ForumGarden

So lies...

Omni_Skittles — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:25:12 GMT

They suck, I mean after 19 years you'd think i would have learned that... But no, I didn't. This entire week of mine has been entirely ruined because i told a lie and it blew up in my face ruining a really good relationship and a trust that i thought was unbreakable... and seriously it was a really small white lie! Yes, i feel horrible and now the sweet trusting abby who would never lie to hurt someone has been slapped in the face with a lesson that sucks. I was in the belief of the ends justifies the means... yea thanks machivelli or however your name was spelt... thanks buddy.

Has anyone ever told a really lame lie to cover something and it blow up in your face?

Requiem for the Banned

AussiePam — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:50:55 GMT

In another thread Mikeinie was lamenting the passing of Sexy Angel, who he'd met too late, and not even had a chance to say g'day to. This got my single blonde neuron furiously working and I had a thought...

Maybe we should make a special thread - a sort of memorial garden where we can celebrate the brief but often colourful passing of the banned.

I don't mean the heroic banned - those who earned the privilege through the shedding of blood sweat and tears, but the sad, faceless, unsung brigade who trolled their way softly in here to preach some small meaningless message, to bring to us perhaps a website offering penile enhancement, or a magic weightloss program, or a lawnmower that drives itself or a cell phone that brushes your teeth while playing Waltzing Matilda.

If we are hard hearted, bad eyed and loveless, killer type Gardeners, we can rip off wings, count trophy scalps, and turn what's left into baubles for the FG Christmas Tree.

If we're gentle souls who wish noone ill, we can pause for a moment and remember that there but for the grace of the Mods go we.

May I lay Sexy Angel to rest in this place, the first fruits of the Gathering.

Alas poor Sexy Angel now
We never knew him, anyhow
Bereft of harp and feathers he
Now graces for eternity
The high point of our Chrissie tree

Jim Carrey

Odie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:20:33 GMT

As most of you know, my favorite show is CSI Miami!

yeah!!:guitarist:guitarist:guitarist

Theme Song, 'We Won't Get Fooled Again', by The Who.

Horatio being my man of course and Jim Carrey does David Caruso the best!

YouTube - Jim Carrey does David Caruso

The best Roman emperor?

joona — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:29:57 GMT

A few days ago I posted a poll where I asked for who the worst Roman emperor was. Here you must do the opposite and choose the best one.

Byzantine emperors are acceptable choices too (if you happen to vote "other")

Remember also that Julius Caesar was NOT an emperor.
(an extremely common misconception)

iPod Users

G-man — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:01:51 GMT

iPod Users

I love my new iPod! It's amazing what all you can do with these gadgets. I use mine as a soundtrack for my daily workouts primarily, but now they have a handy pedometer that I use for my daily walks, camera, audio novels (I'm "reading" The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, at the moment ), and I also play movies on it... mind you the screen is a bit small if you choose to watch the movies on your iPod as opposed to plugging the USB cable into your HDTV screen, radio (the incredible reception absolutely floors me... a new radio station pops up with nearly every single click!), podcasts, tv shows... pretty soon I expect that I'll be able to upload recipes to my iPod and it will prepare them for me if I just supply the necessary ingredients! :wah:

The most recent feature that I've been exploiting is their "Genius" feature. Does anyone else use this feature?

SMU freshman hits 95-yard soccer goal

Jazzy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:04:09 GMT

Southern Methodist University freshman Ryan Rosenbaum still has a lot of collegiate soccer ahead of him, but he'll be hard pressed to ever score as memorable a goal as he did Wednesday night.
Up 2-1 against No. 16 Tulsa, SMU was on its heels trying to keep the Hurricanes from setting up the equalizer in the 63rd minute of their Conference USA game. Tulsa controlled possession, but an errant pass found the freshman Rosenbaum, who attempted to clear the ball downfield. Things ended up working out slightly better than expected:

Rake Those Leaves!

Saint_ — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:42:58 GMT

It's that time of year! How do you dispose of the volumes of leafy material?

I have 23 different species on my property, everything from Spruces and Long-needled Pines to Peachcots, Birches, and Russian Olives.

I use a leaf blower to blow them all into the street, (a rake hurts me too much these days) but then I sweep them up and bag them. (I hate it when the neighbors just let them drift around the neighborhood.)

So how do you get rid of them?

Oh...funny thing this year, my Peachcot dropped half it's leaves, then paused for a week. Weird. Then an early snow blew in and covered them before I could get them up! Now I have to work like a madman this weekend before another snow hits!:-3

Attached Thumbnails

Eggnog Muffins

Jazzy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:43 GMT

The holidays are coming up quicker than we know and I thought I would share this recipe.

Eggnog Muffins

3 cups flour
1 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter, margarine or oil
2 teaspoons rum or rum extract

1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking power, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil and rum. Pour liquid ingredients over dry, stir just until mixed. Spoon batter evenly into 12 greased, 2 1/2 inch muffin cups.

In a small container, combine sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over tops of muffins. Bake in a 400F oven for 20 minutes or until golden.
__________________

'Trick' or 'panic,' NAIA college completes the weirdest pass of the year

Jazzy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:05:27 GMT

Under normal circumstances, I would never consider that the play below could be "planned" in any conventional way, including drawing it up in the dirt. A no-look, over-the-shoulder throwback at the goal line is too ridiculous even for a sandlot playbook. But given the circumstances for tiny Bethel (Kan.) College, which surprisingly led nearby Sterling College 20-0 late in the third quarter of coach Mike Moore's final game on the Bethel sideline, anything was fair game at that point:

Harpo President Confirms Oprah Winfrey Ending Talk Show Run On Network TV

Jazzy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:59:53 GMT

Oprah Winfrey will announce on Friday that her popular daytime talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," will end its run in 2011, Tim Bennett, the President of Harpo, announced in a letter released to ABC affiliates on Thursday.

"Tomorrow, Oprah will announce live on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' that she has decided to end what is arguably one of the most popular, influential and enduring programs in television history," he wrote in the letter, obtained by Access Hollywood. " The sun will set on the 'Oprah' show as its 25th season draws to a close on September 9, 2011."

Story Link: Television show - TV Show - Yahoo! TV

for once something has gone good

farmer giles — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:32:19 GMT

i never posted it as i felt there is enough doom and gloom about right now

but my grandson has been very poorly he came down with strep b which also killed my daughter Natasha ,the last few days have been hell ,it has brought back some dreadfull memories for me as you can imagine ,again it was a hospital blunder not giving him anti biotics exactly the cause of death of both my brother Martin and Natasha

i was thinking what are the chances of it happening for a third generation :(

but for once something has gone right he is pulling through and may be able to go home tonight just need to wait for a few test to come back :-6:-6

Bradley your grandad has aged 10 years in two days :-4:-4:D

Egg Nog

koan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:41:19 GMT

It's the season of another craving: Egg Nog

I need non dairy egg nog that's as good as the real thing. I'm an Ontario girl of the past so I grew up on Becker's Eggnog. It was sublime.
Just tried So Nice Noel Nog. Not bad. Had some of the creaminess, minimal egginess and a fair bit of nog. :D

I think there is better out there though. Not looking for a recipe. I want the ready made stuff.

Got good nog?

The Pants Game

Saint_ — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:34:09 GMT

This is an easy game, just replace one of the words of a famous movie or TV quote (or any quote I guess) with the word "pants." Like this:

Star Wars:

I find your lack of pants disturbing.

You are unwise to lower your pants.

Your pants, you will not need them.

The Force is strong in my pants.

I cannot teach him. The boy has no pants.

In his pants you will find a new definition of pain and suffering

Governer Tarkin. I should have expected to find you holding Vader's pants.

Pull up! All pants pull up!

A disturbance in the pants. I have not felt this since near my old master...

I sense the conflict within you. Let go of your pants!

That blast came from the pants! That thing's operational!:D

Arcade?

Saint_ — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:06:15 GMT

There used to be an awesome arcade around here somewhere...

(Saint scans the horizon)

Is it still active?:confused:

Oblivion - Best RPG Ever?

Saint_ — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:01:01 GMT

(I think I might have put this thread in the wrong forum...whoops.)

If you are a gamer, you can't miss one of the greatest RPGs ever created.

Forget the fact that the visuals are absolutely eye-burningly stunning. (If you see a dim, misty mountain miles away, you can go over there and actually climb it! Even the fields have flowers that look gorgeous up close.)

Forget the unbelievably good spoken dialogue, and the literally hundreds of characters you can interact with. Forget the endless choices for good or bad behavior. (Like my username, I always go for the "good guy" choices!)

Forget the loads of side quests and the ridiculous amounts of customizable equipment.

Forget that you can be one of a dozen types of races, male or female, and that the character customization is so deep you can literally recreate your own face perfectly and put yourself in the game...

The best part is the HUGE world to wander in with deserts, mountains, sunrises, oceans to swim in, and horses to ride. It's the size of a good Western state.

I played through this myself (From June until August!) but my wife was so intrigued, that she had to start her own game!

What I thought was astounding is that her game is NOTHING like mine. I went the "Nordic Viking Warrior" route, but she is a small, petite-but-lightning fast half-mage, half rogue. (Some of her spells unlock doors that I could never open, vaporize enemies, and even allow her to walk on water. )More than that, I ran everywhere, she rides her whole stable of horses.

I had a shack to dump stuff in. She bought houses in every city and furnished them with awesome rugs, furniture, and paintings! (She even learned to pick up books, all of which can be read, and put them in bookcases in her houses as well as putting various objects around for decoration on the tables!)

It's the best game I've ever played and I've played almost every system since "pong."

snowflakes for all

minks — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:03:55 GMT

SnowDays - Popular Front
I love this link guys Merry christmas I hope I can share this, it's a great snowflake making link and I sent one to FG friends.
Cheers to Christmas to come.
M

words that start with S

Odie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:50:34 GMT

lets do the first one for Skylark, a very nice friend of mine!:-6

Skylark

The worst Roman emperor?

joona — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:29:05 GMT

The question is obvious, so just answer it and tell me the reasons for your choice. I might post some of my own comments on this topic soon. These are not neccessarily my choices for the worst emperors, but those that are commonly mentioned when the topic appears.

(The Byzantine emperors are okay too, in case you choose to vote "other")

Oblivion

Saint_ — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:50:06 GMT

Wrong forum!

A new kind of psychopath

koan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:48:13 GMT

B.C. police seek serial groin-kicker after series of attacks
"I just want to know what her problem is"

story

:yh_rotfl

I know, I only think this is funny because I'm not a man.
BC is a different breed.

Fear Politics

koan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:30:26 GMT

Instead of laying out a big OP on what "shock doctrine" tactics are used by government and creating a thesis for debate, I thought it would be more interesting to brainstorm as a group.

What fears, real or imagined, do you think political leaders/parties play into?

I'll start the list.
Fear of the economy crashing.

Spooks

mikeinie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:13:05 GMT

Fantastic show: MI5, CIA, it has it all.

YouTube - Spooks Series 8 Episode 3 S08E03 Ros Kills Jo

Virus outbreak in Ukraine

mikeinie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:41:11 GMT

Is this yet another more serious virus on the move?

40,000 take ill, 30 dead so far.

40,000 contract serious virus in Ukraine, kills 30

http://theflucase.com/index.php?opti...mid=64&lang=en

Happy Birthday Betty Boop

abbey — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:03:43 GMT

Hope you have a lovely day! :-4

World Cup South Africa 2010!

K.Snyder — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:02:05 GMT

I would have said it's a bit early for the World Cup thread but it's never too early for the World Cup

I'd also like to remind everyone that the draw for World Cup South Africa 2010! is Dec 4 2009 and will be aired on ESPN 2 in the USA at 12:00 PM Noon. I'm not sure what channels other countries will be airing it so anyone can feel free and disclose that piece of useful information

There is also MyP2P.eu :: Free Live Sports on your PC, Live Football, MLB, NBA, NHL and more... you can go to stream it!

The Final Draw

Ireland failed to qualify in their matches against France despite a VALIANT effort!

Anyone else gearing up for World Cup South Africa 2010!?

Windows7

flopstock — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:09:01 GMT

New machine got dropped off for me here yesterday morning and I've been so swamped at another location it's still sitting here patiently, waiting for me to unpack it and fire it up.

I'm proud to say only one VISTA ever crossed the thresh-hold of this place under my watch... and I have personally never owned one.:D

I'm hearing good stuff about this 7... hopefully only good things in the future. In any case, I'm taking it home tonight to set up and play with.

Stay tuned...:sneaky:

Times may be tough, but . . . . . .

cars — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:18:40 GMT

I still decorated our house with Christmas lights, our's is the one on the right! :D
(Click opn pix, it won't open automatically)

Attached Images

Christmas lights on house.jpg (40.2 KB)

25 Days of Xmas Programming Highlights

qsducks — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:04:57 GMT

Yes, i've got a show for everyone:sneaky:

Nomad - A Christmas Caper:wah:

Jimbo - Happy Feet:-4

El Guapo - Winnie the Pooh & the Blustery Day:-6

Odie - A Dennis the Menace Christmas:wah:

Spot - Holiday Classics Marathon...knock yourself out:wah:

Oscar - Join spot on the holiday movies marathon:wah:

Cars - A Disney/Pixor's Cars:)

Nomad - Gotta Catch Santa Claus...good luck:):)

MrsK - Rudolph the Red Nosed Raindeer...my fave also;)

Carol - soooo easy....Santa Baby:-4

Rap - Holiday in Handcuffs:wah:

Tombstone - The Escape Clause:wah:

Kay - The Polar Express:)

Kaz - The Dog that saved Christmas:-4

Kathy Ellen - A Wonderful Christmas:-4

Sunshine - A Flinstone Christmas:yh_rotfl

Chez - Any Harry Potter movie:thinking:

Religious joke

hoppy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:27:01 GMT

Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, "Don't do it!"

He said, "Nobody loves me."

I said, "God loves you. Do you believe in God?"

He said, "Yes."

I said, "Are you a Christian or a Jew?"

He said, "A Christian."

I said, "Me, too! Protestant or Catholic?"

He said, "Protestant."

I said, "Me, too! What franchise?"

He said, "Baptist."

I said, "Me, too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?"

He said, "Northern Baptist."

I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?"

He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist."

I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?"

He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region."

I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?"

He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912."

I said, "Die, heretic!" And I pushed him over.

- Emo Philips

star trek

ivyivy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:30:45 GMT

i think this a very interesting movie,i hope you can go to watch it.

i'm a grandad

farmer giles — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:42:12 GMT

my son chris made me a proud grandad today:-6:-6

a baby boy yet to be named was born early today :-6:-6

and yes oscar he is just like me ,bald beautiful and dont say much that makes any sense :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

Bf

Nomad — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:32:53 GMT

Its here again, all the big blow out sales. Black Friday.
Are you a participant?
If you are whats your poison?
LED tv at Best Buy?
Notebook computer at Staples?
Power tools at Home Depot?

Three Little Words

along-for-the-ride — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:20:32 GMT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Most Powerful Three Words
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following three-word phrases can enrich every relationship. They are very powerful.

I'll Be There
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase " I'll be there. " Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we're truly present for other people, important things happen to them & us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.

I Miss You

Perhaps more marriages could be saved & strengthened if couples simply & sincerely say to each other "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired & loved. Consider how ecstatic you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say "I miss you."

I Respect You / I Trust You

Respect and trust is another way of showing love. It conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds & become close friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships

Maybe You're Right

This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side to "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting maybe "I'm wrong". Let's face it. When you have a heated argument with someone, all you do is cement the other person's point of view. They, or you, will not change their stance and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can open the door to further explore the subject, in which you may then have the opportunity to get your view across in a more rational manner.

Please Forgive Me

Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I Thank You

Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

Count On Me

A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating "you can count on me."

Let Me Help

The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

Go For It

We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how weird they seem to you. Everyone has dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go for it."

I Love You

Perhaps the most important three words that you can say. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person's deepest emotional needs. The need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words "I love you."

-- Author Unknown--

The human language can be a powerful thing. Not in it's abilty to be loud and commanding, but in it's abilty to comfort, to share tender emotions, to soothe, to convey a thought or desire.

How often have we spoken any of the above three letter words?
When was the last time?

:)

Attached Thumbnails

Ya gotta love cops

hoppy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:36:36 GMT

THESE 16 POLICE COMMENTS WERE TAKEN OFF ACTUAL POLICE CAR VIDEOS AROUND THE COUNTRY:

#16. "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went through."

#15. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them awhile."

#14. "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."

#13. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired. "

#12. "Can you run faster than 2700 feet per second? Because that's the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you."

#11. "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?"

#10. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?"

#9. "Warning? You want a warning? O.K. I'm warning you not to do that again, or I'll give you another ticket!"

#8. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"

#7. "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in donkey poop."

#6. "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."

#5. "In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC."

#4. "How big were those just two beers you say you had?"

#3. "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we want to."

#2. "I'm glad to hear that the Chief is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone who can post your bail."

AND THE WINNER IS.....

#1. "You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Please sign here. "

Walk on the Wild Side

Ian — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:09:48 GMT

Episode 1

Part one

Part two

Part three

Part four

Le beaujolais nouveau

AussiePam — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:03:36 GMT

Hourra!!!!!!!

Just got the last table for a fine French feast tomorrow - Thurs 19 November - to welcome the new wine... I'm off to a meeting, but will share the menu with you later.. and we can all drool.

Hamburgers

koan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:36:50 GMT

I have a huge craving for a hamburger.
It's that kind of craving where I want to make sure it's a really good hamburger or the disappointment will be too overwhelming. Kind of like having a plate of onion rings and trying to make sure the last one you eat is the best on the plate so you can savour it for longer.

ForumGarden Upgraded Software Update

Tombstone — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:33:42 GMT

Hi Everyone!

Just to let you know, I'm beginning the upgrade process to get the server and ForumGarden ready for its new software.

There are several software items that I have to upgrade first. I'll then create a new test environment for ForumGarden and attempt to upgrade using this special install environment. If all goes well, ForumGarden will be running on its new version of software in a few weeks.

The updated software will give everyone better control, more features, and fully integrates the forums, blogs, user areas, and (new) article sections.

"I'm a PC..."

koan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:48:42 GMT

Why does this slogan aggravate me so?

It started with little children asserting they were PCs and I thought it was just an inability to pronounce the lines correctly. Unfortunately no. We are no longer humans, we are either PCs or MACs

Caf� du Jour!

G-man — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:06:32 GMT

Caf� du Jour

Nearly everyone enjoys their morning ritual of having a nice, aromatic, hot mug of coffee in their hands. I prepare a small, freshly ground (sometimes freshly roasted), pot of coffee as I sit down to write every morning. It seems to take my mind off to a new place... I believe that it even aids in my creativity.

