Dagny

I love you, Lisa.

Well, clearly... Agreed. When I lived in New Orleans, I saw it all the time. In fact, I had the crap beat out of me by a minority. Maybe he was feeling oppressed and decided to take out his frustrations on me. Whatever. The point is, yes, when you have weapons or explosives or fists or knives or rocks and threaten the lives of innocent people, it gets attention. For a moment, it commands respect. But, I don't think trying to reason with or sign peace treaties with someone who is hell bent on destroying you because you are white or baptist or american or fighting a war or whatever is necessarily effective. As for Spain...perhaps the people of Spain were anti-Iraqi war before the new PM was elected and followed the democratic process of their country to make themselves heard. The problem that I see is the timing. Just days after the bombing, they threaten to withdraw from Iraq and renounce their support of the war. Done days before the bombing, I would say that they enabled their democracy for change. Done after the bombing, I don't see how there is any other message to be received other than...a terrorist act, originating from a different country, was effective in altering the course of events for Spain and its people. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

So, if the enemy is non-specific, then who do you work with for peace? I want peace, you want peace, but even together we don't influence any terrorist sects no matter how many letters we write, prayers we say, or candles we light. However, together, we might be able to stop a terrorist in the act. By fighting. How do you make peace with someone who believes your existence is fundamentally wrong? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

That's the impression I'm getting, too. I mean...Spain sent troops to Iraq to fight in the US led war, but now it's an error and a fight that Spain doesn't support? WTF? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

So, in light of the recent bombing in Madrid which killed 200 and injured 1,500, Spain is threatening to withdraw its 1,300 troops from Iraq in June unless the UN takes control of the country. The prime minister-elect described Spain's participation in the war as a "total error". The question that comes to my mind is how do you fight terrorism and violence without actually fighting? Also, Zapatero wants to create a stronger alliance with Morocco despite the fact that three of the the five men arrested in relation to the bombing are Moroccan. I have to wonder if backing down doesn't send a message along the lines of "bully me and you can have my lunch money...oh, and can I do your homework for you, too?" Personally, after 9/11, I wanted to see the WTC re-built, bigger and more brilliant than before. Kind of a fuck you to terrorism and anyone who fights dirty like that. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

So, has there been any word about Owens? I'm really interested in seeing how his grievance is going to play out.... Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I bought "Living Out Loud" with Holly Hunter and Danny Devito because I connected with it when I saw it for personal reasons. I still like the movie. It reminds me of where I came from and where I'm trying to go. I think movies can affect us just as much as books. I own books for nostalgic reasons, too. Maybe it's just human nature to relate to other people, other things...even ficitonal things. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

LOL! You know what I meant. A cool man knows how to get freaky, but can be sweet and sensitive, too. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

See, the cool man is the one who knows how to go both ways...tender and sensitive sometimes...and knows how to throw down the rest of the time. There's a time and a place for everything. Naughty or nice, it's all good. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Now, that's not so much an "invention"....as a natural wonder of the world, don't you think? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Being friends before progressing further...I'm a believer in it. In fact, I'm thinking it's not only the best way, but the the only way. As for what I want...I want a happy ending. So, yeah, I guess I want it all. But, I believe that people's paths cross for a reason and that we need to cultivate the friendships that develop from that. If that friendship leads to love leads to sex leads to marriage...then maybe dreams do come true. And if it doesn't....well, I hope I enjoyed the ride. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

LOL!!! Yep, I hear the Alaskan ones are over-rated. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Hmm. Breaking news. Garcia agreed to a four year, $25 million dollar deal with the Browns. Sorry about your party plans. Maybe you can find something else to celebrate. Oh, and you can just call me Peter King, trollness. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

It's still a little early to celebrate, don't you think? Garcia has that two year contract on the table worth $8 million plus a signing bonus with the Browns. Although, I'd like to see them finalize a decision about Couch before seeking a new QB. I'm sure Garcia's dad is certain about his son signing with the Bucs...but until it's a done deal...save the beer and party favors. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

