Dagny

Just to clarify...the two climbers are Simon Yates and Joe Simpson. Simon was the one who cut the rope. Actually, it was written by Joe Simpson. (Along with four other books, I might add) Okay...carry on! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Clearly, cutting the rope was a difficult decision (or should have been). And it is still a questionable action. What I find more offensive about the situation is not that he cut the rope in a desperate situation, but that he did not attempt to confirm the death of his friend by visualizing the body. Just hollering in the general direction of the crevasse, when said communication attempts had been unsuccessful previously, is just bad form. Particularly when it leaves your friend and climbing partner such a perilous journey. The guy lost a third of his body weight during his trek. Unreal. To whoever said it was US climbers that disagreed with his decision while the UK embraced it: Simon's choice was frowned upon by the Everest climbing board (or something of that nature). I don't believe that is a US based association? They were going to revoke his licensure as a result of his actions. It's good that Joe supports his old friend, because he didn't get that same support from the climbing community...even in the UK. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Deuce, awesome pics! Since you put a lot of them in (close) consecutive order, clicking through them kind of fast gives it a sense of motion. Very fun... Looks like everyone had a great time. Weather hold? We don't need no steenkin' weather hold! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

There are two hurricanes out there?! I so need to watch the news once in a while. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Stuck inside cramming for a hematopoietic/lymphoreticular system final while drinking obscene amounts of coffee and contemplating the therapeutic effects of no-doze. Can't seem to stay alert! The only thing getting me through is the promise of a good weekend after I get through this test. But, I'm also hug-deficient, too. For another week at least. So good luck to you and remember you're not alone!!

Sweet!! This is the best news I've heard all day! I am mad excited for you! So, I see I'm going to have to share the jump love with zhills AND sebastian just so I can hang with mi madre de rodriguez. Tough life for me! Congratulations...and enjoy the west coast. (Gotta tell you, though, east coast beaches are better! ) Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Damn, now I'm confused. Pull altitude, pack opening altitude, inflation stage... I would imagine this should be clarified at each DZ, but, in general, shouldn't "pull altitude" be as simple as stated above? Pull altitude = height you begin deployment sequence (wave/throw)? Now if I break off a formation at 4k, then wave off at 3k, and then throw my pc, am I wrong? And does the few hundred feet make that much of a difference? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Overall, I believe the prenatal testing for congenital defects is beneficial. Some of the diseases are survivable, several are not. Some are debilitating, several are not. Trisomy 18 is a fatal condition. Screening early for these tests isn't simply a matter of providing the option to terminate the pregnancy, but it does help both the family and the physicians prepare for the birth. A trisomy 21 baby is likely to have congenital defects to the heart in addition to the developmental delays and mental retardation. Recognizing that the condition exists allows the parents to prepare themselves for raising a non-traditional child and allows specialists to be contacted and ready to deal with the special problems which exist in a child with a congenital defect. Spina bifida, trisomy 18, trisomy 21...these babies aren't kids that can just be discharged from the hospital and brought to their pediatrician for standard visits. The decision to keep a baby with a congenital defect when that defect is discovered pre-term is entirely personal. I have less of a problem with federally mandated testing than I would if the government tried to mandate a solution (like early termination) for the "undesirables". I don't believe that most physicians recommend early termination of these pregnancies because they are proponents of eugenics. There are so many difficulties that arise from raising a handicapped child that the option should be there for families who participate in pregancy screening exams. My friend's brother is handicapped and when her parents are no longer able to care for him, he becomes her responsibility. It takes an incredible amount of dedication, personal strength, and money to care for the handicapped. That's why, as a future physician, I would recommend a family consider the options...termination versus delivery. It's not that I advocate abortion, but I do advocate the right to choose. As for sterilization/termination/isolation of post term babies, children, or adults who are handicapped, I think that is a completely different situation. I think that is something we should strive to keep from happening in our present day society. And I believe we should do everything in our power to avoid situations which may lead to genocide. I don't see preterm screenings as being much different than government mandated newborn screenings for PKU and G6PD. There is a benefit to early awareness. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

First let me say that I agree to an extent. I'm just as guilty as anyone of looking at a girl wearing something not "appropriate" for her size and thinking to myself, "oooh, honey, not the best choice of wardrobe." However... One of the biggest problems in fat girl clothes is a lack of trendiness. As soon as you move past the standard sizes, the clothes get ugly. The cutest clothes are always the missy sizes, the woman sizes are more conservative and a lot less cute, and then there is the plus size area. Some of the least attractive clothing out there, IMO. You say that it is hard for the best bodies to pull off tiny clothing, so I have to ask...why? Why is it so wrong to let your body show if you don't have a cover model body? It's not hard to wear clothing that you like, it's hard to please the masses. And the truth is, if you're fat, the masses are offended by your size whether you cover your hips and round belly with an XL tshirt or a revealing tank top. We're so judgemental about everyone else and all the while we're harboring these insecurities about ourselves. It's sad that our body image is so contorted that we take issue with those who don't feel the same insecure need to hide what doesn't meet societal standards. I know it's more flattering to wear clothing that accentuates the curves and roundness of a larger-than-size-2 body. I dress myself to flatter the imperfections of my body and highlight the more positive aspects. But, that's my choice and not everyone looks at themself in a mirror and says, "I can't wear this, my ass is too big." Honestly, I kind of admire people who can be themselves and don't let themselves be ashamed of their bodies because their bodies aren't perfect. And, I fully believe that if there were trendier, cuter clothes in larger sizes that kept up with the current trends of the smaller sizes out there, then there would be fewer visible fat rolls. Oh, and one other thing...I was at the mall on monday and I saw more midriffs than I could count. Most of the girls had the "right" kind of body to wear the outfits they had on, but doesn't anyone else get tired of seeing so much skin whether the person is fat or thin? And VSG...I responded to your post because I have seen a picture or two of you. And I have read your posts about your body. Maybe you're just humble, but I think you have an amazing figure and, TBH, I am jealous. I would like to know once in my life what it is like to be so petite. But, my body isn't petite and it just won't be. So I accept what I'm working with and it makes me frustrated to see your posts when you seem to have difficulty seeing the beauty that is your body. It makes me mad that as a society we set our standards so high that no one meets them. Anyway, that's my rant for the night.... Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Well, I guess it's good to stand for something. Even if that something is totally whack. Here's hoping the majority of TN actually has more than ten functional, non-prejudiced neurons in their brains. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Did anyone watch Last Comic Standing last night? LOL, one of the comedians jokingly suggested John Kerry is working too hard in his campaign and should have just put out one commercial just before the election announcing, "I'm John Kerry and I didn't want to have to do this, but if you don't vote for me, I'm taking away all the ketchup!" Based on the national hotdog council survey (was anyone else aware of an actual COUNCIL for hotdogs??), it wouldn't be efficacious, now would it? As for me...I like ketchup, but sometimes I like mustard. OH and sometimes I like both. And I'm a democrat, but sometimes I vote republican. And sometimes, I vote both ways in multi-candidate elections. So, what does that make me? And what if you eat a soy-dog, does that affect the survey? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Surely that's a joke, right? I mean, like a smear campaing against James Hart, right? SURELY there is no website for a House nominee that publicly states such a backwards, BS philosophy. I've lived in and worked in the deep south and I know that there is still a pervasive attitude about "favored races", but it seems like it would be career suicide to espouse such an antiquated theory. Sigh. Politicians suck. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

My roommate, who is an avid biker (even more so than me!), bought the livestrong bracelets for, well, everyone. I wear mine every day. Honestly, I'm so out of touch with current events, I had no idea that it was becoming so popular. I'm glad to hear it, though! I like it because it's for a good cause. I like it because Lance Armstrong is one of the most amazing athletes I've ever seen. I admire him. And I wear it because it reminds me that I'm not the only one who struggles and it keeps me pushing through all the hard stuff I encounter. And even if I never have to face overwhelming medical problems or the last climb of a 100 mile ride in the tour de france, I am reminded that small victories can be just as great as larger ones. One Livestrong bracelet by itself is nothing. But, one Livestrong bracelet on every one of your friends wrists (and their friends..and their friends...) adds up to one hell of a fight against cancer. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