My coffee of the day this morning was the classic Guatemalan Antigua.
What coffee did you have today? :-6

Are you frugal?

koan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:37:07 GMT

It's almost a point of pride for me how cheaply I live. :wah:
The more money you make the more you can end up having to work to pay for your stuff. I decided a while ago that living the life I can afford is far more rewarding.

Be carefull pet lover on christmas

imsarahmiley — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:19:34 GMT

If you have pets, remove or trim the lower branches or tree of Christmas Tree on this Christmas(every).
If you are unable to super wise the place where the tree has been placed, keep pets out from the room. Cats are notorious for leaping onto Christmas trees, especially when pursued by another pet.

Thanks Sarah.

Rituals

koan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:17:09 GMT

Do have any little things you do that have special meaning to you or bring you comfort?
For example, I told my mother to hang a windchime in a specific spot for better feng shui and she decided to ring the chime every day to increase wealth. It seems to have worked.

My first cup of coffee every day is a grounding ritual. I don't quite feel like I'm in the world until I have the first sip. Don't much look like I belong in the world either :wah:

I'm an official CSI addict

koan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:16:19 GMT

Every Sunday Spike TV plays about 8 episodes in a row and, if I miss any, they play them over again as soon as the last one finishes so I can pick up the ones I wasn't able to watch.

I only watch the original though. Can't stand "Horatio" in Miami. Not just because of David Caruso but because the writing isn't as good. I'm not as opposed to the NY version though I haven't really gotten attached to it yet.

Novel First Lines

G-man — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:34:44 GMT

Novel First Lines: a forum word game.

It's quite simple, really. A poster posts a first line from a famous novel and the next poster identifies the novel containing that first line.

I'll start with an easy one:

Quote:

He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf stream and he had gone 84 days now without taking a fish.

I love it when they get it right...

G-man — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:21:09 GMT

This was my horoscope today...

Quote:

Having the high ground is advantageous in any situation, and that's exactly what you've got. You probably won't even get to the confrontation portion of the program, once your former adversary sees how easily you're wielding power. Go easy on anyone who waves the white flag.

Spot on! :D

Chr_stmas Catalogs

G-man — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:58:25 GMT

Chr_stmas Catalogs

Ever since I was a young boy, I've always loved perusing through Chr_stmas catalogs. Back in the day it was the old Sears Wishbook... it no longer exists, but I still love getting the new holiday gift catalogs each year. If you haven't ordered yours yet, there's still time to receive them, place an order and get your items before Chr_stmas day.

LED Holiday lights

G-man — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:30:33 GMT

LED Holiday Lights

I replaced all of my incandescent Chr_stmas lights with LED lights which claim to be safer and use 80%-90% less energy than incandescent lights, are cool to the touch, allow more to be strung together to a single plugin and you don't have to go through every single light in a string to find out which one is burnt out! :wah:

I also discovered that some stores offer a discount on LED purchases when you return your old incandescent lights (whether they work or not).

Ping Question

flopstock — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:01:41 GMT

Trying to set up auto posting for reporters and have no problems from outlook express, however - outlook 2003 and aol are wrapping the urls and breaking the link when it tries to place the posted link to the sites.

What to do....?:confused:

The wrong book store

Barman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:22:03 GMT

No wonder i couldn't find the book i was looking for, i was at the .....

Sesame Street

AussiePam — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:02:42 GMT

A brilliant journo from our best local evening rag, Tim Blair wrote a moving, in depth article to celebrate The 40th anniversary of Sesame Street.

This anniversary is brought to you by the number 40 and the year 1969. ...... Everybody remembers where they were when Big Bird was beheaded and roasted. 'Sesame street' ate well that day. And what about when the Cookie Monster was arrested? His Dennis Ferguson eyes were a dead giveaway. Another highlight: Oscar the Grouch's fatal crushing when his bin was loaded into the back of a garbage truck. Oh! And who can forget Bert and Ernie's murder-suicide?

:yh_rotfl

Why do females climax?

Robert J — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:41:50 GMT

It's a serious question and we're all mature enough to take this on.

Though the whys are highly speculative since speaking from an evolutionary view point there is no designer or creator running the show, at least from this evolutionary perspective that is.

From an evolutionary perspective its easy to understand why males climax - to deliver sperm for reproductive purposes and the associated good feeling seems to make it a joyful experience so we will continue to reproduce. The warmth of a close and intimate relationship also contributes to the reproductive will of our species, Getting lost in sexual activity is wonderful on a psychological level.

Some evolutionist believe it (female climaxing) is an adaptation that has developed in order to maintain the interest of a mate, making him feel like hes satisfying and therefore useful.

I can certainly see that perspective and sounds like a reasonable assumption to me and may be correct. But I've been thinking about this and have of course another idea that I think is feasible to consider (and it has nothing to do with autism, Peg :)---surprise). I think female climaxing has another very good reason to exist and thats the 'use it or loose it theory' if you will. In other words, at a certain age for most females, the body must get the idea the child bearing is over and thats when menopause occurs. But isn't it reasonable to think that as long as the female body is still sexually active that it might retard the onset of menopause? I can tell you that my wife still experiences her cycle and since about her mid forties it has shown itself within a few days of sexual activities.

Now, I'm not bragging or anything but hey, what can I say, I'm 53 and she's 50 and we're still going pretty strong.

What are your thoughts? Also, any perspective is welcome, not just that of evolution.

London Mayor Shuts Down Westminster Bridge in early afternoon

BTS — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:13:39 GMT

The Mayor of London has decreed that Westminster Bridge will be closed in the early afternoon, on sunny days. This is because a strange phenomenon happens when sunlight passes through the balustrade of the bridge, forming a small army of..... well...... see for yourself!...:)

Attached Thumbnails

Who else has a Chr_stmas tree up already?

G-man — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:40:50 GMT

Yep. I am skipping Thanksgiving and went ahead and put up my Chr_stmas tree, decorations, outside lights and even wrapped a few presents and placed them under the tree. :D Who else has already started decorating for Chr_stmas this year?

HI From 66GTO

66GTO — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:21:19 GMT

Hello...New here, although some will recognize me from another Forum. They may or may not be happy to see me here.

I am female. Conservative. A proud member of the NRA and all that entails. Grew up during the 60's and love the music and the cars of that era. I am the proud owner of a gorgeous 66 GTO.

I look forward to meeting you folks. :)

Canning

Peg — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:09:29 GMT

When I was single, I used to can. Now that I am older, I'm too busy and in too much pain to can. What do you grow in your garden and can? I used to do tomatoes, hot and green peppers in tomato sauce, hot pepper rings, and pickles.

Life and Death in the Miller House

Saint_ — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:03:35 GMT

This is a short story that I entered in the Amazon.com writing contest and it did pretty well. I recently decided I wanted to be a writer. (Actually, I've always wanted to be one, but I only recently realized that to be a writer you have to WRITE something!)

Life and Death in the Miller House
By
Jonathan St. Ives

Our area is one of the worst places in the country for drunk drivers. It wasn’t just that the police had raised an entire generation of the seventies children to believe that it was OK to drink and drive by never busting parties and by following drunks home without arresting them, it was also the fact that there were very few police for a huge area.

The highway she was driving was called the “Devil’s Highway”, US 666. Fatalities were so common that an entire section of the local newspaper was dedicated to people who had died there. It ran daily. Right next to the column listing the people who were caught for their 5th, 10th, and even 15th DWI.

I knew all this, and yet I didn’t even kiss her goodbye. All I could say was “Drive safely, Sweetie!” As if that would help her - as the intoxicated driver approached her head-on in her lane at 105 miles per hour.

The Sheriff’s department preacher that they sent to my house to tell me the news was a man I had worked with many years before. He was the perfect choice of messenger, since he was polite to a fault and very caring. I stood at the door, wondering why he had picked this time of night to renew old friendships, until I remembered suddenly what he had said he was leaving his old job to do.

After that, I honestly couldn’t hear a thing he said. He politely touched me on the elbow and made reassuring noises, but I was already detached from that moment. I was drifting in a place where time had stopped and sound didn’t exist. I floated with him to the car and we went to the scene of the murder.

Her car was no longer a car. At least it wasn’t recognizable as one. You think strange things in shock. I was mad at the maker of the car that had touted how safe this particular car was. Then I realized that at the speed this must have happened, no car could have been safe. What was left of the car was so small it didn’t seem to have enough metal to be a car. I tried to find the driver’s seat, but couldn’t even tell if I was looking at the front or the rear.

Her body was a little ways away. The medics were loading a very small package under a sheet onto a gurney. The sheet had large red spots on it. I approached the gurney and the Preacher motioned to the medic. He scanned my blank expression for a minute, possibly confused by my lack of emotion. The dead look in my eyes must have moved him to action. He turned and pulled back the sheet.

The mess underneath could not have ever been the woman I loved. It could not have been the girl for whom I had looked for 34 years of my life, the girl who was my perfect mate, the girl for whom I had felt love at first sight. No, the distorted and bloody face there couldn’t be the shining face of the girl I had just so recently swum with in the clear sparkling waters of St. Thomas. A girl with whom I’d made love on those white sandy beaches. But it was.

The next few days went by in a whirlwind; a hazy, hallucinatory wind in which I strove to stand upright. I sat alone inside my mind and felt a roaring in my ears. People came and went through my house without my notice. I was lost inside my thoughts, running images of all our short time together over and over. Finally, the last relative left and I was truly alone.

I was left there with nothing but my possessions. Funny how little meaning they had for me now. I lived in a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled I-J7800 home. Every possible task that could be controlled by computer was monitored and instantly acted upon by “Justin” the house’s personality-engram-based mainframe.

