tigra

Can you add "what does CALP mean?" to the possible replies?

Douva, Her school (oddly enough in The Woodlands) was "whack", between the Harriet Tubman story (absolutely true) and other things, like trying to cram religion down her throat. (Ever have a 7 year old lecture you about God?) I was happy when she moved to a different school system-also in Texas- where I feel she received a much better education. And, sorry, but I do feel it was rude for a 15 year old to loudly announce (in a room full of successful well educated Hispanics) that she spoke Spanish so she could speak to the busboys (her subordinates) at work. And I don't think that's being overly sensitive! But, to be fair, her behavior is pretty much in line with most upper middle class teeneagers all over the country. We (my sister and I) did not have the same advantages growing up, and sometimes its hard to tell just where this kid is coming from! I figure she'll be much easier to tolerate when she's around 30! As far as my fiancee's family being embarrassed or offended? Doubtful, but I was embarrassed. They and their parents worked very hard when they got to this country and they aren't ashamed of it. They also know this country would come to a screeching halt without all the Hispanic labor. Ever hear of the film "A Day without Mexicans"? But that's a whole different topic. And do you really want to go there with the blonde crap? Because I am a blonde female and I do find the jokes and stereotypes offensive, but I can't go on the offensive and attack someone for making a blonde joke! But, I guess if I make a general comment about the Texas school system, I'm fair game. Who is being overly sensitive now? I never used the words bigoted or narrow minded in my post, I just relayed some stories (kind of amusing, kind of appalling) about my own family members. But, Douva, if you're so sensitive you need to retaliate by attacking a blonde female for relaying a story, feel free!

Demerol did nothing for me when I broke my ankle 6 years ago. They gave me 3 shots while I was in the ER- it made me sleepy but didn't even take the edge off the pain!

Maybe they just didn't teach "political correctness" at her school. I know her mother has tact, and raised her child to be polite and courteous! And I swear to you, the Harriet Tubman story is 100% true! I can't blame my sister, so I have to blame Texas, sorry!

Driving in NJ sucks! Miss one turn off and you've got to go 30 miles out of your way, and these are just streets, not highways!

My sister lives in Texas and is raising two kids there. Several years ago, I talked to my niece on the phone one day after school. She was 7 or 8 at the time. She was all excited about what she learned at school that day. They were talking about the civil war, slavery, Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad. My niece said to me, (And I am NOT joking) that Harriet Tubman was "a good slave who did her work"! That's what she learned in school that day! A few years ago, she was maybe 15 years old and she visited us at Christmas. My guy and I took her to his sister's house. He and his sister are Mexican American, his brother in law is from Ecuador. Pretty much his whole family was there, most speaking Spanish. My niece was very proud of the fact that she spoke Spanish because she had to in order to speak the the busboys where she worked! (Yes, she said it out loud in the middle of a crowded living room!) So, yeah, I'm a little concerned about my niece and nephew growing up in Texas! Oddly enough, she's 18 now and has turned into quite the outspoken liberal! I have NO IDEA how it happened!

We just had an email circulate stating that space heaters were NOT allowed in the building. Everyone who had one had to turn them in. I found it kind of amusing!

I think you and your friends ought to file complaints with the precinct, I really do. That behavior isn't acceptable at a polling place. I think its great that voter registration and turnout is so high this year, and I think that's a trend that should continue among younger and older citizens alike! On a side note, its interesting that you posted this because I just saw some news special talking about how the volunteers who work in the polling places are generally older and at some point, if they don't get some new blood there will be a shortage of workers. So think about complaining, but also consider volunteering at the next election so that in another 4 years, other students might not have to deal with the same bs!

I would strongly recommend trying on a few different types of helmets before you plunk down your money and buy one. Helmets are expensive and the different brands fit different people differently. I personally find my Oxygen way more comfortable than the same sized Z1 (although I do like the look of the "soft touch" finish). Other people will tell you the exact opposite! You are lucky enough to jump at a large dz with a well sticked gear shop. Take advantage!

Also, re: SDC- the website might say they are closed, but chances are on a sunny weekend, they will be open, so call first! The twin otters and a lot of the staff will be in Mexico for most of the winter, but some folks will stay behind!

Additionally, IMO, if they hadn't gone to such lengths over the last few years to convince ALL Americans that we NEED the vaccine, maybe, just maybe, even with the shortage there would be enough for the people who really do. (But instead healthy young adults who work for the government are getting the shots instead of our senior citizens!)

Gosh, thanks for the reassurance! I feel SOOO much better now!

So, kids who watch TV like Kerry and kids who read like Bush? But it doesn't really matter because kids don't vote! But to take it further, since kids tend to like who their parents like, parents who let their kids watch a lot of TV like Kerry and parents who encourage their kids to read like Bush? Hmmmmmmm! I'm thinking this gives Kerry the edge, since NO ONE reads anymore!

Exactly. The reporter asked her to compare herself with Mrs. Bush, and she was commenting that their life experiences were different. She really didn't say anything offensive or imply that there was anything wrong with not working outside the home. Her error was in not remembering that Laura Bush had once been a school teacher. (When Bill Clinton was running for president, Hillary made some snide remark about women who "stayed home and baked cookies". That was most definitely a slam against stay at home moms, no way she could retract it, explain it, or undo the damage, although she did try. But it also had no effect on the election!) I DO think Laura Bush handled the whole thing with so much grace and dignity that I have renewed respect for her. (Even though I don't think much of her husband!)

Well, its sort of a repost. The last time this was posted, didn't they say Kerry won?

Sounds pretty severe and the OTC stuff isn't really helping, so I'm with everyone else. Go to the doc! Verify that its *just* hives and get something stronger to help.

I don't know if it does any good, but I "report" all of my unsolicited email as Spam, by clicking on the "spam" button. I'm not sure how effective it is, but I do get far less with my SBC yahoo account than I ever did with MSN. And somehow, reporting it makes me feel a little better!

My SBC account (part of Yahoo, I think) is waaaaay better at filtering spam than my MSN account was. Just to add- my SBC account has a "spam filter" you need to turn on. See if there is a way to customize your email account to do that. I discovered that while my spam filter was on, my boyfriend's (who uses the same computer) was not. And, being a guy, he clicked on some of those nasty links and I had a really hard time getting rid of all the pornographic pop ups! I had to download a free search and destroy program to get rid of them!

Yes, but why would they bother? Illinois isn't exactly a "swing state".

You need to clarify! By "Watch Sunny" do you mean watch, perhaps get some amusement, but don't interfere? Or do you mean watch and attempt to keep her out of trouble? Two VERY different things! Skydivers in general are much more likely to choose option 1.

Have fun, be safe and skydive well!

I'm lazy, but I'm also pretty picky about who packs for me. If my regular packer isn't around, I'll probably do it myself!

OMG! Seems like some people will let you adopt a baby (human baby, that is) for less trouble! Good luck!

I like Chipotle, they are wayyyy better than Baja Fresh or Taco Fresco (which they have here in Chicago). All 3 try to make "healthier" Mexican food, but Chipotle manages to keep some flavor! And I do like their guac, but I like mine better!