That just reminded me! I'm all about lining the seat as long as the person cleans it up afterwards. I walked into a bathroom once and it looked like the toilet had been gift wrapped!! (I held it that day....just too much effort!) Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I love the heart in college football. (GO LSU!! ) It's the one thing I like the most about the sport, when everyone is pumped up and playing hard. But, I love pro football, too. And I watch it more often than college games. (I still voted college!) Oooh, and I like playing football. Intramural football rock!. It's like college games without the fans, cheerleaders, and hotdogs. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Oh! And I want to know, is it so hard to wash your hands after??? Seriously, that just makes me cringe to see someone exit a bathroom stall without washing their hands. Especially in a restauarant. I watched a woman today leaving the bathroom who used that antibacterial stuff, you know that stuff with alcohol in it, you just rub it in your hands, no water necessary? Well, I always thought it would be good to start with CLEAN hands, unless you couldn't get to soap and water. But WHY walk past a funcitonal sink without hitting it? That one always gets to me... Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Definitely don't give up. There has to be a way to get past your driving record. I know a medic who was able to get his national registry and employment despite having a felony record for arson. It surprised me, but he made it past that. You just need to work a different angle, that's all. Good luck!!!! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I would totally do that, but I'm on a kind of strict budget. It's damn expensive to buy fresh fruits and veggies. And I love them. It's the one thing I completely splurge on. Well, frozen veggies more than fresh, because fresh tend to go bad before I can eat it. So, if we're trying to avoid hydrogenated oils and eat healthy...how do we keep from breaking the bank? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I think there are intervention groups for your kind of addiction, Deuce. In fact, best way to get over it...to share. Yes, that's right. I'll take two boxes. You know...to help. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Oooh, invisibility. Cool. But do I have to fight John the Mad in a 100 percent cotton bikini, really? I mean, if a girls gotta work with an ice blade, couldn't I at least wear a leather jacket or something? Your Superhero Identity For Today Is: Name: Storm Wolf Secret Identity: dagny Special Power: Invisibility Transportation: Magnetic Bicycle Weapon: Ice Blade Costume: 100 Percent Cotton Bikini Sidekick: Bobo Nemesis: John the Mad Tragic Flaw: Addicted to yogurt Favorite Food: French Fries Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

You only asked if the ladies owned a gun and why or why not. What I see are people stating their personal opinions on gun ownership. If a woman doesn't want to own a gun because she feels its dangerous, that is her right. If a woman wants to own a gun because she wants to end the life of a person trying to violate her own or just shoot an extremity to slow that person down long enough to run from the perpetrator, that is also her right. Therein lies the beauty of being an American citizen....having the right to choose. If you wanted to convert women to your views, then you should have phrased your opening question differently. I don't think anyhone is looking to debate their personal beliefs on gun ownership. Please don't stealth an unwanted debate into your thread. If the ladies were interested in locating information on the pros/cons of gun ownership, I'm sure they know where to look. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

It comes down to aim, really. I have seen .22's take men, big men, out and .44's barely slow them down. I have seen so many people shot and dealt with gunshot wounds of many different caliber and location. Wounds that didn't seem significant sometimes caused severe arterial damage (remembering a guy with one shot from a .22 to the thigh who almost bled to death) and some that seemed significant and life threatening but weren't(remember a guy shot 6 times to the back and head - nothing penetrated important structures so he lived). When I took a concealed carry class, I was taught to go for center mass. It's an easier shot than the head and better than trying to hit an extremity to slow someone down. If they die from the subsequent injuries...well, ce la vie. Of course, my gun has never been pointed at a man and is likely never to be unless someone takes a chance on hurting me or my family. There is risk in crime. My gun is a purchase from an ex-boyfriend. I use it for target shooting and self-defense. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I ran a lot before I injured my knee. You should check out www.runnersworld.com. I love that website and I still get the magazine...motivation to get fixed and running again. There are forums there, too, where you can search for past info or post and get some good advice. As for trail running, it's better on the joints than running on pavement. And it is more challenging, too. I prefer to run trails because I like the scenery. That, and I don't have to dodge cars or suck in exhaust as I run. Of course, convenience almost always dictatea that I run the sidewalk and streets around my apartment. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Know that you're not alone. Lows, highs...they're all part of life and I've been there. We've all been there. Different reasons, maybe, but still... That probably doesn't make your situation any easier for you, but you've got friends. You're alive. There are things to be thankful for. Find them and embrace them. I had a real low point in my life a few years ago where I found myself at a crossroads. I decided, on one night in particular, that I needed to make a decision about the next step. I prayed for one of two things...the courage to end it all or the courage to let the past go and take on the future. I chose to let the past go and take each new day as it came. Not an easy decision, but one I've never regretted. In the years since that day, things have definitely improved for me and I'm certain they will continue to get better as time passes. Your future has endless potential. The journey might not be an easy one, but you have friends to help you along the way and a lot to look forward to. One thing that always made me feel a bit better...reminding myself that when you hit bottom, there is no where else to go, but up. Keep looking up, friend. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali