Michele

PM'd....just curious, really... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Intent....good ol intent. So that brings up the next question. Was the "wayward" skydiver cited for trespassing? Arrested for it? NO? Then the cop responding didn't think there was a crime. He did arrest FMcN, though...and I doubt it was a citizen's arrest. Felonious assault, attempt murder, reckless vehicular operation...but not, imho, trespass. There was no intent on Chad's part... Now, there may be a civil issue I don't know anything about, but any CA/DA bringing charges onto Chad would be remiss, imho... And what about that clearly marked thing? Can you see it from the air? No? Again, not trespassing. Emergency landing, no harm no foul on the jumper's part. Running him over with a vehicle is a bit beyond the pale. All right, farrrrrrrrrr beyond the pale. Just my .02... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I used to think it was: "Jose, can you see By the Danzerlee light"... I spent lots of time trying to figure out what "danzerlee" was, thinking it was some sort of special lamp Jose needed, and worried that Jose was a very important person who couldn't see without it, and we'd all be doomed. Then when I first discovered music on the radio (it had only been talk radio, parents limited my access), I thought there was a really large auditorium somewhere that the popular bands hung out in, and played live each time there was a song. This threw me for a loop when some band person died, and then I heard him sing a song on the radio!!?? I was sure there were ghosts, and that musicians never died... Just two of the many interesting moments of discovery in my world ... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The american way? Wow. Great question. Like Wendy said, it's brash with braggadocio. It's courage and conviction. It's doing right irrespective of popular opinion. It's the ability to yell and scream and hollar at each other and still maintain some civility. It's saying, "I can" and then finding out if I can or not. It's picking myself up and giving it another go, no matter what. It's chasing my heart and dreams, which I've been allowed to have, because I don't have a government telling me "you will believe this way" or "you don't have a choice" or "you were born in that class, and there you shall stay". It's about settling this country from one end to the other 225 years ago, and now being the largest, most generous, productive nation in the world. It's about saying, "what's over the next horizon", and once we reached the ocean, looking to the stars and the moon as the next horizon. We don't stop once we start until it's done, even if it takes us a very very long time. It's about respect, dreams, hopes, fears, challenges, faith, courage. It's about the freedom to be who you are, where you are, how you are. It's about being self in a world that works to supress self in favor of conformity. Its about daring to build a better mousetrap, taking something and making it bigger, better, faster, stronger, more endurable, and do it laughing the whole time. There is a playfulness and a lightness of soul that I find in americans that I don't find in those who are not american. It's about giving when we haven't anything to give, because we know that it will come back...it's about helping no matter who handle no matter what, even those who were enemies, or who are enemies now. It's about sharing what we have, and allowing anyone who wants to try to come to this country and try right along with us. It's about chamber music and gang warefar. It's about gourmet dining and crack cocaine. It's about "living out loud", as the saying goes. We are loud. We are strong. We are ready, willing and able for whatever comes. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sorry, I just couldn't resist...the words just fell out. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dear Dan. You asked where the remote is. Well, it's in the garden. It's under the rose bush I planted on our wedding day. The thorns shouldn't hurt too much. Besides, what's a little blood between partners? You might find it wrapped in the porn I found in the closet...I mean, uh, the literature. There weren't any pictures so I figured you had no use for it, and I just put it there in the dirt along with the remote. And the deck of cards that has the naked women on it.? From that seminar in Vegas 4 years ago? Well, they're there, as well. Did you know that plastic smells funny when it's burned? I didn't. I do now. OH! Geeze, I forget so many things. I meant to tell you that the last time I washed your skidmarked jockey shorts they disintegrated. They do have a bad habit of doing that once the elastic is sprung. I know these were the same underwear you won the high school football game in, but it's been 20 years. I feel very bad that they were lost. But it's better than being pink, I suppose. I do have fond memories of circling your waist with my arms, but then decided my arms couldn't reach that far anymore. And I've always thought the crack of your bum was cute, which is why you always showed it off for me and all the rest of creation to see. Oh, and did you clean the jacuzzi before you used it? I was there the other night - you know, memories - when you were gone. I brought my boyfriend and his girlfriend over to show them the style of life I've become accustomed to, but they reassured me that they could easily do as well for me, both of them working at Mickie D's and all. We used the jacuzzi, as a fair well to the property (I know you understand, Dearest Dan). Once we got to the back porch, though, remember that lock that you never got around to fixing? Well, it locked us out...you can imagine our sincere concern when we realized we had to use the bathroom, but couldn't get back in. Well, water does absorb smells, you were always right about that. Oh! Last thing. My little sister the tart? Well, she's been breaking out in these really odd cold sores. I think it's stress related, and shouldn't be a worry for you. But please, the next time you're together, could you refrain from making fun of those open weepy places? She takes it so personally. She's even confided in me that it hurt to urinate. I've strongly suggested she drink cranberry juice. Maybe that will cure her. Thanks for the memories. And the laughs. It's been an interesting run, hasn't it? Connie ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jumpus Interruptus, i.e. the winds were nasty, so no jumpie for me...but I did get to spend some time with Michael Owen and John DeSantis, and got a good lesson in gear. Ah, the photo shows you grinning...not too scared - but then again, you had just knocked your noggin, too, so who knows how aware you were?? I coulda been Frankensteinette, and you mightn't have noticed... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I had one for a bit, and then took it down. I can't think of anything I'd want as an avatar, and especially not myself...I really don't want to scare people. So I shall remain invisible...I'm just having a hard day, so I "feel" invisible, too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I look like the invisible man. Feel like it, too, at the mo'. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ever hear of the phrase "blacklisting"? Big problem for Hollywood in the 50's and 60's...heck, there was even some discussion about keeping some sort of blacklist for skydiving gear purchase on these boards a while ago... If it's there, someone will use it somehow. It's a given. And it's a danger. Especially if it's legal ownership, lawabiding ownership...or political views, or choice of gear... I'm off to the DZ.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Which contradicts his earlier comments... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I know you never said I was wrong...but that was the implication. Which is why I was looking for a common definition...good to see you caught the difference. How I view euthanasia v. suicide is: I euthanize my pet - I make the decision, I take charge. And her owner, and as the one who cared agonizingly about letting her go, when it came time, I made the decision. So, someone else makes the decision...or the decision is made as a team, between several folk. Now, suicide is the by-product of an illness, rather than a rational, deliberate decision. IMHO, if someone is diagnosed with an incurable illness, with the guarantee of a lot of pain and destruction of lifestyle, then it's their right to choose whether they travel that road, or get off the bus, with the full understanding of the ramifications and options (misdiagnoses, pain management, and so forth). Suicide is not euthanasia...not a "happy death" whatsoever. Anyway, I hear the sky calling, so I must answer...have a good one! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Adam. Thanks for coming out and supporting Rob's family with Rob's memorial dive - I do so very much appreciate it - maybe more than you'd realize. The decisions you're making now are hard for you, I know. It's all right - you do for your life. You've had a rough time of it lately, and have come to an understanding with yourself. Death is an interesting thing; sometimes, though, it teaches us more about how to live. You've had a lot of lessons thrown your way, and it will take some time to learn them all and to sort them out. And you've got some grief to get through, too. But don't forget to live while you're balancing the scales again, my friend... I know you - and I adore you. And I respect your decision. And if it's ever time for you to come back to the sky, I will be right there, cheering you on. And if you never return to the sky, I will be right there, cheering you on. After all, it's your life...and your call, all the way down the board. Now, jumping or not, you owe me dinner....Italian or chinese?? Hugs to you, Adam. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

It was so neat to see that. Watching those guys in the control room laughing and clapping made me grin. This was a very huge success. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Beautiful - absolutely beautiful. Thanks for that, and glad you didn't lose the camera... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Gilda. Man, that lady was funny. The world truly lost a huge talent when she passed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And perhaps that's the argument... What is euthanasia? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am so off on a tangent I can't contribute to the original questions. And thus I shall keep my comment brief so as to not hijack this thread... Suicide is not euthanasia. Suicide is not committed by healthy people. Suicide is not decided because they can't "move on." Suicide is a result of a mental illness, and should be considered as the end result of such an untreated illness, not unlike untreated diabetes, untreated cancer, or untreated tuberculosis. I now slouch off towards the kitchen...after dinner, I shall skip back... Ciels- Michele (edited to accurately quote Winsor....) ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am soooooooo not talking to Rosa.... Um, Kennedy? My cats eat kibble n bits dry food, too. A can of wet food shared between them. A bowl of water - it's my milk, thank you very much.... Mine do. Esse and Charlotte inevitably meet me at the door, with Pie right behind. They come over, they play tag, they wrestle, they cuddle, they talk, they play tug o' war....and you should see them on cat nip. Man, that's entertaining. I've got three....and am working on taming a 4th. I suppose there are 3,996 cats out there to compensate for my 4, but somehow, I doubt I'm lucky enough to have all 4. If so, I suppose I need to buy a Lotto ticket... Look, it's fine to like one over the other. No issue. I would love a dog, but I don't have the room (no real enclosed yard, and keeping them inside all day long is just not right). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww....gin. Try this site. It will help. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Know what? There are so many things that go wrong every day. This happens, that happens, the other thing blows up. People yell at us for no reason that we can tell, and certainly don't deserve. We grump through the day, complaining about this, that, and the other thing. And those around us grump too, and then everyone is grumping and slouching and nastily creeping through their day. So... Take a moment - not too long, just a second or two - and tell someone they are appreciated. Tell your colleague they have a nice shirt on. Tell your parents they're loved. Hold the door open for the person behind you. Tell someone to have a great weekend. Smile and wave at the child in the car next to you on the drive home. Turn up the music and dance with your cubby mate. Something - anything - to bring a bright spot to someone else's day. Make them smile. It doesn't take long, just a quick moment, and it really makes people's day. And in turn, when you end the day, you can say "I made their journey a bit easier." Just a reminder: take a quick moment, and share a smile. And everyone, have a great, and safe weekend!! Thanks for making me smile more often than not! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, AQ attacked us many times between WTC 93 and 2001. Clinton's administration had the conception of "criminality", not terrorism. The administration's plan of action was incident, investigate, determine culprit, indict, arrest, try, and, if guilty, incarcerate. That did nothing to prevent any attack. It waited - as all criminality does - for an occurance to start the process. Irrespective of the Omnibus Act, there were no additional actions taken to stop terrorism; the administration sat back after the arrest of those involved in WTC 93, and said, "well, that's all there was to do...". He could've frozen assets, tightened borders, handled the lax security in the airports. The administration didn't allow the CIA/FBI to do their job; and Clinton pulled spooks out of those countries which had ties to terrorism. Instead, we were fairly regularly attacked, and Clinton kept his head in the sand. He had 8 years to do something, and didn't. Do I blame him? Far more than I blame Bush...far far far more. Again, 8 months v. 8 years...it is partisian politicking to lay this wholly - or even mostly - at Bush's doorstep...he inherited things which were out of control, and, as I've stated, inevitable at the exchange of the presidency. Agreed wholeheartedly - terrorism is a global issue, not just an American one. Great strides are being made - and have been taken - to promulgate a "Coalition", and should continue. I can't agree with that, though, Bill. There had been many attacks. Just in Nov. 2000, the USS Cole had been attacked, and it was known AQ was behind it. What happened was we all slept through the alarm clock ringing - WTC 93 - and believed it would never hit here; and if it did, it certainly wasn't going to be that big. The truth was that Clinton focussed on other parts. Bush is focussing on terrorism. I remember thinking when 9/11 happened that this was Clinton's catastrophe...I had been aware of OBL and the rise of terrorism since WTC 93 - paying attention, listening, thinking, trying to understand. I like to think I'm unique, but I know far better minds than mine were aware of the problem, and had been ineffective in stopping it during Clinton's administration. I do note that no additional attacks have happened since then by AQ on US soil. The anthrax, I believe, is a home grown issue... I maintain that we've done nothing to deserve the 2001 attacks, nor any of the other attacks. I think that a lot has been done, and a lot remains to be done, but the phrasing you put there leaves me with the perception that you believe we deserved 9/11, that it was "understandable", and that there is something we did which warranted the killing of 3,000 innocent civilians. I am very clear on your position regarding that, and you are very clear on mine. I don't think that needs to be debated again, as neither of us has moved from that position. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Agreed. They've had a hell of a run, but have defended their borders, repelled invaders, survived assassinations, wars where all their surrounding neighbors decided to take a piece of them, and have established a thriving democratic country. Not too bad for something like 54 years as a country.... As for the rest, I guess you didn't read the rest of my post... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, but my thoughts and prayers are with you. It's a long, tough fight, but you're the kind of person who can make it through with shining colors. If you need an ear, I'm a pretty good listener, so throw a pm my way if the urge arises. And know that you are definitely in my prayers, and that you are in the prayers of many. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

~I studied acting with Lee Strasberg at the Actor's Studio when I was a child, on scholarship. ~I didn't know I could write until I skydived. (I'm still not sure about that, too...). ~I'm the only realtor I know who's waiting for hate mail from a disappointed buyer.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~