These poor guys have been trapped for over two months. At first they were saying it would be Dec. before they could rescue them now it looks like it'll be in the next few days. Can you imagine?
Are your areas bombarded with election ads in your areas??? At first I didn't think it was bad at all, but the past week, OMG! Every other commercial is a political ad.
It's getting pretty cut throat. LOL A few days ago, Meg Whitman (R) was accused of hiring an illegal as a housekeeper and Brown (D) naturally jumped all over it. Now today I'm hearing the audio tape of a conversation between Brown and an aid in which the aid refers to Whitman as a whore.
Is anyone following that story about the 33 miners trapped in a mine in Chile? These poor guys have been trapped for over two months. At first they were saying it would be Dec. before they could rescue them now it looks like it'll be in the next few days. Can you imagine?
The latest thing I heard on the news last night was that the rescue shaft still has around 250 feet to go before it reaches the miners. But it was also said that this shaft may have to be reinforced and lined before they can risk bringing anyone out - this would probably add another week to ten days before the shaft is ready. I'm also thinking about the two (?) miners that were supposed to be too overweight to fit in the rescue shaft. I'm not sure what the plan is regarding those men - unless they were (no joke) trying to lose some weight during the time they've been stuck underground.
Originally Posted By: The Italian Stallionette
Are your areas bombarded with election ads in your areas??? At first I didn't think it was bad at all, but the past week, OMG! Every other commercial is a political ad.
It's getting pretty cut throat. LOL A few days ago, Meg Whitman (R) was accused of hiring an illegal as a housekeeper and Brown (D) naturally jumped all over it. Now today I'm hearing the audio tape of a conversation between Brown and an aid in which the aid refers to Whitman as a whore.
Politics...what a dirty game.
Yep, here in the New York area we're deluged with the same crap. Every time I turn on the TV I see ads for the McMahon/Blumenthal senatorial race in Connecticut highlighting the lie Blumenthal told about serving in the Vietnam War. I actually think Linda McMahon, despite her background in the front office of the WWE, has a real chance of winning this one. Hell, Jesse Ventura got elected governor of Minnesota; California has "The Governator."
But the real mudslinging is here in NY with the Cuomo/Paladino gubernatorial campaign. Paladino's mouth is doing a fine job of digging his political grave for him - this is certainly one of the dirtiest campaigns I've seen in these parts in years.
And yes...It gets really tiring after only a very short while.
The primary elections held last month were particularly annoying: For weeks, every day I would find my mailbox stuffed with flyers from the candidates who were running for minor public offices - but one jerk in particular (I think he was running for Attorney General) kept the junk mail coming on - literally - a daily basis. I finally said to myself that for that reason alone this pest would not get my vote. If I had a birdcage, I would have lined it with his circulars...
Still, I never quite escape the feeling that we end up voting for the lesser of two weasels.
I have to call in this weekend for jury duty. I don't know how it works for you Mig, but I am to be "available" this week. I'll either call in each day and THEN get dismissed; report to the court and get a case OR report to the court and not get a case.
Myself, I find jury duty very interesting, so I don't mind. If I go down there, whether I get a case or not, they can't call me for another year.
This year's elections are actually making me apolitical. It's always been a dirty business, but this year it's particularly ugly. On both sides, I might add.
For the first time in my life, I can actually see why some people just don't care enough to vote. Not that I'd ever give it up, I'm too much of a political geek, but I can understand the feeling now.
Myself, I find jury duty very interesting, so I don't mind. If I go down there, whether I get a case or not, they can't call me for another year.
One year? Is that how it works in sunny California?
In New York, it used to be four years - at least that was what it was when I was called in 2006. I was called just a couple of months ago (got on a personal injury case but it was settled the very day it was supposed to go to trial) and was told it was now every six years.
I had never stopped to think that laws regarding jury duty would vary so drastically.
IF you actually drive to the courthouse (whether you get a case or not) you'll be excused for at least a year. IF you just call in each day and don't end up having to go to the courthouse, they can call you sooner than a year.
As matter of fact I reported in June of 2009 and received another summons a couple weeks ago. I just called in and turns out I DO have to report on Tuesday (Monday is Columbus Day and courts are closed). I don't have to report until 12:15 p.m.
That tells me that (and I'm only guessing) chances are better I won't get a case. It's a short week, courts close on Friday for jury duty, plus since I am reporting in the afternoon and not morning, I think they just need a few more "possibles" for current jury selections. I could be wrong, but that's what I guess
Oh, and FWIW, I don't know about your areas, but I requested a courthouse right by my home instead of the larger courthouse which is about 15 miles or so. I e-mailed the courts and the last 3 times they've agreed to let me report there. It's like a 5/10 minute drive.
I never heard about stuff like that before-at least not being more or less tolerated which is what the article makes it sound like. Dunno if that's actually the case.
They are going to be rescuing those 33 miners in Chile any time now. Is anyone following the story? These 33 guys have been trapped in a mine for over 60 days. They have a tube like thing they will put them in and lift them out one at a time. They say it'll take about 15 minutes for each guy. I'm watching on MSNBC but assume other channels may be broadcasting it as well. It's amazing!!!
TIS, I saw one of their wives on TV this evening. She gave birth to their daughter a month ago and can't wait to introduce her to her daddy! The first miner is expected to surface in about 30 minutes or so.
I can only imagine the excitement there at the site. They are all so lucky to have survived. What a happy event.
If I am not mistaken, I thought they said the distance down is equivalent to 2Xs the Empire State bldg? Anyone else hear that? And, the tube they are using is very small. They said if anyone was claustrophobic, they'd have to simply deal with it, because there's just enough room for a body. That's scary.
TIS, I'm watching the news on tv now and I just heard one report saying the miners are about 2,600 feet down. That means they are down about two times the height of the Empire State Bldg.
TIS, I'm watching the news on tv now and I just heard one report saying the miners are about 2,600 feet down. That means they are down about two times the height of the Empire State Bldg.
Now, the way I see it, that would mean I was right!!
It's funny... the more we change the more we remain the same.
This type of human interest story used to be big on radioo during the Great Depression.... little kids trapped in wells, miners in cave-ins, etc. The networks would send a radio reporter who would broadcast live from the site. The radio audience often went nationwide until the story ended (when those trapped were freed or found dead).
Here we are, some seventy years later and we are still following the same dramas (albeit with much greater technology).
Ok, regarding the miners. I've heard rumors of this but today on the radio they said that one of the miners named, Yanni(they gave first and last names which I don't remember, but I think it's on the level) wanted to be last out but for personal reasons. It seems that while his wife has been waiting outside the mine area for his capture, she ran into his mistress who asked who she was waiting for, the woman said she was waiting for "Yanni" and the wife said she too was waiting for "Yanni." According to the story there is a rumor of yet another woman. Poor Yanni, might wanna stay where he is. It might be safer
So, if you see they are releasing someone named Yanni, check out the reaction. LOL
So, if you see they are releasing someone named Yanni, check out the reaction. LOL
I watched a video and the repoter said that he invited his wife and his mistress to watch his rescue. The reporter said that his wife isn't coming. I'm glad he is being rescued and all but the man is a ass.
This type of human interest story used to be big on radioo during the Great Depression.... little kids trapped in wells, miners in cave-ins, etc.
SC, I'm sure you've seen "Radio Days". Woody Allen put in a wonderful scene about the family listening to a broadcast about a little girl trapped in a well. It was a fictionalized version of an actual event in 1949.
I rec'd a little promotion today at work and it was announced in a staff meeting. My supervisor, a fellow "Sopranos" enthusiast, appreciated my joke when I said that I wanted to look out the window during the announcement. That way I could be on the lookout for any ravens sitting outside the window sill like Christopher experienced.
I rec'd a little promotion today at work and it was announced in a staff meeting. My supervisor, a fellow "Sopranos" enthusiast, appreciated my joke when I said that I wanted to look out the window during the announcement. That way I could be on the lookout for any ravens sitting outside the window sill like Christopher experienced.
Goombah, that's great! Congratulations. Best of luck to you.
My brother who lives in NYC mentioned this to me some time back but I thought he was joking. Then I saw this party mentioned in a story about Palladino.
