MaineGal

What is the password??

I think you have 4 now. I was on Facebook catching up with a couple people I have not spoken to in years....and come back to this!! Crazy night, I guess. I hope everyone is starting to feel a little better.

I think "lottery funded" education is a great idea. Its not a tax, its your own choice if you choose to play the lottery. Check out other states--their lottery money goes into the general fund...for what, who knows?? Your comment is similar to a welfare comment that I would make--except this isnt welfare. This is lottery money, correct?? Just like any other individual or business, we have had to re-evaluate our spending and cut costs. The University system should have to as well. Also--these kids DO deserve their free education, being paid for by lottery money. To the best of my

I went to South Florida and the Keys when I was a teen. Key West is a party place, but during the day the sunset is beautiful, and they have some pretty neat "shows" on the streets. People trying to earn a buck. I had a guy walk up to me with a HUGE snake, and put it around my neck...said for $5 I could have my picture taken. I said "I will pay you $5 to get it off ME!!" Anyway, they do have a little aquarium type thing there, plus a Ripleys museum. If I was to vactaion in that area with my boys, I would probably lean towards the Glass Bottom Boat rides (John Pennkamp sp? I think), and e

Did you go? What was the price? We will probably go today.

Yes, I'm glad I dont. I actually have to get on Pcom as soon as I get home..just to see if I drove okay!!

We have gotten them at Browns and love them! I recommend them. Note: I dont think we have gotten them at West Metro, but we have gotten good steak there.

You are absolutley correct--but the problem is--certain words offend different people. There is no universal correct way. I think we all need to be proud of what we are, where we came from, our heritage, etc. If something is not said in a negative way, it should not get blown out of proportion. For instance-- If someone said "that fat girl" or "the heavyset one". Obviously one is better than the other, and may be one of the only describing factors. I dont think I would jump down anyone's throat, if their intentions were good. Some people dont think that way, though. I hope our child

I see it pretty much the same as you do. If its not used in a negative way. If someone said "that blonde" in reference to me, I would have no problem. If they said "that dumb blonde" I may take a little offence!! ETA: To answer your question about handling it with the kids. This specifically has not been a factor, but I think we put a lot less emphasis on what someone looks like, than we do how they act. I did have a conversation with them the other night because one of their friends (who is white) criticized them for calling my sister "Aunt" instead of "Ant". The other kids said

We own a Harley and love to ride. He is very attentive and cautious on the bike..and if I feel he is getting out of line, he gets the little "I dont like that" tap on his side!! I will NEVER ride with anyone that weaves in and out of traffic, and rides on bumpers. If the car in front wants to stop quickly, I surely do not want to fly over their car. There are dummies behind all kinds of wheels/handlebars. I dont enjoy inconsiderate drivers, no matter what they are driving. Thanks for posting this, a little reminder never does any harm!

You are right...tears. Thank you for posting this. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I just cannot imagine.

Rightfully so, there isnt a ton of fun around here.

Uh-oh...I hope you didnt do that while you were driving!! Oh, and good luck LPPT!

You were really let down!!! I must say, I was rather surprised at what this topic was actually about!!

I do see your point on the bill that the Reps had and not getting much attention. This is part of my point. I wasnt just meaning that the Republicans werent trying. The Democrats may have "appeared" to be trying, by slapping out a bill..but not if it wasnt the best answer. I guess we may agree in that aspect.

Thanks JMT. In response to your "how far" or "which way"..I understand. I guess I just wish they could figure out which way. They know there is a problem, and it is their job to fix it. Its not going to be 100% great for everyone. I dont think they should pass the first bills, but I think they need to work on it, without all the BS. I still strongly believe that the "majority opinion" is based on what people are told by their favored parties. Many people, not excluding myself, dont understand exactly how it all works, or what positive or negative effects it will have on us as a natio

What would you have done 50 years ago? Its selfish in the same way that throwing a butt out the window is. Many people buy cases of it a week--why not purchase a one-time filtration system? We have one at work, and the water tastes just like bottled water, and doesnt hurt the environment. Before we got the one at work, I brought tap water from home. Dont get me wrong, I have purchased bottled water for road trips. I also save those bottles and reuse them for ice in the coolers for next time. People are quick to criticize..but need to slow down and check their own habits.

Yep. Maybe not all, but I've met them. My boss is one.

I know there is much more to it than a simple compromise. In response to your "beating your wife and dog" comment---They are already being beaten. Is it safe to say, the wife shouldnt bother getting a restraining order because its not as affective as having him in jail? I think fixing 8 things out of 10 is better than continuing on a constant downward spiral. There are problems with healthcare. Major ones. You say "For what it's worth, I don't think the lawmakers who have voted no on this have "done nothing." What we have is a bipartisan set of lawmakers who have achieved somethin

I'd have to agree with you here! I wouldnt have a clue what to do, but I would probably shut up (with the exception of maybe a little begging). I'm 31, no arrests. I had a "burning without a permit" when I was a teenager for a party on a cleared lot in the woods, and a "driving with expired tag". I'm not married to an officer, but if I was....I wouldnt call him either! Imagine if a cop had to pick his drunk wife up at the station where he works??

Not to mention, even when you put your trash in a trash can, it either goes in the ground at a landfill (which is later used for a housing development), burned (so the pollution goes in the air, then in the water), or it gets dumped in the ocean. I'm more disgusted by all the bottled water people purchase because they are too good for the regular water. Those plastic bottles are far worse than anything. We survived years ago without bottle water, and just because it says "spring water" on it, doesnt mean its not full of chemicals.

I'm not talking about stockholders. But if you want to then great. So, I take it we are the stock holders, right? But we arent there to say what we want, so, it is someone else job to recommend ideas. Both sides have agreed that something needs to change, am I wrong?? BO wants them to figure out the best plan, and they cannot seem to even discuss it. It is not "shoving the policy down our throats" it is telling them to figure out the best way. The job at hand is to find the best way to reform healthcare. It needs it, no doubt. This is their job to figure out, and if they cannot do it,

I agree, but what I gather, is that BO has been telling them to find something they can agree on, and will work. They arent even grown up enough to discuss it. Makes me sick that we have these "children" looking out for our best interests. And no, voting them out doesnt work because they are ALL the same, for the most part. Until there is another party that has some clout, they will continue to operate this way.

It is evident that there needs to be a reform in healthcare. Neither side is doing their JOB at trying to figure out what is best for the people. I have no problem with anything that will help put an end to the BS between the two parties. As in a corporate setting, there are the higher execs, and the management below them. If the management cant seem to do their JOB and figure it out, in steps the higher execs and they make the decisions, and with any luck, FIRE the pissers and moaners. Both parties are turning down any and all ideas that come from the opposing parties, just because th

Good idea! Then you can group and sort by high importance or what pain you want them to endure!!!