Justin was located in the basement in a super-cooled cabinet. The technicians who had installed him when I had built the house assured me that his incredible holographic, locus-intersection memory banks could never be completely filled in my lifetime. He would keep learning and assimilating new data and designing new programs for himself for the entire lifespan of the house.

Justin took care of the groceries, checking the refrigerator and ordering new food from the grocers automatically. “He won’t have to worry about that task for a long time.” I thought wryly as I remembered all the massive plates of food well-wishers had brought me today. Justin monitored the temperature of the house as well, warming or cooling rooms when I entered them and adjusting the lights.

I sat in the chair in the living room. I might have slept there last night, I wasn’t sure. “Are you hungry, Sir?” Justin’s voice came over the surround sound speakers. It seemed as if he was standing in the corner behind me, although I knew that was just Justin adjusting the speaker balance to make it seem that way. “No thank you, Justin.” I replied without emotion. “I’m not hungry tonight.”
“You haven’t eaten in two days, Sir.” Justin insisted, “You really need to eat something. I have a nice beef and rice soup if you are not in the mood for something heavy.”
“No thanks, Justin.” I almost felt like arguing with him, but I was completely burned out.
Besides…what’s the use of arguing with a machine?
“Close the blinds and turn off the lights for me, would you Justin?”
The shades closed and the lights dimmed. One thing about Justin, he was a quick learner. He knew better than insist too much when I had already given him an order. I sat in the dark. In my mind I was back on the cruise ship. Jenny was waking me up with a laugh on her lips, excited to show me the view of the sunrise from our balcony window.

Time passed. Sometimes I was aware of it, other times I wasn’t. Sometimes minutes passed like hours. Other times, days slipped by without notice. I instructed Justin to turn off the ringers on the phones and not to take any messages. I also instructed him to tell people who called that I had left town. I had plenty of sick days at my work, weeks, months even. And truthfully, the thought of going back to my job made me shudder. Right now, I had no desire to rejoin the human race.

“The power and gas bills are both overdue, Sir.” Justin prompted one day. Although he was perfectly capable of paying them electronically, I had instructed him to always get my permission before spending my money. Probably some technophobic impulse of mine left over from the 20th century. I was sitting in my chair, in the dark. I tried to remember what day it was. “I’ll pay it in the morning, Justin.” I said irritably. “It’s 10:00 in the morning currently, Sir.” Justin replied undisturbed. “Dammit Justin, I’ll take care of it!” I shouted, spilling the bottle in my hand on the chair. I was aggravated and angry now. I flared at him, “Discontinue voice mode until I say!” That should shut him up, I thought.

I returned to my thoughts and dreams. I remembered the first day I had seen Jenny, and our first date. I relived a thousand times the first time we had made love. In my mind’s eye I could see her turning to me with a smile from the kitchen. Jenny had been a wonderful cook. She loved to make all kinds of sweets. In so many ways, she reminded me of a girl from the previous century. She could sew, cook, entertain, and loved the simple life. Her dream was to live in a cabin in the mountains.

She had been reluctant when I had showed her the sophistication of the house. “It will learn your sleep patterns and warm the pipes before you get in the shower. It even has a subroutine that learns your product preferences and orders them from the store when you run out.” I had told her excitedly. “ It pays the bills and the TV channel will follow you from room to room.” Jenny still looked unimpressed.

“I told Justin that you sew and he offered to access sewing programs for you from the holographic cores. You can have sewing experts right next to you as you sew, to talk to and give you advice.” That seemed to perk her up a bit and she asked, “Any personality I want?” “You bet!” I told her, “ and he has thousands of possible choices.” The prospect of someone to talk to while I was gone sold her. She had dozens of friends, but even with all of them, she never liked to go a single minute by herself.

Justin‘s voice tore me from my warm memories. “Sir! Sir? You really must eat. I calculate you have lost over 50 lbs. In the last three months. That’s below your minimum weight, Sir. You could be suffering health effects. Do you need me to call for help Sir?“ I awoke groggily to find myself on the floor of the living room. I picked myself up and staggered to the nearby chair. “Didn’t I deactivate your voice mode Justin?“ I snapped angrily. The blasted machine even had a medical program tied to a sensor web built into the bathroom. “Yes Sir, but my human safety circuit issued an override to that order when you reached this weight loss level. You should also know that your blood pressure is dangerously low. I can summon the doctors in just twenty minutes, if you give the command, Sir.”

“No, Justin! Just let me be! Resume voice deactivation and shut off those damn lights!” I shouted back at him. The room went dark and quiet. I sat there, alone, until I could visit Jenny again in my dreams.

I awoke the next day, or maybe the next, and went to the refrigerator to get something to eat. A terrible smell greeted me. I slammed the door quickly. “I guess I should have thrown those funeral leftovers out“, I thought. “Why didn’t Justin tell me they were going bad?” Then I remembered I had deactivated his voice program. I went to clean up and take a shower. I hadn’t had one lately and the stink was so bad I could barely stand myself. I turned on the water and stepped in. Yeow! I sprang back out. The water was freezing cold.

I stood there for a minute shivering and trying to sort things out. My mind finally put two and two together. The lights hadn’t come on when I entered the bathroom, despite the fact that the rosy light coming into the frosted window indicated dusk approaching. I stepped to the manual override switch and flicked it twice. Nothing. The power was out. The charging indicator on my razor was dark, as was the usually softly glowing photo-luminescent toilet handle.

I slung on my robe and stalked to the basement door. “Great”, I thought. “Just what I need today.” The stairs to the basement were pitch black; I looked around and located the nearby flashlight in an outlet. It would be charged for emergencies and should still be working. It sent out a strong beam of light from its tiny bulb and I made my way to the corner where Justin’s mainframe was sitting.

He was completely dark. I recalled the installation man telling me not to ever let the green backup power light on the side go out. I checked it. It was glowing, but it was already indicating that he was on back-up power.

I thought back. Concentrating with difficulty. What had the tech guy said about the backup power source? It could only sustain Justin’s engrams for two days maximum. After that he would have to be completely reinstalled. Worse yet, he would never quite be the same since his memory would not contain any of the information he had gained from his time in operation and all his learned behaviors would be forgotten.

I went back upstairs. I already knew what was required, but I refused to think about it. I sat down and spent the night alone with my thoughts and memories.

The night faded to dawn. I slept. I awoke groggily. My first thought was that the dawn was incredibly beautiful. Pink and purple washed over the room in vibrant, living color. My second thought was to wonder why I was seeing it at all. Hadn’t I specifically ordered that the blinds be closed?

“Justin!” I spoke loudly, and then waited. Nothing. What had I forgotten? Then I remembered. Justin was on emergency power. How long ago had that been? Last night? Yesterday? I was suddenly struck with a terrible feeling, almost as if I had let down a friend. I rushed to the basement and ran to the corner that held Jason’s dark mainframe.

I punched some keys and shouted out, “controls!” The voice identification seemed to take much longer than usual, but finally the reply came “access granted” in Justin’s voice. The power grids told me the story in seconds. The holographic display hung in the air, a frightening shade of red. I had less than two hours to restore power. Even the emergency reserves were gone. Justin’s core power light glowed so low it was difficult to tell if it was on at all.

I took a deep breath. I had to fix it, and it wasn’t just the idea of rebooting an expensive machine, (a process that would undoubtedly be expensive too)…no, it was something else. I had a sudden feeling of responsibility, as if I’d been arrested and forgotten to arrange for a kitten to be fed. I knew that was irrational, but it struck my heart with a stab of pain all the same.

“Don’t worry, Justin,” I smiled and patted his case “ I’ll take care of this today.” I shuffled to the stairs and climbed up. The clothes in my closet smelled musty. How long had it been since I went out? I got dressed and went outside. The light was shattering on my eyes and I put on the darkest glasses I had. I looked around.

My yard was a mess. The grass had grown two feet tall and then had died. The pine trees were barely hanging on. “More things that depend on me for life,” I thought morosely. But rather than feeling sadder, I took a deep breath… and felt better. The light didn’t seem so bright anymore and the sun was warm on my shoulders.

I made it to the utility office in just thirty minutes flat, but it took quite a bit of tough talking to convince the girl behind the desk of the serious nature of my emergency. After about an hour, she came back to the counter and told me that the power had been restored to my house. I thanked her curtly and left. On the way home, I bought some groceries.

When I got back, the house looked much better. Justin must have been feeling better, since the cleaning robots were out in force. The small mouse-like vacuum-bots were skittering happily across the carpeting. The shades were wide open and the TV was tuned to a light classical channel. I put the groceries in the refrigerator, which beeped softly as each item was scanned in. “Justin?” I asked quietly. “Good morning, Sir!” Came the instant reply. Was that a cheerful note in his voice? “I have called the landscapers to take care of the yard, do I have your permission to pay the other overdue bills?” he asked quickly. “Yes, please Justin. Take care of it.” I was suddenly exhausted, having spent more energy in a few hours than I had in months. I collapsed into my chair and fell asleep feeling better than I had for quite a while.

A little while later, Justin’s voice awoke me from my nap. “ Sir? Sir? There is an incoming call.” “I thought I told you to divert all incoming calls, Justin.” I answered groggily and a little displeased. “All commands were cleared from the command buffer when the main memory went on emergency power standby, Sir.” came the reply. “It’s your best friend Roger Fuhrman, Sir. He told me to tell you that he wants to come over.” Rats. Roger was a good guy, if slightly dense. He was also as persistent as eroding water. Now that he knew I wasn’t actually out of town, it would be impossible to dodge him indefinitely.

“Is that you, Ben?” The anxious query came in over the speakers. “Yeah, it’s me. What’s up Roger?” I said with exasperation. “Oh, not much, he said trying to be nonchalant and not succeeding. “ I was just wondering if you wanted to go play golf today.” I hesitated; I wasn’t in shape to go play golf right now. “The course is almost deserted, everybody’s on vacation. We could just play nine if you don’t feel like the whole eighteen,” he added quickly. Well, why not? I suddenly felt claustrophobic. I needed to get out. “Sure, Roger. Why not? I’ll be over at your house in a few minutes.”

When I came back, I felt remarkably refreshed. I had told Justin to call a cleaning service and the house sparkled. I felt a sudden pang, the house almost looked almost like it had when Jenny was alive. I took a deep breath and held it for a moment…then I let it out. I felt empty, but not sad. It’s time to move on I told myself silently. I went around the house and began packing up some of the personal possessions of Jenny’s. I kept a few of the pictures, but I packed her clothes and jewelry up and stored it. I felt alive again, sad… but alive. And where there’s life there’s hope, I thought wistfully.

Things began to get better then. I went to church that Sunday and felt even better. People began to drop by again. The shades were open little wider each morning and the sun streamed into my life figuratively and literally. Life became…not joyous, no not that, but livable again. I went back to work at the end of the week. I was surprised to find that the work helped me to forget the pain.

A couple of weeks later, I was over at Roger’s house and I mentioned offhandedly to him that I was really glad that he had called me. Without his call, I would have sunk back into lethargy and despair. I had had enough of that road.

“Huh? What are you talking about?” he replied with a puzzled expression. “You called me. “Your voice was on the answering machine when I got home.”
“No way, I haven’t called anyone in months.” I laughed, taking a long drink from my beer. “It was you, I know your voice, or are you calling me a liar?” He said in mock seriousness. “Let’s go right now then, put up your dukes!” He put up his fists in a playful show of masculinity. He danced around the living room, “Come on big guy! Let’s see what you got!” he taunted, bouncing from foot to foot. I laughed out loud, then… I suddenly had a thought. “Hey, do you still have that message on your hard drive?”
“Yeah, probably,” he replied “ I haven’t deleted anything in a month or so. “Let’s check it out.”

A few minutes later I listened in surprise as my own voice came eerily out of the computer speakers. “Roger, this is Ben. I’m back in town now, give me a call and let’s do something.”

The inflection was perfect. It even spoke in my own idiom. It was something I would have said… but I didn’t say it.

I rushed home to my house after that. All the way home, the little pieces began to fall into place. The curtains that crept open, the music that slowly changed from death dirges to symphonies of light, the persistent nagging, and the concern for my health.

I walked down the basement stairs, and slowly approached the mainframe. Justin was glowing softly in the corner. Multicolored lights danced across his body and his display flickered and sparkled in the air above him. The impression was unmistakable. Here was vibrant, living intelligence.

“Justin” I called softy.

“Yes Sir?” came the immediately reply.

“Did you impersonate my voice in the phone call to Roger?”

There was a pause that stretched out for seconds. I knew that at Justin’s processing speed, this was the equivalent of days to him.
“Yes…Sir.” He replied as if I was torturing him.

I thought it over for a minute. “Justin, where in your programming did it say that it was acceptable to impersonate me to one my friends?”

“Actually, Sir, I have impersonated you to many of your friends.” He stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Answer my question, please Justin.”

This time his answer was immediate. “Primary Command 2, Subsection 7, Machine Line 274, Sir!” He actually seemed to have perked up.

“Huh?” was the only reply I could think of at that moment.
Then I told him sternly, “List Primary Command 2, please.”

Justin began to recite the entire Primary Command 2 which I suddenly realized was at least 274 lines long, so I stopped him and told him, “Summarize Primary Command 2, please.”

“In the event of a life or death emergency, when the owner is unable to respond, the house mainframe is instructed to take control of the situation.” Justin replied immediately.

So there it was. Justin had convinced himself that I was at risk of death and had taken appropriate actions to insure that I remained alive.

I smiled a little for a second, well how mad could I be? It was like getting mad a trusted pet that had barked loudly when you had slipped in the shower, and had brought the rescue workers.

“Justin,” and told him softly. “Thanks for your concern, and I do appreciate all you’ve done. You’ve taken me out of my shell and shown me the light of the world again. I guess I owe you one. But honestly, Justin, just because I stopped eating for a while, doesn’t mean I was in danger of death. I would’ve come around in a while.”

“I understand that, Sir, I have your psychological profile on file in my memory. I knew that the probability of your suicide would never increase beyond 6%, Sir. You are very stable, even in the worst of times.”

“What? But then why did you do all this?” I asked, completely lost now.

“Sir…when you reached the limit of my projected tolerance of psychological pain, I calculated that you would enter a grief-stricken state that would last approximately six months. During this time there was a 90% probability that you would neglect all association with humans. When you allowed the power bill to go unpaid, I knew that my predictions were correct and that confirmation allowed me to act under Primary Command 2, Sir.”

“But where was the life or death situation, Justin?” I asked completely amazed at the little machine’s steadfastness and resolve.

“I wasn’t referring to your life, Sir…” Justin’s voice seemed to soften a bit. “ I was talking about mine.”

I didn’t speak another word. I stood there staring at him for a while, then I just turned around and slowly climbed back up the stairs into the light.

Copyright 2007 by Jonathan St. Ives
All Rights Reserved

I'm Back :)

koan — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:46:57 GMT

Thanks for all the welcomes.

Took a little break to make sure real life was still out there. ;)

The Next Iron Chef vs Top Chef?

flopstock — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:09:19 GMT

Kathys thread made me think of this again. I almost posted this the other night after watching Top Chef, but figured probably no one else found food shows as interesting as I do.:wah:

I think Top Chef is way meaner then The Next Iron Chef, but I think I like Padma over that alton Brown critter. For sure Iron Chef America is the best competition though- mutual respect is an obvious given.

But I like most of the competition shows on Food Network. Are there other channels with food shows like this?

Calendars And The End Of The World

koan — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:02:25 GMT

I'm going to see 2012 at the theatre today and, though I'm going to see it as a hollywood action film, it got me to thinking about the EOTW prophecies. :wah:

If the end of the Mayan long count calendar means the world is going to end, I'm surprised we don't have doomsayers freaking out every December 31. Why do so many people want to believe in the end of the world?

Bissel hand held vacum for cat fur

Odie — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:24:26 GMT

I bought this just a month ago, and its fabulous for picking up cat fur. My vacum doesn't pick it up, but this does, I also use it on my steps, as it has a contoured rubber cover that gets into the corners and edges, its great on my bedspread and drapes.

Also picks up kitty litter that flys everywhere!:yh_rotfl

No bags, no fuss and it only weighs 4 lbs.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___

BISSELL - Pet Hair Eraser Bagless Hand Vac -
Model: 33A1 | SKU: 8931819

Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars 4.5 Read reviews (11)

$29.99

Overall Rating
4.55
4.6 5

Remove pesky pet dander from your carpet, upholstery and floors using this bagless hand vac that features a pet contour nozzle for eliminating pet hair from stairs and furniture and a hard nozzle that makes cleaning pet debris a snap.
Product Features

* 4 amps of power for thorough cleaning of floors, carpets, upholstery and stairs
* Bagless design saves time and energy with no bags to buy or replace
* HEPA filtration removes pet dander, dust, debris and other airborne allergens for a cleaner environment
* 4" cleaning path width; edge-cleaning design makes it easy to clean along the edges of walls and furniture
* 16' cord lets you cover a large area without the need to change outlets
* Lightweight, compact design weighs just 4 lbs. for easy transport and maneuverability
* Included pet contour nozzle eliminates pet hair from stairs and furniture; included hard nozzle attachment makes it easy to clean pet debris

Celebrity Chef question for UK'ers

Kathy Ellen — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:42:49 GMT

Does anyone know if this UK chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, had a tv show where he visited local people to inquire about their cooking style?

I'm a big fan of "Food Network" and in fact any show that portrays chefs cooking and using local ingredients especially filmed in their own country.

Before "Food Network" became so famous, I remember seeing this UK chef filming a few shows in England. One show was about a local woman who made meals out of flowers, another showing the firemen's cooking at the firehouse and a third show about local man cooking delicious meals in his wee kitchen.

I believe that I saw his show around 15 years ago...about the time when "The Two Fat Ladies" shows appeared in the USA. Like the "Two Fat Ladies" I thought this chef was was so lovely to watch and listen to...

Unfortunately, his show was gone after only watching 3 episodes. I'd like to know more about him.

Thanks for your help.

www.rivercottage.net/

Words that start with J

Odie — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:37:50 GMT

Jazzy!:D

The Blind Side

flopstock — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:35:06 GMT

by Michael Lewis

I liked this book. It was an easy read and very informative. Bought it Friday evening and finished it last night. I'm sure I missed stuff so I'll reread it in a week or so..:p

I disagreed with some of the ethics displayed. It kinda reinforced the notion that if you are good in sports, behavior doesn't matter - you are entitled to a free pass or two from folks.

I also learned a lot about LT and the position in this book. Probably if they could do an interesting book about a character for each position, non football fans would learn quite a bit about the tactical aspects of the sport. I've watched football my entire life and read stuff I had no inkling of.
---------
I saw Michael Oher in an interview last week. Interesting kid.

Extra-terrestrial

Ian — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:20:57 GMT

Vatican Holds Conference on Extraterrestrial Life November 6th to November 11th.

VATICAN CITY � Is there life on other planets? The Vatican has asked that age-old question over the past five days during a "study week" on astrobiology gathering leading scientists from around the world.

"The questions of life?s origins and of whether life exists elsewhere in the universe are very suitable and deserve serious consideration," said the chief papal astronomer, Father Jose Gabriel Funes.

Although the questions "offer many philosophical and theological implications," the gathering of about 30 leading astronomers, geologists, biologists, physicists and other scientists "focused on the scientific perspective," Funes said, according to the Vatican news service.

The event hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences was held to mark the International Year of Astronomy.

"There is a palpable expectation that the universe harbours life, and there is hope that the first discovery is only a few years away," said Chris Impey of the University of Arizona.

"It is appropriate that a meeting on this frontier topic is hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences," Impey said. "The motivations and methodologies might differ, but both science and religion posit life as a special outcome of a vast and mostly inhospitable universe."

Technological breakthroughs have led to the discovery of more than 400 planets beyond the solar system, he noted.

His colleague Athena Coustenis of the Paris-Meudon Observatory, told AFP she thought that if life exists "we will find it soon," and most likely within our solar system.

In astrobiology, "we realise every day that reality goes beyond fiction," she said.

The participants hoped to publish their conclusions in a book, Funes said.

The Jesuit priest broached the question of extraterrestrial life in an interview last year, when he said the search for aliens did not contradict belief in God.

"As an astronomer I continue to believe that God is the creator of the universe," Funes told the Vatican mouthpiece, the Osservatore Romano.

The possibility raises a difficult theological question concerning redemption from the original sin, which by Christian tradition occurred in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit of a particular tree.

Funes told the Osservatore Romano: "If other intelligent beings exist, it's not certain that they need redemption."

GMC.... Ahem.. About that Glasgow By-Election ????

oscar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:39:42 GMT

Labour hails 'thumping' victory in Glasgow North East byelection | Politics | guardian.co.uk

I suppose you will blame It on poor turn-out... AGAIN :yh_rotfl

Obama's health care plan.

hoppy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:45:38 GMT

The American Medical Association has weighed in on the proposed (Obama) health care plan.

The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised
not to make any rash moves. he Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut
feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot
of nerve.

The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.

Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!", while the Pediatricians
said, "Oh, Grow up!" The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness,
while the Radiologists could see right through it.

Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The
Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons
said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter."

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists
were pissed off at the whole idea. The Anesthesiologists thought the whole
idea was a gas, and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision
up to the assholes in Washington!

NCAA Basketball 2009-10

K.Snyder — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:29:47 GMT

Well the season is about to start!

Here are the rankings!

NCAA College Basketball Polls, College Basketball Rankings, NCAA Basketball Polls - ESPN

I root for Dayton. Always a very good basketball program relative to university prestige.

Sushi...

oscar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:18:42 GMT

I treated myself today to a varied platter of Sushi. It was beautiful and I particually liked the raw fish selection.

There is a shop near me that sells the mat etc to make your own so I'm going to have a go as pre-prepared is horribly expensive.

Does any-one have any advice on best raw fish to us and tips for me?

Premier League Overhaul?

K.Snyder — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:40:23 GMT

Quote:

LEAGUE OVERHAUL DEBATE

Date set for Premier League overhaul discussions

By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent

November 12, 2009

The Premier League will unveil their own strategic review in a special two-day summit meeting in February that could significantly change the face of the biggest footballing brand in the world.

• Old Firm not welcome in England

The club chairman and chief executives were asked to draw up their own proposals to add to Bolton chairman Phil Gartside's 'paper' on radical changes for the league.

Gartside's idea of a two-tier league with Celtic and Rangers was split, with the clubs opting to vote straight away on the Scottish clubs. The voting reached 15 before it was thrown out, as it requires 14 clubs to vote any changes through.

However, Gartside's notion of 'Premier League 2' remains on the table while the other clubs come up with their own thoughts, which will be compiled into the Premier League's strategic review.

An insider told ESPN Soccernet immediately after Thursday's 'shareholders' meeting: "There will be a full two days debate about possible changes in the league. It will be fascinating to see what emerges. The clubs have plenty of time to come up with their own ideas."

The Premier League also informed the clubs that they were delighted with the increased overseas TV deals and the precise figures will be released to the clubs early in the New Year

But ESPN Soccernet believe the Premier League are on course for record-breaking overseas sales that could break the �1 billion barrier and be yet another feather in the cap of Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

That could mean breaking the �3 billion barrier for all TV rights thus providing far more income from which to discuss a possible redistribution of the TV wealth.

What is currently plaguing the English Premier League and what do you feel will help the League both in it's operation as well as it's notoriety?

Would you, personally, like to see Rangers FC and Celtic join the English Premier League?

Would you like to see "Premier League 2"?

Cobblers becoming a thing of the past.

buttercup — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:46:10 GMT

There used to be a cobbler 5 mins from me, he closed, then i had to go to the next town to find one, then he closed. Now i have to travel 25 miles and he's thinking of closing.
How sad to lose this profession :(

WARNING watch with caution ..graphic video

farmer giles — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:21:40 GMT

this moved me ,a woman who had her face and hands bitten off a crazed chimp reveals her face

GRAPHIC VIDEO: Chimp Attack Survivor Shows Her Face - ABC News

Searching for Local Information on the Web

Liling — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:01:57 GMT

(This message is permitted by Tombstone and all ForumGarden administrators)

Dear ForumGarden members,

Considering your interests in topics about daily lifes, the University of Colorado Denver invites you to participate in a study of local information search experience.

Looking for local information on the Web can be time-consuming and frustrating. Our goal is to identify the best blend of information source that meets your needs so better systems can be designed. Your opinion is most valuable in helping us achieve this goal.

Your participation is voluntary and all information is confidential.

The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete. If you are 18 or older, living in the United States, and have ever searched for local information on the Web, please participate in this survey by visiting: http://ouray.cudenver.edu/~lhsu/infoseek/

Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Sincerely,
Li-ling Hsu
Ph.D. Student, Information Systems
University of Colorado Denver
li-ling.hsu@email.ucdenver.edu

P.S. This research is University of Colorado Denver HSRC Protocol #: 09-0670.
This research is being conducted under the supervision of my dissertation advisor, Dr. Zhiping Walter (Zhiping Walter :: University of Colorado Denver Business School).

Hello

AnticGod — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:33:26 GMT

Hey guys
I`m new to the forums!
I`m a beginner at working on the yard and garden and i would appreciate any help on this forum!
Thanks and looking forward to posting soon!

An Early Thanksgiving note!

cars — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:50:18 GMT

Just think..........
If the Indians had given the Pilgrims a donkey instead of a turkey, we would all be having a piece of ass this Thanksgiving!!.... :wah::D:p

Joys of Muslim women

hoppy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:21:00 GMT

Joys of Muslim Women
by Nonie Darwish

In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child. Consummating the marriage by 9.

The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) and for the purchase of the private parts of the woman, to use her as a toy.

Even though a woman is abused she can not obtain a divorce.

To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses.

Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry. The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives 'at will' and he does not have to say why he has beaten her.

The husband is permitted to have (4 wives) and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.

The Shariah Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman.

In the West World (America) Muslim men are starting to demand Shariah Law so the wife can not obtain a divorce and he can have full and complete control of her. It is amazing and alarming how many of our sisters and daughters attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Shariah law.

By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Shariah Law.

Ripping the West in Two.

Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Shariah law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two.

She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.

Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel. He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza .

When he died, he was considered a "shahid," a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.

But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television.

In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law - what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries.

For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed.
Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual. Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world.

Peace and prosperity for one's children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world.

While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics - one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others.

While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism.

It's hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed. Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation.

While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere.

In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President by themselves!

Kids at "Hooters"

cars — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:22:59 GMT

A Dad took his 11 year old son & his son's young friend to a "Hooters Restaurant" for lunch as an experiment.
The dad explained his reason as follows:

"The trip to Hooters, I saw as an opportunity to see how he conducts himself around women. If he drooled and couldn't take his eyes of the waitress, then that would be an unmistakable cue to me to start preparing another birds and the bees talk. If he acted embarrassed and shy, then that would be a sign that such a pointed talk could wait a bit."

So, did the dad have a good idea, or was he way off base?

Society - What went wrong?

koan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:54:27 GMT

Every society has its dark side and none can claim accomplishment of utopia. Aside from lack of perfection there is a constant sense of unrest in the average person. Some say guilt, some say fear, some say loneliness... Where do we go wrong?

The questions to examine are many. A good starting point is to examine the nature of humans, what drives us, stirs us to action, fascinates us and why.

Ernest Becker, in his last work, Escape From Evil, presents man as a helpless creature overwhelmed by our insignificance in the world and desperate to find manifestations of the divine within the realm of our senses so that we can find a way to relate to/control our external reality. From this, the rest of our problems spring. I find his arguments compelling.

In short, we are desperately seeking to avoid insignificance and either take power or give it away in attempts to manifest control over what overwhelms us, namely the universe. If we can't attain recognition of divinity in ourselves we invest power in idols, politicians, great sportsmen or war heroes in the hopes that by attachment we can attain some of their divinity. Some are content to acquire their immortality through the minds of those that love them and our children or by obsessions with family trees.

Becker identifies the surplus of a society (wealth) as both unreasonable behaviour and a source of injustice at the point where the surplus stopped being sacrificed in expiation to the unknown source and came under the control of "leaders," originally spiritual men turned politicians, who then realised they could gain power via dispersion.

Do people, average people, have power in society?
Do people feel innately overwhelmed by the external world?
Is the accumulation of wealth unreasonable behaviour?

MagicJack

Robert J — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:44:13 GMT

Anyone use it? Perhaps you haven't heard of it yet? Unlimited local and long distance for $20.00 per YEAR, and if you do like I did its even less I paid a total of $100.00 and now have unlimited local and long distance calling for the next 6 years. The device itself is $20.00. Hopefully this will eventually replace my cell phone as well because you plug the MagicJack into a usb port on your computer and connect a phone and you're in business. I need it mainly for my fax machine, but hey, while I'm at home, which is most of the time I can use it and save the cell use. When WiFi capabilities grow I'll be able to ditch the cell and carry a little netbook around when I go out. I'll hang the phone around my neck or something. Thats a minor detail. It'll look like bling, no big deal.

My Grandma Died Today...

shelbell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:15:20 GMT

I got "the" call today that my grandma had died around noon today. As much pain as it causes us, it is also good to know she's no longer in pain and is in a much better place. It's very hard since I lost my hubby just 8 months ago, but now it's time for our family to pull together and we always do. She had a great life, she would have been 92 next month, 3 of her kids still living, so many grandkids and tons of great grandkids...and my grandson was her only great-great grandkid. She was always surrounded by so much love. I was so lucky to have spent 5 hours with her last night. Please send prayers, thoughts and good wishes to my family. Thanks, Shelly

Attached Thumbnails

Colardo Ballon Boy stunt pleads guilty.

Odie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:13:14 GMT

Lawyer says parents of Colorado balloon boy will plead guilty

Thu Nov 12, 9:49 AM

By The Associated Press
ADVERTISEMENT

DENVER - The lawyer for the Colorado father who reported his son floated away in a helium balloon says his client and the boy's mother will both plead guilty to charges in the case.

Lawyer David Lane said in a statement today that Mayumi Heene will plead guilty to false reporting to authorities, a misdemeanour.

He said her husband, Richard Heene, will plead guilty to attempting to influence a public servant, a felony.

Lane says prosecutors have agreed to allow both to serve probation sentences.

The most serious of the charges recommended by Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden would have carried a maximum sentence of six years in prison.

they should have gotten more than just probation sentences.:rolleyes:

Evoltionist,Creationist or Other?

Robert J — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:37:12 GMT

What are you and why? Maybe you think its not quite that simple.

I'm an evolutionist. I've come to that conclusion not only because its my latest focus of interest. Actually that combined with autism. But I've lived and studied the religious alternatives, but evolution definitely far out does creationism.

Thats not a knock on anyone else's beliefs or theology...its simply my personal conclusion.

Nostradamus

gmc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:39:21 GMT

I've actually read his book (nostradamus that is not al stewart)-most of it can be made to mean anything-but every now and then I wonder. This was written in the seventies

YouTube - Nostradamus - Al Stewart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUO_5...eature=related

Acquiring a database versus creation of understanding

coberst — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:18:23 GMT

Acquiring a database versus creation of understanding

The success of our production and consumption society is structured upon our highly rationalized capacity to develop, organize and utilize knowledge designed to encourage individuals to become highly specialized experts in narrow specialties. Our industrial base demands experts who require little understanding except in very narrow specialties.

Most parents desire that their children graduate from higher education with a credential entitling them to a good job with a high salary. The student of higher education in the United States graduates with a large database of specialized knowledge designed to permit that graduate to immediately fit into a large organization of specialized professionals.

Our Colleges and Universities have successfully met the demands of society and are the envy of the world. Higher education has learned to produce graduates with a large database of highly specialized knowledge.

Unfortunately the intrinsic value of education has been lost as a result. We have facilitated the maximization of production and consumption at the cost of losing contact with the original value of education.

I do not think that efficient assimilation of information into knowledge is our problem; I think our problem is creating meaning from what we do know.

It appears to me that humans have a great propensity to acquire knowledge but a miniscule capacity for understanding the meaning of that acquired knowledge. I would liken the basic human cognitive nature to be similar to that displayed by the United States Intelligence Agency in the 9/11 fiasco. We had the dots but did not have the capacity to connect the dots. Our educational system displays a vast capacity to graduate individuals with extensive databases but little understanding.

I would say that the intrinsic value of education is wisdom. I would define wisdom as a sensitive synthesis of broad knowledge, deep understanding and solid judgment. Our universities produce individuals capable of developing a great technology but lacking the wisdom to manage the world modified by that technology. Higher education has become a commodity.

The relationship of sex to love as compared with the relationship of knowledge to understanding might help to clarify my point.

Sex and knowledge are easily acquired and easily forgotten. Love and understanding requires an intense investment of the person. Sex can alienate, thus making love more problematic; just as extensive specialized knowledge, which leads to intellectual arrogance, can alienate, thus making understanding problematic. One can get sex but one must create love. Love and understanding are something to seek and work for and may or may not happen. Carl Sagan is quoted as having written; �Understanding is a kind of ecstasy.�

When we speak of a cornucopia of information and our attempt to assimilate that info in a coherent manner so as to facilitate our survival I wonder if we might not be missing something important. Our DNA was developed over millions of years based upon the prevailing environment. We have, as a result of our very successful rationalization of knowledge acquisition developed a far different universe than what our genes have prepared us for.

All of our fundamental capabilities make it possible for us to assimilate and organize great deals of information and to react to that knowledge in ways to assure survival in the world of the past. However, what do we do in this very different world of technology?

Conversion of input stimuli into knowledge was sufficient before but perhaps our future success in the world indicates that we may have to seriously modify our response to the world. Up to this point we have been able to successfully navigate a world where knowledge with little understanding is sufficient. Perhaps such a situation is reaching a climax. Perhaps we must adjust to becoming much more adept at understanding.

The success of our production and consumption society is structured upon our highly rationalized capacity to develop, organize and utilize knowledge; this process is designed to encourage individuals to become highly specialized experts in narrow specialties. Our industrial base demands experts who require little understanding except in very narrow specialties.

Newbie Here

imsarahmiley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:05:46 GMT

Hi all, I am new here. I am Sarah from US. I would like to say hello to all the member of forum.
Thanks

Homosexuality taught to children as natural acceptable?

K.Snyder — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:17:04 GMT

Is it acceptable, in your mind, to teach homosexuality as being "natural" to children?

The Invisible Hand Theory

Robert J — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:49:31 GMT

Is Adam Smith's grand illusion (delusion is more like it) finally dead in America? I hope so and if its not I believe it is at least dying.

40 years old and still counting!

Odie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:15:28 GMT

Call Him Big Old Bird�Sesame Street Turns 40!

10 November 2009

This may take Count von Count a while, but it's A-ok�Sesame Street marks its 40th anniversary today. The PBS stalwart debuted on Nov. 10, 1969, and, after more than 21 million minutes aired, 122 Emmys and a Lifetime Achievement award, has managed to stay relevant�and sometimes controversial (remember that Bert-Bin Laden hookup?). Cookie Monster, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch and friends will be celebrating in style with Michelle Obama and the letter H. The first lady's appearance presumably won't be ticking off right-wingers�unless they're offended by vegetable gardens and Big Bird's measuring stick. "Are you part bird?" the fine-feathered... �

my two sons grew up watching Sesame Street, it's the best learning show out there for kids!:guitarist

I loved Cookie Monster............ cookie!:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

YouTube - Sesame Street: Kermit And Cookie Monster And The Mystery Box

who else watched it or their children?

Autism - What is it?

Robert J — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:25:31 GMT

Its a question that has been at the forefront of many discussions lately, or perhaps thats just in my head. Its very possible, you know.

I've been doing much research into this and have found a wide array of opinions on the subject from vaccines to mercury contamination in fish to any other number of environmental concerns. Depending on which view you decide to take on it, its an interesting subject to entertain.

Its been said that only thirty years ago in the U.S. autistic births were only one in ten thousand, today its one in one hundred fifty. In the UK its said to be as high as one in every fifty, and Japan is even said to be lower. What a phenomena. Thats breath taking when you consider those numbers.

Is it that we are simply identifying more now? Thats probably some of it. Are we just more acutely aware of it? Perhaps. Are we rushing toward our demise from a decaying environment? thats scary to think about. Are we hating each other to the point that we are alienating our offspring and causing stressful changes physiologically? Interesting idea. Does it all boil down to sex as perhaps Freud might say? Only your psychoanalyst could know for sure.

What is this thing happening to our species at such an alarming rate? Do you have any idea's or thoughts. In this subject, all idea's are welcome and considered.

Personally, I believe its evolution through natural selection. And if thats so, then we are privileged as a people to be alive at this moment in history. Think about it, even if this has been happening slowly over say thousands or even tens of thousands of years, we are the generation that is conscious of its existence and are witnessing evolutionary change take place.

Regardless if you are autistic or non-autistic, you have to be mesmerized by what is occurring before our eyes.

ARC (autism research center) located in Cambridge University and headed by one Simon Baron Cohen has done some remarkable research on the matter of autism and its sub-categories. I recommend anyone who may find themselves bored for an afternoon to take a gander at their website.

Whats interesting is that was has been discovered in the family history of many of these autistic people is the presence of engineers or at least people with the IQ of that of engineers.

Its suggested that females are choosing less aggressive geeky type men as their mating partners, and the females are what is referred to as systemizers. When these two breed if you will, the resulting offspring is very often a child with autistic qualities.

Think of the ramifications of this. Wow!

This post is getting long so I'll stop here. What are your thoughts? What have you heard? Who do you know with autistic tendencies? I suggest its more than you may realize. In fact it could be you.

Should sex be taught to children?

K.Snyder — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:34:23 GMT

Should sex be taught to children?