Their candidate has accepted an invitation to the gubernatorial debate. Can you imagine what that's going to be like? And then we throw that crazy Paladino into the mix, and who knows where this will end up.
Their candidate has accepted an invitation to the gubernatorial debate. Can you imagine what that's going to be like? And then we throw that crazy Paladino into the mix, and who knows where this will end up.
Jimmy McMillen: Rent is too damn high!!
Carl Paladino: I blame the gays! Andrew Cuomo: Gentlemen please calm down. My girlfriend has made some delicious lasagna with cottage cheese, wonder bread and tomato soup. Try some.
Nearly 20 years after sexual harassment allegations almost derailed Clarence Thomas's Supreme Court nomination, the justice's wife telephoned Anita Hill, his principal accuser, to seek an apology.
"I did place a call to Ms. Hill at her office extending an olive branch to her after all these years, in hopes that we could ultimately get past what happened so long ago," Virginia Thomas said through a spokesman. Mrs. Thomas, a longtime conservative activist, has lately taken a more visible role by founding a tea-party group called Liberty Central.
Ms. Hill, now a professor at Brandeis University, said she didn't take Mrs. Thomas's Oct. 9 voicemail as conciliatory.
"I certainly thought the call was inappropriate," Ms. Hill said through a Brandeis spokesman. "I have no intention of apologizing because I testified truthfully about my experience and I stand by that testimony."
Ms. Hill said she initially assumed the call, which a Brandeis spokesman said came in at 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday, was a prank. She notified campus security, Brandeis spokesman Charles Radin said, which in a routine procedure alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Representatives of Brandeis said they were unaware of any other contact between Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Hill since the aftermath of the confirmation hearings in 1991.
"Good morning, Anita Hill, it's Ginni Thomas," the message went. "I just wanted to reach across the airwaves and the years and ask you to consider something. I would love you to consider an apology sometime and some full explanation of why you did what you did with my husband. So give it some thought and certainly pray about this and come to understand why you did what you did. Okay have a good day."
Is he the guy with the "suggestive" text mails or something? Sorry, all I know is, he's a sport's guy that has negative press right now. Don't know the details
Is he the guy with the "suggestive" text mails or something? Sorry, all I know is, he's a sport's guy that has negative press right now. Don't know the details
TIS
We need to give all females starting in grade school a primer on the NFL and they should each have to pass an exam about it before they are allowed to date or marry.
He is Brett Favre, one of the greatest QBs in NFL history. He supposedly sent a fomer Jets employee pictures of himself naked from the waste down.
This female knows probably as much about football as most men I know. Bring it on. Any mate of mine would be a football widow. Sundays I'm plopped on my couch from 1-8. Not to be disturbed.
Favre is a dick all over, so I hope he had an extra wide lens.
The ice maker in my fridge went last winter and I finally gave Sears a call a couple weeks ago. They talked me into an annual service contract for $270 enabling a years' worth of service at no charge (up to $500 per visit). I didn't know if that was a good deal or not -- and I NEVER buy service contracts for new items, but this fridge is 9 years old. He just came and replaced a couple circuit boards which would have cost me $281 without the contract, so I guess it's a good deal!
If it happened when the fridge was 10 yrs old, I wouldn't have been able to get the contract. But now that I have it, I can renew it every year no matter how old it is. So I guess I'm in good shape until I replace it. At $270/year, though, I might consider replacing it a year from now.
Sounds like it paid off for you and that's good. However, I never get the extended warranty. In my experience, appliances especially almost last forever or, at least until I'm ready for a new one. It's a gamble really. I guess yours is an example as to why it's good.
TIS, it seems my parent's ice make broke every year or two, so that's why I figured it'd be a good idea for the fridge/freezer. I probably wouldn't get it for anything else (at least anything new). This WAS worth it cuz I only paid for Year 9, AFTER it broke.
Our refrigerator is almost 12 years old. Considering that we paid a fortune for it back in 1999, I didn't consider that "old" for a major appliance, but a salesman in Sears told me that you can't expect more than 8-10 years from one. I figured that was just salesmanship, but an acquaintance of ours repairs appliances for a living. He actually said that's correct.
It does strain somewhat in the hot humid summer weather, but - like Old Man River - it keeps rolling along.
I'm just thankful it's self-defrosting. In the apartment I lived in from 1980-1985, there was a refrigerator that was probably at least 20 years old and it needed defrosting regularly (something I absolutely hated doing). I'll never forget the time I had just started to do the defrosting then unexpectedly fell asleep for around four or five hours and woke up to find over an inch of water covering my entire kitchen floor.
I remember those fridges that you had to defrost. I only had one, when I first got married and was starting out. I hated defrosting. Remember when "self defrosting" (is that what it was called?) was a new feature. Defrosting your refrigerator? It's so dated.
Talk about dated. Heck I remember when you wanted to bake a potato or heat up some leftover lasagna, you'd have to turn on the oven and it'd take an hour to preheat and warm. Damn, thank God for microwaves.
Speaking of the "olden days". When I had my first baby disposable diapers were sold, yet not everyone used them. I had a few dozen cloth diapers and intended to use cloth to disposable. I was prepared right? I thought I was.
Included in some of the baby gifts (and when hospitals gave departing gifts) were disposable diapers. Well, I think on the first messy diaper I changed, I said, "I don't need this shit." All those cloth diapers were used to clean windows or I'd use as dust rags. Some things are just to irresistible to NOT take advantage of.
It does strain somewhat in the hot humid summer weather, but - like Old Man River - it keeps rolling along.
Signor V.
Ironic that you mention this. We just went out last week to buy a new refrigerator. The one that we had was a GE and was about 20 years old. It finally began to strain this past summer and milk and such was going bad faster than the expiration dates indicated.
Anyway we went to several places and finally found another GE, almost the same exact refrigerator as the on that we had, at PC Richards.
I have to say that over the years all of the GE kitchen appliances that we still own or have owned have lasted an extremely long time, maybe requiring a minimal amount of service, if any at all.
BTW pizzaboy, you still having blocks of ice delivered to your flat?
Did your parents have an "oil man" deliver olive oil, dry sausage, etc. to your house?
Yup. And don't forget the Fuller Brush man!
Even the insurance man came door to door. Everyone made "house calls." That personal touch is gone forever. And I'm not being a sentimentalist when I post that. It happens to be the truth. The plain, sad, ugly truth .
I don't remember an oil man or sausage man but I remember the Fuller Brush guy.
We had a regular milkman, John Palazzolo and I think an insurance man. My mom usually shooed every door to door sales person away. However, every now and then I remember her letting in the Avon lady. Remember.... Avon calling???
The insurance man. Haaa! My grandmother used to tell us to be quiet when playing outside because "Jimmy The Insurance Man" was coming over.
We also had what we referred to, and I do not intend to offend anyone here, a salesman named Hy The Jew.
Hy was a Hasidic Jewish man who used to come to the home with books, selling things out of a catalog that you could buy and then pay him on what later became known in retail as a layaway plan. The only difference was with Hy you would get your merchandise and then pay him back over time.
He would come by once or twice a month for his money. I remember when the bell would ring and I would answer the door he would say "tell your grandmother that Hy the Jew is here!"
My mother always told me that if it were not for HY my grandpaarents would not have been able to afford to provide a lot of the furnisihings that they had for their home with all the children that they had. Hy made it affordable and manageable for my grandmother.
Doctor house calls. OMG, I remember a couple times as a kid, myself or my siblings, feeling under the weather, the doctor would come by the house. Geez, and after hours no less. Can't even imagine that today. They'd tell you to go to the emergency room.
Doctor house calls. OMG, I remember a couple times as a kid, myself or my siblings, feeling under the weather, the doctor would come by the house. Geez, and after hours no less. Can't even imagine that today. They'd tell you to go to the emergency room.
TIS
Actually TIS, Doctors who make house calls has returned here in NY:
I remember having a doctor who made house calls into my teens. His last name was Berger, and I joked that my mom should call "Ham" because I wasn't feeling well.
In addition to having seltzer delivered, we also had lox delivered for a time. It was the early '60s and we had a cat that would go crazy when the paper-wrapped fish was put near our door. My dad would get the newspapers (The Daily News and The Mirror) on Saturday night along with a dozen bagels. That was our Sunday breakfast... bagels and lox while fighting who would get the comic section.
I still have a Fuller Brush broom and brush/dustpan from the 1950's. They work fine, so I kept them after my parents retired to Florida in the 1980's. The broom has black bristles and the rest of it is painted pink!
Back in the early '60s, when we moved to Brooklyn there was a daily milk delivery in our apartment building. We had the usual metal box - actually nearly everybody in the building had one.
Avon is still alive and well; at least here in Tessio territory. As a matter of fact, Signora V. was an Avon lady for a couple of years in the early '90s. I think she was her own best customer! I still have boxes of beautiful Christmas decorations, earrings, pins, etc. that she accumulated with the help of the "employee discounts" (the downfall of many an Avon lady, I imagine!).
We used to have the milkman come round every week for his money. Also the pools man,which was gambling on football(soccer) results which was big 20 years before the lottery and all day gambling on the internet. The Ringtons man as well,who sold tea and coffee.
Nowadays the only person we get at our door is the window cleaner every fortnight!
We get the Schwann's guy every Wednesday. Tasty stuff but very pricey.
A friend of mine buys from Swann's. It does cost quite a bit. I dated a woman who was in the process of getting a divorce. Her husband was a milkman. I wonder if there are any milkmen still in business.
My Dad's second wife had milk delivered while they were dating. She'd get a few glass bottles of 2% plus she'd get a couple of chocolate milk. But that's been several years ago.
We used to have our milk delivered. I loved the clink of the glass bottles. No milk has ever tasted that good. We did have the Fuller Brush man, but no soda man. My aunt and grandmother had a soda man, but I guess our building didn't have one. That soda was the best cream and root beer EVER.
DC, your story about buying stuff on time cracked me up. My aunt and uncle were famous in the family for always being in debt (my grandfather used to say that they never had the 99 cents to make a dollar). When my brother was confirmed, my uncle was his godfather, and he gave him the traditional gift of a watch. When my brother put it on, he wanted to know if the watch had been set, so he asked my uncle if it was on time. My uncle smacked him on the back of the head and said, "Hey, I paid cash for that watch!"
I remember that when I was in high school I wanted a jacket at a place called Kay's in East Liberty. It cost $10. My parents had to buy it on credit, but they were denied. Finally, my aunt agreed to buy it on credit for me. I loved that jacket and wore it until I outgrew it. Of course, years later it made me realize just how tough it was for my parents trying to raise all of us and that they were willing to go to my aunt to help out is really something to treasure.
I remember that when I was in high school I wanted a jacket at a place called Kay's in East Liberty. It cost $10. My parents had to buy it on credit, but they were denied. Finally, my aunt agreed to buy it on credit for me. I loved that jacket and wore it until I outgrew it. Of course, years later it made me realize just how tough it was for my parents trying to raise all of us and that they were willing to go to my aunt to help out is really something to treasure.
That's a very nice sentiment, olivant.
I come from a large extended family that sprung from very modest means. My Aunt Lo splurged and bought a very expensive and dressy red coat for her oldest son, Sean, in the 1950s. That coat got passed from cousin to brother back to cousin again, to the point where eleven of us have a Santa Claus picture while wearing the coat. I was number 8 in the 1969 Santa picture.
Maybe THEY are the reason I am overweight! (Gotta blame SOMEONE - it's the American way!) LOL!
Did you get around to seeing a dietician? I did and it was helpful. Writing down what you eat and knowing where your daily calorie count should be can move things along nicely.
Italian town bans miniskirt What a treat! Yet again, an elected official in a small town has decided to ban miniskirts, low-slung jeans and excess cleavage being displayed in his territory. And yet again, the usual suspects have risen to the bait, denouncing the offender for male chauvinism and other crimes against women. ... But men in Fleet Street or Italy who send other men out to censor women's dress code – "they won't need to carry out checks close up" – are both asking for trouble and taking a small, incompetent step back towards the Taliban-esque habits of mind and action that western society has shed only recently and with difficulty.
Luigi Bobbio was elected as mayor of Castellammari di Stabia (it's south of Naples) on Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom ticket.
I had jury duty two weeks ago. I actually don't mind serving. I find it very interesting. Turns out though, they let us all leave. So I'm good for at least another year before they can call again.
Male Rand Paul Supporter stomps head of female MoveOn member. Article and Video
Lilo, this cowardly attack on the woman epitomizes the base, mean-spirited, thuggish atmosphere that's pervasive in our country today. The buffoon, who stomped on her head was actually criticizing the police for not intervening to prev ent this from happening. We're not only getting meaner; we're getting dumber.
I had jury duty two weeks ago. I actually don't mind serving. I find it very interesting. Turns out though, they let us all leave. So I'm good for at least another year before they can call again.
Male Rand Paul Supporter stomps head of female MoveOn member. Article and Video
Pretty unbelievable isn't it? Or, maybe not in this political atmosphere as of late.
TPM website is also reporting that this "Kentucky Stomper" claimed a bad back. He couldn't bend down and wanted to contain her, so he steps on her head. How horrible that people have come to this.
Male Rand Paul Supporter stomps head of female MoveOn member. Article and Video
Lilo, this cowardly attack on the woman epitomizes the base, mean-spirited, thuggish atmosphere that's pervasive in our country today. The buffoon, who stomped on her head was actually criticizing the police for not intervening to prev ent this from happening. We're not only getting meaner; we're getting dumber.
Yeah, that was WAY out of line. The lady should have had more people with her. Of course you never PLAN on getting your head stomped but these days...
I saw the woman interviewed on the news this morning. The Rand campaign camp said that they tried to get to close to the candidate. Reports, though, have him still in the car! Unfortunately, this will end up as too much "he said, she said", but the video was just brutal, I can tell you that! Btw, the "head stomper" was fired.
Anyone use Flexible Spending Accounts?? We're trying to determine how much to put in it, since it's a "use it or lose it" proposition. Last year, we used up our entire account by April, and we don't want to get caught again this year. However, they are changes in what you can deduct, and we don't want to put in too much.
Anyone use Flexible Spending Accounts?? We're trying to determine how much to put in it, since it's a "use it or lose it" proposition. Last year, we used up our entire account by April, and we don't want to get caught again this year. However, they are changes in what you can deduct, and we don't want to put in too much.
No. I need to look into that again because our open enrollment period starts shortly but IIRC the deductible for reimbursement if you also had a HSA was set high enough so that it wasn't worth it for me.
I saw the woman interviewed on the news this morning. The Rand campaign camp said that they tried to get to close to the candidate. Reports, though, have him still in the car! Unfortunately, this will end up as too much "he said, she said", but the video was just brutal, I can tell you that! Btw, the "head stomper" was fired.
"She's a professional at what she does, and I think when all the facts come out, I think people will see that she was the one that initiated the whole thing...I don't think it's that big of a deal. I would like for her to apologize to me to be honest with you. "
Evidence is accumulating that bariatric surgery—an extreme measure for the very obese that involves reducing the size of the stomach to promote weight loss—may “cure” diabetes.
I use the word “cure” with caution, because diabetes is complex, and the approach requires more research. But the results are promising enough that a recent International Diabetes Surgery Task Force summit in Italy issued a first-of-its-kind consensus statement pronouncing bariatric surgery to be a “legitimate approach” for diabetes treatment.
“Many patients undergoing surgically induced weight loss appear to have a form of lasting remission of their diabetes,” Dr. Jonathan Purnell, an endocrinologist at Oregon Health & Science University, writes in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The change happens quickly. And according to Annals of Surgery, diabetes “typically resolves within days to weeks of surgery—even before patients have lost much weight.”
Doctors are not sure exactly why the surgery works. The task force raised the possibility that the “rearrangement of the anatomy” might have a beneficial effect on certain hormones. Dr. Purnell suggests that excluding certain nutrients from the gut might change how the body reacts to insulin.
Some asshole stole my bike from school today. Literally cut the cable and took it. I just bought that bike on Monday. Come on, criminals! If you're gonna rob me, at least have the common courtesy to put a gun to my face and threaten to peel my cap back unless I give you my bike!
Just back from my daughter's 13th birthday party. We rented a lodge and picnic grounds in a rustic park, so she had a bunch of friends for outdoor day fun and indoor dancing at night with a dj. It was a tiring, but fun night for me, a nd a great night for her. Her friends are wonderful kids.
Sounds absolutely wonderful, klyd! Happy birthday to your girl! Glad that you and the rest of your family went out of your way to make this a memorable one!
FINALLY — a great alternative to body scanners at airports!
The Israelis are developing an airport security device that eliminates the privacy concerns that come with full-body scanners at the airports.
It’s a booth you can step into that will not X-ray you, but will detonate any explosive device you may have on you.
They see this as a win-win for everyone, with none of the stuff about racial profiling.
After you hear a muffled explosion, an announcement comes over the PA system – "Attention standby passengers, we now have a seat available on flight #1818".
It would eliminate the cost of a long and expensive trial. Justice would be swift. Case closed!
After you hear a muffled explosion, an announcement comes over the PA system – "Attention standby passengers, we now have a seat available on flight #1818".
Immediately followed by: "Maintenance Department! Mop and bucket needed in Main Terminal!"
Check out this picture. What are they selling? Hmmmmm?
I screen-captured this picture off of Google Street View. We use this program at work as an aid in engineering. It is a street corner in the Ironbound section of Newark. ...... in case you're in the area and need some stimuli.
Google Street View is so cool! I love it. I looked up my original apartment house in the Bronx, as well as my old elementary school. I was happy to see that they look mostly unchanged.
Google Street View is so cool! I love it. I looked up my original apartment house in the Bronx, as well as my old elementary school. I was happy to see that they look mostly unchanged.
I've been using Lotview for about a year. It's helpful with my consulting.
My pleasure to be nice Mig. It costs nothing as they say!
Today i have been putting together my youngest boys new bunk beds,which came in an infernal flat pack from Ikea. I am not the worst guy in the world at DIY(home improvements) but these things drive me up the wall
On November 9-10, 1938, the Nazis staged vicious pogroms—state sanctioned, anti-Jewish riots—against the Jewish community of Germany. Now known as Kristallnacht (and commonly translated as “Night of Broken Glass”), these pogroms were a turning point in history: they marked an intensification of Nazi anti-Jewish policy that would culminate in the Holocaust.
On November 9-10, 1938, the Nazis staged vicious pogroms—state sanctioned, anti-Jewish riots—against the Jewish community of Germany. Now known as Kristallnacht (and commonly translated as “Night of Broken Glass”), these pogroms were a turning point in history: they marked an intensification of Nazi anti-Jewish policy that would culminate in the Holocaust.
NEVER FORGET
NEVER AGAIN
Amen .
One of Hitler's major motivations there, if I remember my history correctly, was to disarm the Jews in one fell swoop, making future resistance virtually impossible.
CLARENCE, N.Y. – A New York man looking to buy drugs misdialed and got the sheriff's "Crime Stoppers" line instead. Erie County Sheriff's Detective Alan Rozansky said he got a call around noon on Monday and answered with his usual "Crime Stoppers." The caller apparently didn't hear that and told Rozansky he was looking "to score" drugs.
Rozansky told WIVB-TV that he was surprised but played along and arranged a meeting with undercover officers. The officers didn't arrest the caller but used him as an informant to lead them to another transaction taking place down the road.
There, police arrested a 35-year-old woman trying to sell her prescription painkillers to a Buffalo man.
To all my fellow Boardmember comrades in arms - we did what we had to do; we survived to continue our contribution. Whether it was Vietnam or some another combat theater or just on base, thank you.
Amen, Oli. As a Navy vet and with a son serving on board The USS Kearsarge, I am proud to say thank you to all my fellow veterans. God bless us all; past, present and future. To those survivors of heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice - there are no words to express the respect and gratitide I have for you and your families. God bless The United States of America and all service members & families. (Insert sharply snapped salute here!)
MOSCOW (Reuters) – The head of Russia's deep cover U.S. spying operations has betrayed the network and defected, a Russian paper said on Thursday, potentially giving the West one of its biggest intelligence coups since the end of the Cold War.
The newspaper, Kommersant, identified the man as Colonel Shcherbakov and said he was responsible for unmasking a Russian spy ring in the United States in June whose arrests humiliated Moscow and clouded a "reset" in ties with Washington.
The betrayal would make Shcherbakov one of the most senior turncoats since the fall of the Soviet Union and could have consequences for Russia's proud Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and its chief, former Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov.
Kommersant said Shcherbakov, whose first name it did not give, had been responsible for "illegal spying" in the United States, meaning spies operating under deep cover without diplomatic immunity.
To all my fellow Boardmember comrades in arms this Veteran's Day - we did what we had to do; we survived to continue our contribution. Whether it was Vietnam or some another combat theater or just on base, thank you.
On November 9-10, 1938, the Nazis staged vicious pogroms—state sanctioned, anti-Jewish riots—against the Jewish community of Germany. Now known as Kristallnacht (and commonly translated as “Night of Broken Glass”), these pogroms were a turning point in history: they marked an intensification of Nazi anti-Jewish policy that would culminate in the Holocaust.
NEVER FORGET
NEVER AGAIN
Thanks for the reminder. I think the phrase "Never Forget" takes on more significance today than it has at any previous point in my life. It seems fear, hatred, ignorance and bigotry are becoming more accepted. Elected officials are overtly playing upon prejudices and boldly making claims about repealing Constitutional Amendments, denying civil rights and lying about beheadings in deserts.
My older boy told me on 11/1 that it was "No-shave November," so I accepted his challenge not to shave for the month. he dropped ot a couple days ago. i suspect a girlfriend didn't approve. so it leqves me with the makings of a beard, which I just may keep for a while. I haven't had a beard in 7 years, and have noticed a lot of gray around the chin.
My husband last shaved his beard off after 19 years last summer. It proved quite unpopular with the ladies in the house. He did grow a goatee, but hasn't gone back to full beard.
He did thanks Mark. I hope you and your son did to. We went to Applebees for dinner so he could get his free dinner. There was an older gentleman there wearing his uniform and you should've seen all the ribbons he had. He had a purple heart medal.
DENAIR, Calif. -- A Stanislaus County school is forcing a student to take an American flag off of his bike.
Thirteen-year-old Cody Alicea put the flag there as a show of support for the veterans in his family. But officials at Denair Middle School told him he couldn't fly it. He said he was told some students had complained.
So now the eighth-grader folds up the flag and puts it in his backpack while he is in class. His father, Robert Kisner, said his son should not have to put the flag away. "He's got that flag on his bike because he's proud of where he comes from," Kisner said. But the superintendent said he's trying to avoid tension on campus.
"(The) First Amendment is important," Superintendent Edward Parraz said. "We want the kids to respect it, understand it, and with that comes a responsibility." Parraz said the campus has recently experienced some racial tension. He said some students got out of hand on Cinco de Mayo....
The school board reversed its position earlier and the kid is free to hang the flag from his bike again.
The quick reversal leads me to believe that the woman board member who enacted the ban had acted beyond her scope of office.
How the hell could a school board decree a student can't wave the country's flag while they (the board) flies the same flag from a pole in front of the school?
The school board reversed its position earlier and the kid is free to hang the flag from his bike again.
The quick reversal leads me to believe that the woman board member who enacted the ban had acted beyond her scope of office.
How the hell could a school board decree a student can't wave the country's flag while they (the board) flies the same flag from a pole in front of the school?
hopefully she was fired for being a dumbass and violating kid first amendment right. i mean its not he was waiving the nazi flag or the confederate flag.
The school board reversed its position earlier and the kid is free to hang the flag from his bike again.
The quick reversal leads me to believe that the woman board member who enacted the ban had acted beyond her scope of office.
How the hell could a school board decree a student can't wave the country's flag while they (the board) flies the same flag from a pole in front of the school?
hopefully she was fired for being a dumbass and violating kid first amendment right. i mean its not he was waiving the nazi flag or the confederate flag.
Madonne! You can't fire elected officials in America.
At a 2 minutes silence on Thursday in London, some Muslim "activists" burned poppies,chanted "death to English soldiers" and brandished all sorts of banners......
Its not the first time thses horrible fuckers have done this sort of thing here. Of course these people all live here and claim benefits in this country. If they hate us so much why don't they go home and live in a cave in Pakistan or something....???
At a 2 minutes silence on Thursday in London, some Muslim "activists" burned poppies,chanted "death to English soldiers" and brandished all sorts of banners......
Its not the first time thses horrible fuckers have done this sort of thing here. Of course these people all live here and claim benefits in this country. If they hate us so much why don't they go home and live in a cave in Pakistan or something....???
I just saw that an updated Billy Joel Biography will be airing Thursday night @ 10 eastern and 9 central on The Biography Channel. I know there are fellow Billy fans here on the board!
I just saw that an updated Billy Joel Biography will be airing Thursday night @ 10 eastern and 9 central on The Biography Channel. I know there are fellow Billy fans here on the board!
Cool, thanks. Access Hollywood had him on the past two nights; not sure if it's from the Biography or not, but it was interesting.
I watched a couple minutes of the AH interview. He said he wrote "New York state of mind" in 15 minutes. He actually was on a greyhound coming back to New York, which was a line of the song. And "Piano Man" really is more or less autobiographical. "The waitress practicing politics" was his first wife.
Cool stuff to know, thanks. I also read that he recently opened a motorcycle shop in Oyster Bay...its called 20th Century Cycles. He also released his musical catalog to be featured in an upcoming version of Rock Band...all because a critic sarcastically joked about Joel's music on RockBand would be terrible. Billy, being the ever stubborn artist and never backing down from anyone or anything, called his agent the next day to release his songs. If I remember correctly, it all started as a result of a Joel joke told on "The Office" sitcom?
I watched a couple minutes of the AH interview. He said he wrote "New York state of mind" in 15 minutes. He actually was on a greyhound coming back to New York, which was a line of the song. And "Piano Man" really is more or less autobiographical. "The waitress practicing politics" was his first wife.
No, it was a lady named Elizabeth. They never had children and she was Billy's first manager as well. He wrote "Just the Way You Are" for her for a Valentine's day gift. After their divorce, Billy kept her brother on as an accountant or something and the guy swindled Joel out of tens of millions of dollars...not exactly sure how much but it was A LOT!
By BECKY BOHRER The Associated Press updated 1 hour 34 minutes ago 2010-11-18T00:54:07 JUNEAU, Alaska — Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Wednesday apparently has become the first U.S. Senate candidate in more than 50 years to win a write-in campaign, defeating her Tea Party rival after a painstaking, week-long count of hand-written votes.
The victory completes a remarkable comeback for the Republican incumbent after her loss in the party primary to Joe Miller.
By BECKY BOHRER The Associated Press updated 1 hour 34 minutes ago 2010-11-18T00:54:07 JUNEAU, Alaska — Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Wednesday apparently has become the first U.S. Senate candidate in more than 50 years to win a write-in campaign, defeating her Tea Party rival after a painstaking, week-long count of hand-written votes.
The victory completes a remarkable comeback for the Republican incumbent after her loss in the party primary to Joe Miller.
that has to be a big blow to palin and the tea party movement
I agree that she has no talent, but as the father of young women, PB, I'm surprised that you would make such a remark. She IS just a kid. She's made mistakes, big ones, but you have to respect that she is a just a kid. She was propelled into the the spotlight when she was at her most vulnerable, and I always felt bad for her (though imagine what the tea party would have done if Obama had a pregnant teenage daughter!).
She has come a long way since the beginning of DWTS, but she definitely doesn't deserve to be in the finals.
See Mig - tell the colonel that the ARMY will take ANYONE these days!!! That clown would never get in the Navy! BTW - Are they trying to scare people for the holidays?!?
See Mig - tell the colonel that the ARMY will take ANYONE these days!!! That clown would never get in the Navy! BTW - Are they trying to scare people for the holidays?!?
have you ever seen the movie 'it'? if its that clown then we would win every war.
AUSTIN, Texas — Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay — once one of the most powerful and feared Republicans in Congress — was convicted Wednesday on charges he illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002.
Jurors deliberated for 19 hours before returning guilty verdicts against DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces up to life in prison on the money laundering charge.
that was a dumb ass move by saying 'north korea' and not south. but, yea their is no in hell that she will be president...if anything i see mitt romney challenging obama in 2012.
but, yea we still have awhile till 2012...maybe obama will turn it around like Reagan did.
This is one of the best articles about Sarah Palin that I've read. It really explains why she is unqualified to be holding a national office.
Only total idiots like herself would think she's qualified. Obama should've awarded her MVP for his winning campaign.
(Not an endorsement for Obama)
Don't underestimate the power of the idiot vote. They can be the swing factor in the 2012 election. 4 out of 5 polls show Palin with a 3-1 lead among self-identified idiot voters.
I don't know of any place around here where someone else pumps your gas. About 10 years ago (or maybe more), I'd go to the same place for gas because it was the only place where someone would pump it. Sadly, it's a "dead in the water" issue. A thing of the past. Geez, I remember when stations would also check your oil and your tires, wash your windows and a lot of other little services they don't do now. They charge you way more for gas and take away any kind of customer service.
This is one of the best articles about Sarah Palin that I've read. It really explains why she is unqualified to be holding a national office.
Only total idiots like herself would think she's qualified. Obama should've awarded her MVP for his winning campaign.
(Not an endorsement for Obama)
Don't underestimate the power of the idiot vote. They can be the swing factor in the 2012 election. 4 out of 5 polls show Palin with a 3-1 lead among self-identified idiot voters.
Agreed Lilo. Although I cringe at the thought, anything IS possible.
I live close to the NY/NJ border, and I LOVE going to NJ to buy gas. Not only does someone pump it, but it's routinely 20-30 cents less per gallon! It has to do with the difference on sales tax collected. Also, NJ has no sales tax on clothing, so I try to do clothes shopping there whenever possible.
Maybe we could all chip in... That'd make a nice get-together location
Ok, let me see about transferring some money from my Swiss bank account. I'll have my people contact your people. LOL (wouldn't it be neat to have your own "people?")
It would be so cool to have a BB meet there. That would be a dream wouldn't it?
If I had $3 million dollars I think I would get this car first and then with whatever was left I'd make Billy Gibbons an offer he couldn't refuse for CadZZilla
BOSTON — The wife of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said on Friday that a recent telephone call to Anita Hill, the woman at the center of a 1991 furor at Thomas' confirmation hearing, was probably a mistake.
In October, Virginia Thomas, a conservative activist, left an unexpected voicemail suggesting Hill consider apologizing "for what you did with my husband" at the hearing 19 years earlier. The message was left on her office answering machine.
The message "was probably a mistake on my part," Thomas said in an interview with The Daily Caller, a political website. She added that the incident was "a private matter."
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — Aging Pearl Harbor survivors on Tuesday heard reassurances their sacrifice would be remembered and passed on to future generations as they gathered to mark the 69th anniversary of the attack.
"Long after the last veteran of the war in the Pacific is gone, we will still be here telling their story and honoring their dedication and sacrifice," National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis told about 120 survivors who traveled to Hawaii from around the country for the event.
Merl Resler, 88, of Newcastle, Calif., was among those who returned. He remembered firing shots at Japanese planes from the USS Maryland and standing in the blood of a shipmate hit by shrapnel during the attack.
"My teeth was chattering like I was freezing to death, and it was 84 degrees temperature. It was awful frightful," said Resler.
On Tuesday, fighter jets from the Montana Air National Guard flew above Pearl Harbor in missing man formation to honor those killed in the attack, which sunk the USS Arizona and with it, nearly 1,000 sailors and Marines. In all, about 2,400 service members died....
Lilo, it's something we should never forget. Unfortunately, I think the present generation is forgetting or has forgot. What concept do today's kids have about sacrifice and fighting for and defending freedom?
By the way, have you ever watched In Harm's Way with John Wayne? Quite a movie in B&W about the attack and its aftermath.
Sadly, I think Oli is right. As time goes by and we lose all those who lived during that time, it seems we lose the importance of this event.
People who lived during that time remember exactly where they were on Dec. 7, 1941. I heard many times my parents tell me they were coming out of a movie theater when the news broke. At that time newspapers (extra editions I think) were sold on the street corner. The shock of the event as they told the story, was obvious in their voices. My father served during that time period.
Although I can't say I'm necessarily a fan of her singing, I am so sorry to hear that Aretha Franklin has been diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer. This is the same cancer that took Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon). I hear this is one of the most painful cancers.
In another article I read that there is only a 10 - 15 percent survival rate, but with a person of Franklin's age and weight, the odds are even less. Hey, but you never know. I wish her the best.
Really?? Wow. I had heard that she was sick and had canceled some concert appearances, but I didn't realize she was THAT sick. Such a shame. What an amazing talent!
I haven't really seen her since the inauguration, but she's always been one of my favorites. I remember my brother bringing home James Brown and Aretha Franklin records and introducing me to the Godfather and Queen of Soul.
And of course, there is her great scene in "The Blues Brothers".
Although I can't say I'm necessarily a fan of her singing, I am so sorry to hear that Aretha Franklin has been diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer. This is the same cancer that took Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon). I hear this is one of the most painful cancers.
In another article I read that there is only a 10 - 15 percent survival rate, but with a person of Franklin's age and weight, the odds are even less. Hey, but you never know. I wish her the best.
Ok, I forgot about this incident until reading this article. Back in 1969 Jim Morrison (The Doors) was accused of exposing himself at a concert and shouting obscenities. Evidently Morrison may win a pardon all these years later. His wife says Morrison would reject such a pardon.
I never did see the Doors in concert (although I would have loved to). Yet, as a young girl, after that news story broke, I can imagine my parents' reaction if I said, I'm going to see Jim Morrison and the Doors.
This is so ironic and stupid on so many levels. Attacking dark skinned "Caucasians". Russian Slavs joining the Nazi Party. What's next, pigs buying stock in Bob Evans?
I know there are dozens of youtube clips with mob movies audio playing over The Simpsons, Family Guy, etc...But here is the full audio of the Billy Batts shine box scene from GoodFellas played with Underdog cartoon clips. This is pretty good!
Did anybody see the "colourful" leader of Italy,Silvio Berlusconi up to his old tricks again? Accused of cavorting with a beautiful Morroccan belly dancer who is 18 years old, the 70 odd year old legendary lothario is facing another storm to oust him from power. His politically incorrect defense "At least i like young girls,it could be worse, i could be gay"
This is so ironic and stupid on so many levels. Attacking dark skinned "Caucasians". Russian Slavs joining the Nazi Party. What's next, pigs buying stock in Bob Evans?
Economic freedom for women and divorce in Iran. NYT Article
You know, I wouldn't even want to marry; I mean who in their right mind forgoes the right to divorce by entering a relationship where it is still unacceptable for the couples to live together before marriage? Women cannot get a divorce if their husband refuses to consent to divorce. Even that some of money can not be a forceful enough leverage.
Economic freedom for women and divorce in Iran. NYT Article
You know, I wouldn't even want to marry; I mean who in their right mind forgoes the right to divorce by entering a relationship where it is still unacceptable for the couples to live together before marriage? Women cannot get a divorce if their husband refuses to consent to divorce. Even that some of money can not be a forceful enough leverage.
Now there's one thing I don't understand... "just one thing???".. If you get married the man is supposed to at the time of marriage set up a lump sum payment (mehrieh) that the woman gets if he divorces her?
Does this payment change over the years? Because if it doesn't that would seem like a pretty good deal financially for the man. I mean if you get married when you're 22 and promise to pay $20,000 to your wife in case of divorce is it the same payment 20 years later when you're some big shot and $20,000 is just a small portion of your wealth??
Economic freedom for women and divorce in Iran. NYT Article
You know, I wouldn't even want to marry; I mean who in their right mind forgoes the right to divorce by entering a relationship where it is still unacceptable for the couples to live together before marriage? Women cannot get a divorce if their husband refuses to consent to divorce. Even that some of money can not be a forceful enough leverage.
Now there's one thing I don't understand... "just one thing???".. If you get married the man is supposed to at the time of marriage set up a lump sum payment (mehrieh) that the woman gets if he divorces her?
Does this payment change over the years? Because if it doesn't that would seem like a pretty good deal financially for the man. I mean if you get married when you're 22 and promise to pay $20,000 to your wife in case of divorce is it the same payment 20 years later when you're some big shot and $20,000 is just a small portion of your wealth??
Well, it is never in form of cash. It usually is a portion of real estate or is in form of gold. especially here where depreciation of our money is so drastic no one ever agrees on cash. A very balanced sum that no guy says no to today is about $100,000 give or take. And no guy could set that up right away, though mehrieh means when a woman asks, the husband should pay, not necessarily upon divorce. That's actually how you get a divorce, because if a man fails to pay that sum, he is taken into prison. Not sure why guys want to get married here either. None of the people who do are in their right mind. All these screwed up laws!
So essentially a woman who wants to live happily with her husband never asks for her mehrieh, unless she plans to threaten him to prison if he doesn't give her a divorce.
Also since the woman only gets 1/8 of his husbands property upon his death!!, (the rest goes to children or husbands family) this sum ensures that she gets more than actually 1/8 of everything. Islamic laws with Persian touch, gotta love'em.
Your last name stays put. The garage is all you Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can never be pregnant. Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time.
My wife owns a laundromat up in Mount Vernon. She has the flu, so this morning I drove up to stock the change machines and clean up a little.
Anyway, early this morning a guy comes in. He's half asleep or hungover. Whatever. He loads his laundry into one of the machines, then goes to the change machine to get change. He stumbles back over to the machines, puts the change in the wrong washer, then starts the wash. He doesn't notice that he's washing nothing for about ten minutes. Then he has the balls to tell me that I owe him a refund. I promptly told the guy that he was nuts and that there were two other laundromats within walking distance if he didn't like it.
If you're in a room of 100 people, odds are likely about 40 think God created humans about 10,000 years ago, part of a philosophy called creationism, according to a Gallup poll reported Friday (Dec. 17). That number is slightly lower than in years past and down from a high of 47 percent in both 1993 and 1999.
And 38 percent of Americans, the poll estimates, believe God guided the process that brought humans from "cavemen" to today's incarnation over millions of years, while 16 percent think humans evolved over millions of years, without any divine intervention.
This secular view, while a relatively small number, is up from 9 percent in 1982, according to Gallup.
If you're in a room of 100 people, odds are likely about 40 think God created humans about 10,000 years ago, part of a philosophy called creationism, according to a Gallup poll reported Friday (Dec. 17). That number is slightly lower than in years past and down from a high of 47 percent in both 1993 and 1999.
Small blessings.
Originally Posted By: olivant
And 38 percent of Americans, the poll estimates, believe God guided the process that brought humans from "cavemen" to today's incarnation over millions of years
If you're in a room of 100 people, odds are likely about 40 think God created humans about 10,000 years ago, part of a philosophy called creationism, according to a Gallup poll reported Friday (Dec. 17). That number is slightly lower than in years past and down from a high of 47 percent in both 1993 and 1999
Which number? But it makes no difference. Everyone knows Adam & Eve was just a parable. There are plenty of astrophysicists who are Christians, so what's your point?
Our dog, Sam the black lab had to be put to sleep yesterday. He was only 7 and a real character. We are all devastated and are going to miss the big gormless lump
WASHINGTON — After knocking on 50 million doors and handling tens of millions of surveys, the Census Bureau on Tuesday announced that the official population of the United States is now 308,745,538.
The 2010 census also shows America's once-torrid population growth dropping to its lowest level in seven decades. The new number, based on the surveys taken on April 1, 2010, is a 9.7 percent increase over the last census, 281.4 million residents in 2000. But that's slower than the 13.2 percent increase from 1990 to 2000. And it's the slowest rate of increase since the 1940 census. That is the decade in which the Great Depression slashed the population growth rate by more than half, to 7.3 percent.
The Census figures will be used to reapportion the 435 House seats among the 50 states. The numbers trigger a high-stakes process wherein the dominant party in each state redraws the election map, shaping the political landscape for the next 10 years.
In Congress, the steady migration to the South and West should be a boon for Republicans, with GOP-leaning states led by Texas picking up House seats.
The most populous state was California (37,253,956); the least populous, Wyoming (563,626).
The state that gained the most numerically since 2010 was Texas (up 4,293,741 to 25,145,561); the state that gained the most as a percentage was Nevada (up 35 percent to 2,700,551).
Politically, Texas will gain four House seats due to a burgeoning Hispanic population and a diversified economy that held up relatively well during the recession. Other winners are GOP-leaning Arizona (1) and Florida (2).
States that lose seats are: Illinois (1), Iowa (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), New York (2), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1).
States that lose seats are: Illinois (1), Iowa (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), New York (2), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1).
States that lose seats are: Illinois (1), Iowa (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), New York (2), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1).
States that lose seats are: Illinois (1), Iowa (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), New York (2), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1).
When will losing their seats become effective?
January 1st.
Not really. First, the Congress must accept the results and officially transmit them to the states. Then it is up to each state's legislature to redistrict their state to reflect the increase or decrease in House seats allocated to it.
Nearly one-fourth of the students who try to join the U.S. Army fail its entrance exam, painting a grim picture of an education system that produces graduates who can't answer basic math, science and reading questions, according to a new study released Tuesday.
The report by The Education Trust bolsters a growing worry among military and education leaders that the pool of young people qualified for military service will grow too small.
"Too many of our high school students are not graduating ready to begin college or a career — and many are not eligible to serve in our armed forces," U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan told the AP. "I am deeply troubled by the national security burden created by America's underperforming education system."
The effect of the low eligibility rate might not be noticeable now — the Department of Defense says it is meeting its recruitment goals — but that could change as the economy improves, said retired Navy Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett.
"If you can't get the people that you need, there's a potential for a decline in your readiness," said Barnett, who is part of the group Mission: Readiness, a coalition of retired military leaders working to bring awareness to the high ineligibility rates.
The report by The Education Trust found that 23 percent of recent high school graduates don't get the minimum score needed on the enlistment test to join any branch of the military. Questions are often basic, such as: "If 2 plus x equals 4, what is the value of x?"
The military exam results are also worrisome because the test is given to a limited pool of people: Pentagon data shows that 75 percent of those aged 17 to 24 don't even qualify to take the test because they are physically unfit, have a criminal record or didn't graduate high school.
Educators expressed dismay that so many high school graduates are unable to pass a test of basic skills.
"It's surprising and shocking that we are still having students who are walking across the stage who really don't deserve to be and haven't earned that right," said Tim Callahan with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, a group that represents more than 80,000 educators.
Kenneth Jackson, 19, of Miami, enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school. He said passing the entrance exam is easy for those who paid attention in school, but blamed the education system for why more recruits aren't able to pass the test.
"The classes need to be tougher because people aren't learning enough," Jackson said.
This is the first time that the U.S. Army has released this test data publicly, said Amy Wilkins of The Education Trust, a Washington, D.C.-based children's advocacy group. The study examined the scores of nearly 350,000 high school graduates, ages 17 to 20, who took the ASVAB exam between 2004 and 2009. About half of the applicants went on to join the Army.
Recruits must score at least a 31 out of 99 on the first stage of the three-hour test to get into the Army. The Marines, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard recruits need higher scores.
Further tests determine what kind of job the recruit can do with questions on mechanical maintenance, accounting, word comprehension, mathematics and science.
The study shows wide disparities in scores among white and minority students, similar to racial gaps on other standardized tests. Nearly 40 percent of black students and 30 percent of Hispanics don't pass, compared with 16 percent of whites. The average score for blacks is 38 and for Hispanics is 44, compared to whites' average score of 55.
Even those passing muster on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, usually aren't getting scores high enough to snag the best jobs.
"A lot of times, schools have failed to step up and challenge these young people, thinking it didn't really matter — they'll straighten up when they get into the military," said Kati Haycock, president of the Education Trust. "The military doesn't think that way."
Entrance exams for the U.S. military date to World War I. The test has changed over time as computers and technology became more prevalent, and skills like ability to translate Morse code have fallen by the wayside.
The test was overhauled in 2004, and the study only covers scores from 2004 through 2009. The Education Trust didn't request examine earlier data to avoid a comparison between two versions of the test, said Christina Theokas, the author of the study. The Army did not immediately respond to requests for further information.
Tom Loveless, an education expert at the Brookings Institution think tank, said the results echo those on other tests. In 2009, 26 percent of seniors performed below the 'basic' reading level on the National Assessment of Education Progress.
Other tests, like the SAT, look at students who are going to college.
"A lot of people make the charge that in this era of accountability and standardized testing, that we've put too much emphasis on basic skills," Loveless said. "This study really refutes that. We have a lot of kids that graduate from high school who have not mastered basic skills."
The study also found disparities across states, with Wyoming having the lowest ineligibility rate, at 13 percent, and Hawaii having the highest, at 38.3 percent.
Retired military leaders say the report's findings are cause for concern.
"The military is a lot more high-tech than in the past," said retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip. "I don't care if you're a soldier Marine carrying a backpack or someone sitting in a research laboratory, the things we expect out of our military members requires a very, very well educated force."
A Department of Defense report notes the military must recruit about 15 percent of youth, but only one-third are eligible. More high school graduates are going to college than in earlier decades, and about one-fourth are obese, making them medically ineligible.
In 1980, by comparison, just 5 percent of youth were obese.
That's too simplistic of a rule. I'm not saying for sure I'm correct, altho I think I am. Read the fine print and let me know.
Quote:
... And, effect can be used as a verb that essentially means "to bring about," or "to accomplish." For example, you could say, "Aardvark hoped to effect change within the burrow."
Don Geoff, you have my every loyalty.... but SC is correct on this one.
The primary meaning of "affect" when used as a verb is "to influence" or "have an influence on". This is what one would use when discussing the moon and the earth's gravity. The moon has an influence on the earth's gravity and the tides. Her short skirt affected his thoughts. His body odor affected his chances of promotion. And so on..
The primary meaning of "effect" when used as a verb is "to create" or "bring about". The new President effected more change than some thought possible. Lilo's work effected a rise in the stock price of his company.
I am the WORST at affect and effect. I can never get it right, and use other words because I don't want to use them incorrectly.
As for US students not possessing basic skills, big shocker! My daughter is in 11th grade, and they had to have a lesson on whether and weather. Many of the kids in her class also thought that "could've" was a contraction for "could OF"! And I have to tell you that this is a good school district with an average of 97% of the high school graduates go on to college. 95.5% graduate with a Regents Diploma (Regents is a course of study in NYS that demands that you pass the course plus a statewide exam in the subject, and it is a more intellectually challenging program). How the hell are these kids getting this far without knowing basic grammar?? And don't even get me started on how none of them know their multiplication tables!
I guess the GOP can thank their extra Texas votes thanks to immigration from down South?
I don't think so, no. It's partly due to the normal exodus of older retirees moving from the North East and Mid West to the warmer climates of the Southwest (Southwest and West saw population increases of 20-30%, compared to about 3% of Northeast and Mid West); but mostly, IMO, these population swells in the South are due to the lower tax rates offered there.
California is nice, but the taxes and business restrictions suck. That's why we (still) continue to see this huge influx of folks taking their businesses to places like Austin, TX or Nashville, TN.
I guess the GOP can thank their extra Texas votes thanks to immigration from down South?
In part. The numbers on demographics won't be out until Jan-Feb 2011 but the population growth was greatest in states where the Hispanic population was greatest. But that doesn't necessarily mean it was just immigration (legal or illegal). It's also births and transfers.
But since the Census doesn't distinguish between citizens and non-citizens that has been a sore spot for some states that are losing population. A few years back one of our republican congresswomen up here started a fuss about requiring the Census only to count citizens.
I just listened to Handel's Messiah, the Allelujah chorus. It was composed as an Easter musical celebration, but this time of year it is just plain glorious. If you don't have it, you can listen to it through Youtube.
It looks like Phil Spector is getting sued by the 60's female group, The Ronettes. Anyone remember them? Or Ronnie Spector (Be My Baby), the one-time wife of Phil.
Anyway, beauty is in the eye of the beholder I know. I have never thought this guy has was the least bit attractive, but my God, could they have gotten a worse picture. LMAO
TIS
Members of famed 1960s girl group The Ronettes are taking action against Spector — their former producer and manager — over $150,000 in back royalties.
According to the lawsuit, Spector and his companies have withheld royalties from the Be My Baby hitmakers even after they won an initial lawsuit in 2006.
The plaintiffs in the case include Spector’s ex-wife Ronnie Greenfield, Darlene Love and the estates of two deceased Ronettes, Estelle Bennett and Nedra Talley Ross. They claim that Spector’s Phil Spector Records and Phillies Records have not made their required biannual royalties payments. They are also suing for $1 million in damages.
Since Obama is elected, I receive a social security statement around this time each year, now for two years. (everyone paying into the SS is supposed to receive one three months prior to their birthday) Apparently I've paid two thousands something (my employer not included) to the SS and couple of hundreds to the medicare in 2001 and 2002. I wonder how I can get it back, instead of a statement each year reminding me of this fact.
That damn SS and alien workers that only get the benefits without paying a dime into the system, blah, blah, blah...
A 46-year-old man who had a pearl lodged in this bodily opening for 41 years has finally had it removed. A nurse made the discovery in the man's ear when he visited his local hospital in Athens, Georgia, to receive treatment for bronchitis
No, not that Ke$ha!! But you must watch this clip of another woman named Kesha who says she loves eating toilet paper.
The 34-year-old was featured on the TLC show My Strange Addiction and fesses up to snacking on it at home, in the car, and one of her favorite places, the movie theater because it’s dark and people don’t really notice!
Understandably, Kesha’s mom and sister find it strange and want her to stop.
No, not that Ke$ha!! But you must watch this clip of another woman named Kesha who says she loves eating toilet paper.
The 34-year-old was featured on the TLC show My Strange Addiction and fesses up to snacking on it at home, in the car, and one of her favorite places, the movie theater because it’s dark and people don’t really notice!
Understandably, Kesha’s mom and sister find it strange and want her to stop.
without sounding sorry for myself i will be glad to see the New Year in and get rid of December, cos its been a hard month for us. The stress and scurry of Christmas aside we have had the effects of the horrendous weather which ripped all my guttering off,cracked my paths and finally flattened my old back fence. My wifes mother is very poorly with cancer and hasn't been given long to live, mt mother has the dreaded flu and we had to get the poor dog put down....oh and i am working New Years Eve
Apart from that everything is hunky dory
We did have a nice Christmas and the New Year can only improve our fortunes....i hope
Yogi, I am sincerely sorry for all the ailments your family has been through. Especially your wife's mum. Give her all the love and support from you GBB chums across the pond.
Thanks Beth. The situation with my wife and her mother is awful full stop but they had a spell of not speaking for a bit so it has been extra hard for both of them,although they have been speaking again for a while. Family feuds....no good whatsoever
You have every right to feel badly. I'm so sorry about the horrible things happening in your life. I will pray for you and your family. Hang in there and feel free to "express" any time you want to.
Yogi, my dear friend, nobody deserves what has happened to you and your family in the last month, but you are the kind of good man who truly doesn't deserve it. You are such a sweetheart, and you obviously adore your family, so this must have all been doubly hard on you. Hugs and prayers are coming your way!
Yogi, you have my best wishes for a peaceful new year. While these are trying times for your family, they've got a good man in you at the helm. Hang in there, buddy.
I have to admit, Yogi, that sounds like my SIL. She will go to those lovely Brazilian places where they bring you unlimited servings of meat, and she'll opt for the salad bar only! Or when we went out to dinner with her and my brother in Florida, after eating only one of the unlimited King Crab Legs, declined to have any more because it was "too crabby".
These kinds of words have never passed my lips, and the sentiment has certainly never crossed my mind.
I have this trivia site saved to my favorites and thought I'd post this brief music trivia quiz. It's only 5 quick questions (but you can go on). I only got 2 right.
Understandable but legally will that hold? I thought the spouse gets a certain percentage no matter what, estranged or not??
N. Carolina is not a community property state. Therefore, Elizabeth can claim owenership of everything that can be proved to be hers and disburse it as she wishes.
Sat Jan 8, 9:45 am ET MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalis say Islamist insurgents have banned unrelated men and women from shaking hands, speaking or walking together.
Residents of the southern Somali town of Jowhar said Saturday that the al-Shabab insurgents threatened to whip, imprison or execute anyone found breaking the recent edicts.
Jan 08, 2011 Rep. Gabrielle Giffords shot in Arizona
Rep. Gabrille Giffords (D- Ariz.) was shot while holding a public event outside a Tuscon grocery store, Arizona Public Media reports. At least nine others were injured.
A gunman ran up and started shooting while the third-term congresswoman was hosting a "Congress in Your Corner" event, according to Peter Michaels, news director of Arizona Public Media.
It's still not confirmed that she has died as well as 4 others including a child.
Jan 08, 2011 Rep. Gabrielle Giffords shot in Arizona
Rep. Gabrille Giffords (D- Ariz.) was shot while holding a public event outside a Tuscon grocery store, Arizona Public Media reports. At least nine others were injured.
A gunman ran up and started shooting while the third-term congresswoman was hosting a "Congress in Your Corner" event, according to Peter Michaels, news director of Arizona Public Media.
It's still not confirmed that she has died as well as 4 others including a child.
This is such a shame and it is really disgusting. From what I hear she's alive and went through surgery. God speed to all the victims and their families.
Sat Jan 8, 9:45 am ET MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalis say Islamist insurgents have banned unrelated men and women from shaking hands, speaking or walking together.
Residents of the southern Somali town of Jowhar said Saturday that the al-Shabab insurgents threatened to whip, imprison or execute anyone found breaking the recent edicts.
Another cold winter’s morning in the South Yorkshire village of Hemingfield and Amanda Hurst has a hungry son to feed. There’s a chill in the air, even inside the tiny stone-fronted house. So rather than get out of bed, Amanda cradles five-month-old William under one arm, lifts up her pyjama top and breakfast begins.
Then a sleepy-eyed little boy pads on bare feet across the floor and clambers onto the bed, asking in the precise tones of a child — not a toddler — whether he can have some ‘lellow’ too.
The little boy is Jonathan and he is six. ‘Lellow’ is a special made up word he uses for breast milk....
Every family is different I guess. But if you can WALK over to your mother and ASK for breast milk it seems to me the answer should not only be "no" but "HELLLLLLLLLLLLL NO"..
PHOENIX – Arizona legislators quickly approved emergency legislation Tuesday to head off picketing by a Topeka, Kan., church near the funeral service for a 9-year-old girl who was killed during Saturday's shooting in Tucson. Unanimous votes by the House and Senate cleared the way for the bill to go to Gov. Jan Brewer later Tuesday for her expected signature. It would take effect immediately.
Without specifically mentioning the Tucson shooting, the proposed law would prohibit protests at or near funeral sites.
Agreed. To hear those idiots from that church tell it, that poor girl's death (as well as the others') was God's vengeance.
There are no words to describe my rage at hearing such disgusting garbage as that.
I am glad to hear that this bill was pushed through as quickly as it was, without partisan bickering. The other forty-nine states should strongly consider this as well.
.
in insinuating that Mig and her family are uneducated and illiterate. I think that you would feel very different about her and her family had you shown up to just one of the get togethers that you said you would be coming to. 
Hope it wasn't a coincidence. 
. I posted the wrong TV. It was this 
And sorry if I was too "aggressive". 
stayed on the sidewalk because they hadn't obtained a demonstration permit to walk in the street. About a thousand people gathered as the march passed through Monument Square, a mix of demonstrators, supporters, onlookers and those just out enjoying a warm and sunny early-spring day.
I had run a Scan Disc cleanup on The Monster, but no errors were detected. I then defragmented The Beast for good measure - but I had done this in the past with no improvement whatsoever. But now, in addition to actually deigning to connect me to the Internet, I think ol' M-5 is actually running a little faster than before. (I had installed an updated version of AOL a couple of weeks ago and, up to now, the damn thing 