A coworker of mine was insanely anal about everything being "in its place" and keeping her home ultra-organized. So, at a party when she ran to the store for more ice while leaving her poor defenseless husband home, we rearranged ALL of her furniture. We had to move fast, but everything was relocated. The best part of it all was enjoying the show when she got back. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

And he shouldn't give up. Never give up...keep the faith. The mind is powerful and faith can be more powerful than modern medicine. I hope everything begins to improve for your friend. Vibes from Fort Lauderdale. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

...or who else is stuck on the ground looking up? It has been three months since my last jump. But, unlike the pride one should feel for abstaining from alcohol or drugs for such a period of time, I am hating my "accomplishment". I miss the sky! Those huge puffy clouds that I used to chase and the blue/pink/purple of sunset keep taunting me to go back to Sebastian. And I will. Soon. I think I have a "free" weekend in a few weeks...one which isn't followed by a monday morning exam. My sky birthday, if you count it from the first jump - tandem, came and went. But, I started AFF september first. I'll be back up there before THAT date passes, I will. It's not that I felt more alive then when I was jumping than I do now. It's that everything felt more complete. Or something. I miss that drive to Sebastian, watching the sky, praying it stays clear. Pitching a tent, eating one small meal a day so I had money left over for jumping and beer. Good times then. School is seriously hitting me hard. I was studying this weekend with a friend while my roommate and her boyfriend went skydiving. I pouted. My friend reminded me that this will all be worth it in the end. She's not a skydiver, but she knows what is to want something you can't have. One day I'll be a doctor, I'll fix people, I'll fix myself by doing the things I love with the money I hope to have soon. But, for now, I sacrifice a bit. Of all the things that hold me back like the intensity of my education, lack of time, lack of money, a knee injury, the fact that the uspa never mailed me my A card...there are stronger forces pulling me back. I don't know exactly what happens to the body at terminal velocity, but I know what happens to the mind because I've been there. So, in the meantime, I'll keep cruising dz.com, reading YOUR stories, looking at YOUR pics, and reading about YOUR trials and successes in swooping, freefly, RW. I'll keep fantasizing about the color my jumpsuit will be while I dust off my Z1 yet again. I'll do that for now, but save me a space on the otter because I'm not done making my own stories. Thanks for keeping my memories vivid...and blue skies! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

