Yellow -

Well, there was only a touch of sarcasm in there...figured you would let that slide this time....

Rapunzel;

I do not think there is any one set of 'definitive' links out there. You are on one right track though - gather information.

As you gather - give it the 'reasonable' test: Is this reasonable information, from a reasonable source?

From there, you will see - some of the self-proclaimed 'authoritative' sources are, well, constantly self-proclaiming. Others you will find live in a sort of Camelot, have no basis for the information, and constantly b*tch about everything, but propose no definitive solutions to anything.
These are information sources you talk with a grain of salt. (Bit of whiskey doesn't hurt, but that is a different topic)

And the best way? Ask questions about which you are confused. See who can give a rational, logical reasoned answer, and who just 'rants' Generally - you will want to read and listen to the rational logic person for good information.

Well - someone else mentioned it - but worth mentioning it again.

Yeah - it sucks. But then - she had to send a 'Dear John" letter via email.

Methinks there is more than one issue there - and you are dodging a bullet you don't need. Kick the can around the block, hands in pockets, head down for a day or two - then be happy and motor on. Some pretty decent folks are out there.

No problem - will turn my sarcastic mode off now

Seriously? Doc and Driving (and any other deployed or been deployed folks)

Thanks. For Everything.

Yellow - quite a bit of both. Sorry - my sarcastic side tends to come out when addressing folks who *just haven't a clue*. (and don't even realize they are clueless about the machinations of the real world)

Doc and Driving are attempting to point out(with more patience than I possess on occasions) that while some people spew on and on about how things "should" work, and all the "wrongs" other people commit - They themselves cannot even figure out and post a workable plan. Hell - if they are that good and righteous - perhaps they should run for office.

Look, if you want to 'show your human face' to an unjust situation - why not go talk to some of the soldiers returning home that are committing suicide in record numbers?

What type of numbers? Instead of quoting numbers without 'human faces' let's put it a different way. Let's create two groups of soldiers.

The first group?
Those directly killed by enemy actions in Iraq. Let's say they fit in a standard NFL sized stadium.

The second group:
Those who committed or attempted to commit suicide after returning home from tour(s) in Iraq. This group needs all of one stadium, and could fill a second one with the normal attendance of most team's non-bowl type games.

You want to get all self-righteous? Here is a worthy topic, about which you can do something, and people would applaud your *ACTIONS* - instead of the constant meaningless barrage of trivial, half-baked whining you normally post of which there is not a single thing you can do about.

Please obey this rule strictly Doc. Thanks!




Doc - certain folks posting here live in Camelot. Where there is no need for a war, everyone plays nicely and politely with each other. The Camelotians believe that the current fighting there closely resembles a chess board, all neatly arranged, with very strict rules, and the chance to talk calmly with your opponent. As such, these Camelotians do not have the perspective that some others here do, but unfortunately do not even realize they are talking sh*t about that which they do not even remotely understand.
Am quite sure though - that the overall nativity would change upon hearing those first 'tink,tink tink' sounds of rounds impacting near you (or 'thwok, thwok, thwok' if you are near non-metal walls) If not, perhaps the first time they witness a suicide vest being 'deployed' would lend perspective.




Sorry, the Camelotians are be unable to comply with your request. The ivory tower is far to tall for a climb down, it seems.

Ahhh..I do so love the melodramatic part that always comes up in this type of discussion. *sigh*

Now - before any one starts up the chargriller for a retort - What the father did was wrong. Completely and utterly, and I think there should be at VERY LEAST (notice I said "least" here ?) be a 20 year minimum sentence served no ifs, ands, or paroles.

And yes, I certainly have sympathy for the child - they didn't ask for this type of crap, and certainly don't deserve it from "mature" (cough*bull*****cough) parents.

However - all that being said - what do you want to do? The deed, however wrongful it is, is done. What? Kill the both parents in this case? Revive them, and kill them off again, rinse lather repeat? I am sure that would do wonders for the child's mental state.

Or would you prefer to 'spare the child a life in hell" by killing her off to? Chalk it up to a mercy killing?

Look - the girl in this case will either learn to adapt and adjust, with hopefully help from some adults better suited to parenthood, or she will be mentally trashed at this point. If you care so much you need to get melodramatic about it - fine - I can provide you the contact information to any number of volunteer groups that are seeking counselors.

Sym - in response to you directly - let's assume for the sake of argument there is a God, he made the universe and all things, and he decided to forgive the sins of the parents, for whatever reason he would decide such. YOU are going to argue with the choice of a being who can create (or destroy) trivial things like galaxies? The words "misguided" and "Foolish" come to mind....

PKH - hey...she owns up to both the rotten past, and the fact she has a problems from it *without* being melodramatic, nor acting like she deserves some friggin' abuse-merit badge or something. **GOOD ON HER!!**
Hopefully she gets someone like PKH for a counselor or such.

So what about us who never defected FROM the dark side ?!?!?! LOL

Well - have seen this version more than once:

Each time - Walked up with a 'Good Afternoon' at around 10 feet or so. (If someone is going to get stupid - you have enough distance to manage things)
Simply told the both - don't know who is right or wrong, and don't particularly care - hands to yourself. If you want to argue this out - that is cool, but find a more appropriate location - you are disturbing my peace. I would appreciate it if went about your way now. If you don't care to, will let the police sort it out. Oh...and let's keep the hands to ourselves. No need to add that to the problem.

In all but one case - they did as I asked, and actually I got an apology. In thee only case they did not - as soon as I got a cell phone out - they both huffed away, calling me an a*hole.

But you know....I got my peace and quiet back.

Don't know if Iran would be 'next' (bad term ?) but do not think it would touch of WW III.

I personally rate China as being more probable. While Iran is certainly being a thorn right now, and tends to lean militantly against the "Western" countries, I don't think they will do anything drastically dumb. Just seems to be the wanna-be bully, that you *know* will be pushy....but really doesn't want an all and out fight because he knows he would lose the 'bully' status.

China has the liking of brinkmanship games, and as the term suggests - is just one step away. I think the only reason they are not doing more saber rattling now - is the American $ flow into the Chinese economy.
Add the Super Bill problem, flash point potential in Korea and Japan, invincibility complex - Think it would certainly go WW III on us.

Just a thought for discussions.

2nd one is indeed good.

But I like my idea better.

Crazy Women.....hhhhmmmm....

Isn't that like the Dept. of Redundancy Dept. ??!!!???











<Putting on flame proof suit>

Ya know, perhaps my simplistic view on things, but they both fall into the 'sucks' category.

So pick the one that sucks least for you, and go about life. Your other choice is to lay down and mort yourself in place - and that sucks worst.

Mommy - just got back from breakfast...no cookies for a bit.

But some hot, steamy, strong, intense, smokey *coffee* might be good


(and where was your mind wandering in that sentence at first?)

Well, you could incite some interesting emails - put the bloody one up and put in your profile "Me after some really great sex"

Myis...
Yup - bake, weld, can my own veggies, fruit and sauces every year, archery, good with grills outside, tall ships, and come complete with a 70 lbs wolf-looking mutt that flirts with females with light colored hair.

This is the part I think funny. Some folks stay on a constant, never ending rant about how 'evil' Bush is, and blame him for the source of all the problems.

How about folks like Al Sadr? I don't know, but I have a bigger problem with Sadr and Alphabet Soup running Iran, than I do Bush.

Leastwise - Bush doesn't threaten to kill people who put a cartoon figure up of him.

Ahhh...tis okay. I am an excellent cook.

Now see, that wasn't so terribly difficult.

And yes - I actually bothered to read what you wrote this time.
While I disagree with some of your opinions, and reasons for them - you at least this time stated them YOURSELF.

So - rather than continue the 'cut/paste' b.s. as Fanta suggests - why not try taking an article - reference it of course - proper credit and all - and write YOUR opinion. After all - I don't give a friggin hoot about what the journalists write - pro or con - they are paid for their "opinions" so are tainted from the first word.

Next time, perhaps, I will debate you on your topic of choice - THAT is where folks trying to learn different things - LEARN.