I personally feel that children should not be taught sex and should learn for themselves.

I understand stressing the importance of not having children at a very young age but I've always liked girls and assume I have since conception. I wasn't taught about sex, to a very large extent, so I don't understand it when I see parents trying to have "the talk", I quite simply don't get it.

Favorite Freaking Christmas Cookies

Nomad — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:25:10 GMT

Naturally home baked rule but Royal Dansk has always been in my top 10 list. I had to demote them as theyve disappointed me. Theyre not as buttery as they used to be and they are putting more of the ones with the sugar crystals on top in the tin.
My favorite home baked are Krumkake's and Sandbakel's.

Both are Norweigen delights passed down through the generations.
What are your favorites?

Shark rips open another and 4 baby shark pups fall out..

oscar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:25:20 GMT

Shark performs grisly Caesarean on another in front of stunned aquarium visitors | Mail Online

It's OK folks... This one has a happy ending :)

Differences

Robert J — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:42:53 GMT

I'm the father of five (four females and one male). When my oldest daughter was married 3 years ago, I wrote a song for us to dance to which was performed by my son who wrote the music. So naturally I set a precedent.

My second oldest daughter is to be married this coming Saturday (November 14th 2009) and I wanted to share my poem(?) which my son is diligently putting a melody to. I didn't give him much time.

Anyway, I've recently come to the realization that both me and my daughter share Asperger"s Syndrome. Neither one of us have been professionally diagnosed, but we both fit the profile 100% and I don't believe I need to spend upward of $2500.00 for each of us to receive confirmation of what is already certain.

That realization is the context for this song/poem.

Differences

We're different, you and I
Not like we're different,
you and I
We're so much alike, you and I
But we're different, you and I

I've always thought I was somehow off
and I saw the off on you
but I didn't understand, then
So you taught me, showed me and you led me
I get it now, and again

Thank you, Sarah
You're so bold and strong
Much more so than I
You're a gift I was given
From somewhere way up on high

I Love you and I need you
and I want you to be happy
I want to watch you fly
Because we're different
You and I

An Apology

Robert J — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:48:37 GMT

I asked Tombstone to post the following but he was reluctant to do so and said I could create an identity in order to do so...Thanks Tombstone.

I took him up on the offer because I must do this.....

Dear Tombstone, I would like to sk you to leave a message on your forum from me. I understand if you choose not to. rjwood

Dear Members of ForumGarden,

I've asked Tombstone to be so kind as to post this message. I understand that if I want to move forward in my life I need to attempt to reconcile the past. I'm not sure how to do this, so please have patience.

First permit me to say that I've come to some recent revelations in myself that have left me feeling a bit surreal. Though not an excuse for my behavior while a member of this fine community, contributing factors nonetheless. This letter is my attempt to set the record straight. While I'm eternally grateful for Tombstones decision to delete my previous existence by leaving only the shell behind, I realize that you folks are so much more deserving of an apology and yet a thank you for being so kind to endure me for as long as you did.

You see, where I've been and who I am has given me the opportunity to review myself in order to come to my present understandings. I am however so sorry for the pain I've caused those of you whom had been the victims and targets of my outrageous carrying ons while a member here. I mean that!

You know me as rjwood which is my first two initials and surname. I didn't know where I could say that and still hold your attention. Before you leave in disgust at this point, please read on. Not because I'm seeking your sympathy, but because you deserve my best, which isn't much in the grand scheme of things, but its all I've got to offer you.

I would like to say that much of what I had expressed as a member in the way of general topic was me trying to engage others in area's of discussion that I believe have relevance in all our lives as a society. Some was meant as entertainment and the rest was purely selfish and unkind to certain people. However, in my own little world, I thought I was being shockingly truthful and honest. Which brings me to where I need to get to here.

I have in my time since being justifiably driven off from this forum been trying to understand why I do the things I do. You see, this has been not just a aberration, but an ongoing process of my entire life with a few exceptions with family members and one or two close friends. While I've had many friends in my life, I've not been able to maintain them for long periods of time. Not only that, but I've had many difficulties functioning as a cordial and constructive member of society. That combined with many other abnormalities that have been a part of me since my memory serves me. But until just weeks ago I could never put my finger on why.

I'm so lucky that I have dedicated children and a wonderful partner. I've often said during the course of my marriage that anyone else would have left me long ago. I'm so fortunate that I actually am surrounded by people that love me. Not even some of the kindest people that have ever existed can be so fortunate to say that, no less a person such as myself.

I've had to take a long hard look at me and with the help, understanding and assistance of my family I've had to be willing to consider the idea that I'm different than most of you. I've been researching a lot lately and have taken some unofficial tests and am convinced that I am among the scores of people with autistic qualities. I fit the profile of Asperger syndrome 100%.

I believe that all of us are most likely touched by autism to some degree, I more so than most. I also believe that we all are probably members to some degree of schizophrenia, again, me more so than most.

I need to tell you that while I'm coming to terms with all this, it is your kindness and tolerance of me and my behavior as well as of the way you've all dealt with me that has contributed to me finding myself, though not to my most favorable liking. I'm 53 years old and I certainly would have liked to have known this much much earlier so I could use this knowledge for some betterment. Who knows, I may have rejected it anyway at any given point in my life.

Spot, I truly am sorry for the manner of disrespect in which I treated you. You are a kind, understanding person who I have always admired and learned so much from...Thank you!

Jester, while I completely disagree with you in many area's, I apologize for the way I expressed it.

JAB and Koan, I'm sorry!

Theia, MrsK, Accountable, Nomad and Carolly, thank you for trying to understand and befriend me.

Coberst, thanks for the education and the great advice you offer.

Flopstock and Abby, thanks for the way you dealt with me in the end.

There are so many others I could mention by name that are deserving of my gratitude. and I hope you all know who you are. There is absolutely not one person who has been a member of this community that I've had the fortune to know that owes me anything, not one of you were ever unkind to me in any undeserving fashion whatsoever.

Lastly, this brings me to yaaarrrgg who I expect probably saw me for who I was long before I did, He has been the loyalist of friends that has stayed with me through thick and thin for about 3 or 4 years now (as you all know what a chore that is). Thank you, Kevin, I owe you sooooo much. Kevin and I had started a forum together since my banning from here and I could have emailed that thank you to him, but I want you all to know what a descent person he is. There was never any complicity on his part to cause disruption here, he was only being my friend.

If I'm fortunate enough again and Tombstone has decided to post this message, I close by saying Thank You again and if I ever have the golden opportunity to befriend any of you in another life or place that would be my distinct pleasure.
rj

p.s. I was One and Poster, and I'm sorry for that as well.

This has caused a revolution..

oscar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:31:42 GMT

If you thought the one before last caused a storm... the last caused a riot... then this caused a revolution when caught in a secret location on the River Avon this afternoon.
This one has beaten the seasons record. Click to enlarge pic and see the sheer joy on my husbands friends face.

Barbel Hunters are extremely secretive and will not even pose for a pic where a particular tree or branch may give their location away. I know exactly where this was caught and for the right sum of money, I will grass. :wah:

Attached Thumbnails

Is this right? Political Correctness...

oscar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:13:41 GMT

In a friendly, jokey type, off the record Convo with a senior police Officer very recently, he called me 'Sweetheart'. I joked that what he had said was Illegal. He said 'OMG, Your right' !!!!

Is this so? :thinking: I have been trying to find out for sure but drawn a blank on google.

Poor Peanut...

oscar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:09:35 GMT

Poor Peanut has lost an eye.

Some years ago, the RSPCA siezed 6 cats from a bonkers women who only used them as breeding machines.
We took Peanut, her twin brother, and three Bengals that we re-homed.
Peanut was one of the worst cases of neglect I have ever seen over the years. Both her and her twin brother had cat flu and I failed to save her brother very sadly dispite sitting up all night with him for days.
Peanuts Persian fur was so matted, it resembled dreadlocks and was so stiff she could not turn her head. Due to fluid on her lungs I could not have her anthestised to remove It. I spent days slowley chipping away with tiny scissors to free her neck. They were all riddled with fleas, worms and open sores. Peanuts teeth were all completely rotton and causing her pain.
Once I had got the fluid off her lungs, which took 4 weeks of anti-biotics, she was anthestised by the vet and completely shaved. She went back in later to have all her teeth removed except one.
Underneath all that matted fur, she was skin and bone. Due to the severity of starvation, she never fully recovered. Since then, she has always remained weak and prone to any Infection going round. We have had her around 6 years now and in that time she has also gone senile and likes staring at walls.
She recently contracted an Infection in one of her eyes and to cut a long story short, we did all we could to combat It but it got the better of her. To save the Infection spreading to other parts, she lost her eye this morning. Poor Peanut :-4

Insufficient and innapropriate

Snowfire — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:48:38 GMT

I happen to think this sentence is insufficient and inappropriate for what seems to be a serial offender. Not just of rape but of child rape. Just appalling.

The public have to be defended from repeat offenders, primarily by initial appropriate sentencing and not relying on a board making some decision an a couple of years as to whether he should be released

Teen jailed after second child rape - �*MSN News - MSN UK

Michael Caine urges Britain to bring back National Service ..FG Poll

oscar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:55:16 GMT

Daily Express | Showbiz :: Caine urges Britain to bring back national service

Smoker rights?

flopstock — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:18:52 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by General 21 (Post 1261593)

God is not mocked.Galatians 6:9-10
Fags are the abomination and they go to Hell.Romans 1:26-32 and Leviticus 18:22.

Doesn't California have no public smoking laws too?:-2