There are theories over here that Ricky chose to quit rather than pay a fine for being caught smoking weed. Personally, I'm not all that surprised by his quitting. He's a strange one. When he played for the Saints he had emotional problems and avoided socializing and training with the team when it wasn't absolutely required. I'll miss watching him drive by in that orange metallic H2. He was the only player I recognized around the training camp. And I'm a bit sorry to see him go, he made dolphins football exciting. Whatever his rationale for leaving, he quit before he reached his full potential. (my opinion). Shame. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Sigh. What a waste. If I had a coin worth that much money, I'd cash that baby in for some shoes and jewelry. Oh, yes, and a day at the spa complete with a manicure, pedicure, and massage. Oh, the possibilites. SERIOUSLY, though. With that kind of money, I'd make a date with a skyvan. 55 times. Or something like that. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Saw that on the news last night...it's hilarious!!! The two guys who made it (brothers, maybe, can't remember) said they were going for the whole "unity" thing with the dems and the reps coming together for the grand finale. Gotta love it! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I'll take his dog off his hands. She's cute! And I could use some good company. But, what's with the "Hi, I'm a millionaire, here's my big house on lots of land and fine car. Oh, and my name's Robert. Love me. Or just sleep with me if you're hot. Thanks." Actually, this is my vision. "Hey, bro...take a picture of me behind this ferrari. Cool, thanks...now let me take a pic of a huge house, upload it, say I'm a millionaire and see how many chicks I can scam with my $5000 limit mastercard." Or something like that. Give or take a little insanity. (Can you say "compensating" for a LITTLE something?) Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Could you have picked a more biased website to reference? *shaking head* So what if cows milk contains PUS (which, by the way, is an accumulation of white blood cells) from cows that have mastitis (inflammation of the teat). A white blood cell isn't going to hurt you. Now, the bacteria and antibiotics and growth hormone that may or may not be present in your milk is a different story. The FDA has rigorous guidelines on milk acquisition, distribution, and allowable contaminants. Plus, it's pasteurized rendering the bad stuff harmless. So, if milk is your thing, drink it. Stress if you're lactose intolerant...but if you aren't, then worry about the million other bacteria and contaminants that exist out there. As for soy milk, it has its benefits. BUT, the isoflavones are still being researched. And there is potential that too much of anything (soy protein, isoflavones) can be a bad thing. Isoflavones (phytoestrogens) may actually increase the risk of breast cancer in women. And the isoflavone genistein may cause male breast tissue to grow excessively (think man boobs!). And, it may have a deleterious effect on the thyroid. There are a lot of options out there...Cow's milk, organic cow's milk, goat milk, soy milk, hell...even breast milk. I daresay that a minute and inconsequential amount of pus is the least of your concerns. Find what you like and enjoy it and stop sweating the small stuff. As for starbucks....blech. I consider it a necessary evil. But I buy MY coffee beans elsewhere and prefer to make my own coffee every morning. Less bitter, less pretentious, and a lot less expensive. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Just like the article said, vibrio vulnificus are a bacteria that naturally exist in warm saltwater. They are the reason that there are warnings in restaurants about eating undercooked or raw shellfish, especially oysters. Now, me...I like oysters. Even though I'm familiar with vibrio. The people at the greatest risk for getting sick and/or dying from eating oysters are the immunocompromised and those with liver disorders. That can mean AIDS, that can mean hepatitis, that can mean being on immunosuppressive therapy. It can mean a lot. So, eat oysters, but at your own risk. (Healthy people who get sick from vibrio will get nausea/vomiting/diarrhea) That's the take home lesson here. As far as walking into the ocean with open wounds...just not a good idea. The vibrio can cause infections, like your dentist found out, that can be quite destructive. And again, those who are immunocompromised or with liver problems are at the greatest risk for the infection entering the blood and the potential for death. "Flesh eating bacteria", as they are commonly known, are a different type of bacteria all together. (streptococcus, clostridium) They can breach the skin when there is trauma, even minor, and will destroy the fascia (that's the stuff the lies between the skin and the muscles). That condition is called necrotizing fasciitis and can be really devestating. Ah, bacteria. Fun reading. And, if you want to know more, I'd suggest Clinical Microbiology made ridiculously simple. Have fun...and don't forget to put lemon juice and cocktail sauce on your oysters! (my favorite!) Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I fly southwest. No first class there, trust me. It's more like a cattle call to board the plane, but they make the announcement every time I fly that a line cannot exist at the front lavatory due to federal regulation. And if they did have first class and if I did have enough money to fly first class, I wouldn't want a bunch of coach class people lining up to occupy my three square feet of bathroom heaven in the sky, either. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

When I was working as a waitress, one of the girls had a similar thing happen. Apparently, she had worked the night before and was too tired to wash her uniform pants after a long shift. So, she got up for the lunch shift the next day and slid the pants back on. Right in the middle of the lunch rush, she walks past a row of booths (full of people, I might add) just to have a hot pink thong work its way out of her pantleg and fall into a crumpled pile on the floor. She didn't notice and kept walking. I noticed. The other servers noticed. The hostess noticed. Even a few customers noticed. But, not one of us could stop laughing long enough to get her attention until she came back our way. She turned about three colors of red, snatched up the thong, and ran away laughing. It was the best laugh I had the whole day!

Not to get bogged down in semantic word play, but perhaps you are implying that Bush's ethics are questionable, rather than his morals. Either way, if the story is true and not exxagerated (as I think is possible), I just don't see this as being a huge black mark on the president. Seems like two men incited each other to the point that they both became inflamed and deadlocked on support of an issue. Neither man injured the other or damaged the other physically or emotionally. I find it very similar to and about as newsworthy as the squabbling that occurs in speakers corner. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali