Michele

Oh, I agree wholeheartedly. But manufacturing a photo - and having staged scenes with dead bodies so as to take photographs - to me is repugnant. maybe that's just me being western, but that's what I am, and how I feel about it. Frankly, I don't think mainstream media is unbiased...but doctoring a photo is pretty bad...from whatever quarter it comes. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Joe! Just wanted to pop my nose in and say Hi!! Hope you and yours are well - and I still want to make a jump with you sometime! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, there is - to make the scene look worse than it was. I don't mind some shopping - virtually all digital shots are shopped in some manner. I sharpen, clone out a stray hair, fool around with levels or h/s to a slight degree. I've never added something that wasn't there, though...and certainly wouldn't ever consider it on an editorial shot like that, especially a shot which is in a war zone. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bagdad Bob has been located!!!! He is shooting for Reuters!!! LOL, GM. Bad lighting conditions my happy ass... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Wow. I know about LGF, and have, on occasion, read the blog. Seems like this isn't as "contained" as I had first believed. Interesting. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Apparently, there has been some photoshopping of a photo showing the bombing in Beirut. Reuters published it, and then discovered the photo was 'shopped, and the photographer was fired. Link to the story I think that firing him is an appropriate response...however, this does make one wonder. If they got one guy, how many others haven't been found? If they published one shot, how many other photoshopped photos have been published? And if this particular guy - Adnan Hajj (who is Lebanese, and has access to some high ranking Hezbollah folks, apparently) was doing it, why? Do I think Reuters has an agenda? Not really. Do I think some of the folks working for them do? Yes...and that makes all photos subject to questioning. Just thought, in light of the recent comments about photos, this would be interesting to some. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

So good to see you here again. I hope you're well, and happy to see you back in the sky, Sky. Hugs to you!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That's Goddess to you! Nope. You're twisting my words again. Please refrain from that - I am perfectly capable of expressing myself adequately, thank you. It's not about interest. It's about the caustic, vitriolic, hate filled postings that you've made recently that do not contribute to the thread at hand. This thread, for example, is not about homosexuality, and yet you've managed to take one phrase and get all bent out of shape. I used to look forward to your posts, Narcimund. Your wit, intelligence and subtle commentary was a joy to read and participate in. It seems that lately, all you do is wait until someone makes a comment about homosexuality, and blammo, you come in guns blazing only about that. What is your opinion on the Cuba situation? What do you think is in their future? In all your posts on this thread, not one has addressed it. Not one. Pity, that. Sigh. It's not about interest. It's about delivery and motive. It's about waiting - ambushing, in fact - for people to make a statement about homosexuality that you don't personally agree with. And then you let loose with nasty, bullshit comments that have nothing to do with the topic, and serve only to further your own ends, whatever they may be. YOu're carrying an awful lot of anger recently. I can't understand why you would be so fucking nasty to people who aren't discussing YOU personally. You are far more than where you put your penis...I'm sorry you don't believe so. You used to...but apparently, that's all you count yourself on. And that's a shame. You're an intelligent, interesting person and you were so before you were homosexual; it's not all about sex...but you've made it so. If something insults you, I'd love to hear why it insulted you so. Not an attack on someone, but attack on the idea, the concept, the issue. You're not doing that now...you are full of PA's, and sideways slams, and it's really, really old and boring. Say something new, whydontcha? Remind me why I think you're intelligent and witty. Thanks. I think so. It doesn't always appear that way to people who have an agenda, however. I'd rather go back to discussing Cuba. If you have anything else you want to say on a personal level, please use the PM feature. Thanks! (But you might want to use only one L in my name, or else it won't get to me....) Ciels- Michele Know what? I know you can - that's the guy who I continually reference when I say I like you. Not the raging, angry, vicious Narcimund who's been around lately. Bullshit. That's bullshit, plain and simple. They do not - and this one would not be about you had you not posted your noncontributory commentary. If you can't see how you instigate it, then it's beyond me to explain it to you. If you're so committed to being a victim, be so. But don't expect the rest of the world to believe you so only because you say it. Cool. Ignore my personal attacks (although if there are any, they were not intented as PAs, and I'm sorry you can't see that). I would ask that while you are ignoring my apparent PAs, you look at your PAs...and try to inhibit your use of them as well. I am goofy, so you've got that part right, at least! And I do like you...and I miss who you were, and cannot reconcile who you've become. Let's move this to pms, should anything further need be said. Ciels again- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Narcimund, stop. I'm not "fucking" kidding you. I posted how I feel. Everything you've posted in the last while has been to refute someone else's comment on homosexuality. We know you're gay. We know you've been refused a marriage certificate, and we also know you've left the country. You, however, are not promoting understanding by attacking everything someone says about homosexuality. I could say the same thing about JW Gacy - that he killed to cover his homosexuality. It's what he did...so how is that wrong? Is commenting on motive for murder now not allowed because it might not be acceptable to some people? You've got to be "fucking kidding me." I didn't know that about Raul Castro. How about a commentary from you about the oppressive regime that makes it impossible for someone to express his sexual identity freely and without feeling the need to kill? How about some sort of commentary about what you think will happen after the Castro boys die? How about your comments about the topic - which is not Raul's homosexuality...but rather the future of a country which has been (imho) oppressed for a very long time, and the difficulties they face in either replacing a communistic leadership or the move towards democracy? How about contributing to the conversation and not promoting your anger towards white middle America in the mean time? That's what the fuck I'm talking about. I don't care that you're gay - what someone does in their bedroom is NOT my business (except in the case of children). I could care less who sleeps with who - it doesn't affect me. I DON'T CARE! I care about the people of Cuba...and am interested in knowing what others think...not about reading more rampaging from Narcimund about homosexuality. Again, I like you. But this is getting really, really old. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope. But Narcimund, this isn't the place to go on a homosexuality rampage. Please start a new thread, if you feel the need, but keep this one to the topic. If Raul Castro has killed boys and men because he was trying to hide his sexual identity, then he is a murderer. Not because he is a homosexual (if that's the truth), but because he killed, plain and simple. Try not to twist others' words to suit your own agenda, all right? It's getting old. I like you. But you really have to learn to debate the issue and not the player. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Of course I do. I've not lived there, and only have had contact with cubans who have either fled themselves or are children of those who fled. Is that one sided? Sure. But unless I can get to Cuba, and see for myself, my experience is all I can go on. Well, that and research. Which I've done. And have come to the conclusion that most people are waiting with baited breath for the Castro administration to end, so that they can move forward in their country, for their country, and with the economic potential that the country has. It's a little akin to me saying that the East Germans were happy to see the wall fall. Was I there? No...but I'd met some people from the former Soviet Bloc, and they were very happy when the wall came down. Does that mean everyone was? No, but history shows that the majority of them were. So from what I can see, yes, most cubans do want to see a change in administration. Into what I don't know, but definitely not the closed, vicious, deprivational society they live in now. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lots of different types of burgers: the pepper burger, which has mild (or hot) green chilies mixed into the meat, spiced with some jalepeno juice, and layered with pepper jack or monterey jack is delightful if you're in the mood. A Bleu burger has bleu cheese crumbles and bacon mixed into it, and is glorious if you're in the mood for that. A regular burger - plain, good ol' american style - with american cheese is perfect for those moments when a basic burger is what you want... Colby, Cheddar, Stiltson, Swiss - all have their place in a burger world...just depends on what sort of flavor you're looking for. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Castro underwent surgery for intestinal bleeding on Monday; he ceded power of Cuba to his younger brother, Raul. Castro is just about 80 years old (August 13 is his bday), and his younger brother is 75 (I think - maybe a year or two off). There are unconfirmed reports that Castro had a tumor removed during the surgery, giving rise to lots of speculation (rumor based on rumor) that Castro is dying. The government of Cuba has stated that Castro is going to make a full recovery. There is doubt of that, however, in the general news. Perhaps it's wishful thinking to think that Castro will die soon (what a horrible thought, really). Perhaps it's just people wanting to be free of tyranny that gives these rumors legs. But I've been thinking...what will happen once Castro and his brother do indeed die? Raul is just as much of a communistic hardliner as is Castro - indeed two peas in a pod. What will occur to a populace who has wanted freedom for 47 years? What sort of government will be established? What sort of economic power will be developed (Cuba recently found a lot of oil - and has been in talks with Venezuela's Chavez; and interesting side note). Will the communist government dissolve? Will it remain in power, simply installing those leaders already in place in the government? Or will there be large scale changes? Condi Rice has echoed the US administration's position: "We in the United States are closely watching the events in Cuba," she said. "Much is changing there, yet one thing remains constant — America's commitment to supporting a future of freedom for Cuba, a future that will be defined by you, the Cuban people. "The United States respects your aspirations as sovereign citizens. And we will stand with you to secure your rights — to speak as you choose, to think as you please, to worship as you wish, and to choose your leaders, freely and fairly, in democratic elections." Interesting position to take...and one which I support. But how far will this go? Will there be mass exodus once Castro dies to Florida and the Gulf Coast? Will there be war in the streets of Cuba? Will there be a cuban version of rebellion? And how hard will Raul, who is defense minister, go to maintain the communist government in the wake of his brother's death? And what will the response be from other South American countries (i.e Venezuela)? Just some questions for this Saturday morning. I wonder what everyone thinks on this. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I watched it this morning...I think the guy repeatedly falling off the funeral bier was funny. Just makes one question (if they haven't already) the Palestinian propaganda machine;how well oiled, coordinated, and manipulating it truly is. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Some alien brain snatcher came in, sucked my cranium dry, and replaced the vacuum with tapioca pudding. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Wonderful song... I dunno if I'll find the peace tonight...meds aren't working and I just can't quiet my head. Lots of shouting going on in there...lots of things not o.k. in there...just not gonna find the peace tonight. I want to find the arms of my angel, and let them take me far away from here.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I do that all the time...and don't often have someone say "huh?". Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Language police...here they come! We did something similar with the term "freedom fries", but it wasn't a governmental decree. The situation in Iran gets worse and worse... I wonder how much we're missing as we pay attention to the Israel issue...or if this was a move designed by Hesbollah to divert attention from Iran's nuclear program. Sigh. This world gets more fucked up daily. Some days, I just wanna get off it and float around for a while. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thoughts and prayers from here, too. 6 fatalities, and 2 transported to the hospital; one critical, one serious. (Information coming out in incidents indicate 4 fatalities on scene, 4 transported to the hospital, 2 died at the hospital with the other two as stated. Fuck.) Fly free, my sky family. Fly free, fly fast, and dance with rainbows. My deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and whose family have been hurt. Ciels- Michele Edited to reflect current information from incidents forum. Fuck. ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jack, you're priceless. Thanks for the laugh, and the great idea. It might be interesting next time I've piled the cat food and litter up. You're so cool. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Max, you are an amazing person. Just simply amazing. Literally. Me, the loquacious one, hasn't got many words to describe you - they've not been invented yet. But couldn't you have changed your shirt before meeting the President? Dude, you're sweating! (J/K...) If I were in the area, I'd come by and see you without question. And I'd bring my camera, too. My deepest respect, hugs, and love to you. And a note for Mrs. Max...you are equally amazing and dear. Thanks for taking such good care of Max...you rock. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Mine was, too. Problem is, my back door parallels the street...and you can see the porch from it. ROFL. Glad to hear that others have made similar mistakes...makes me feel...less stupid somehow. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Done... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My questions would be how long has she been on meds? What do you mean by "unpredictable"? And what sort of panick attacks does she get (if any)? There are definitely people with mental health issues who should never jump. Bi polar people are not generally prevented from jumping or any "life activities", however. I have a friend who is bipolar, and has made several tandems and also completed AFF. This person did fine, so I wouldn't believe it's an automatic no. The questions above need answering though... Ciels- Michele Edited to add: on her down cycles, do you know if she gets actively suicidal? And do you know when she's cycling down? It can be tough to tell... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I agree with you wholeheartedly in a general sense of your statement. In his post, though, I don't think that's what he was communicating. I think, honestly, that he realizes what he did was wrong. He also acknowledges that while he can't change past behavior, he can learn from what happened (whatever that is...I have no idea), and be a better person for it. People often don't learn from their mistakes...it seems like WW might have...and that is always a huge step in moving into a good place in your life. I really think that's all he was trying to say. Not that he didn't "regret" it, but rather he is better for erring, learning from that, and learning how to move forward. And that he values the lessons learnt so much that he doesn't "regret" things. That's what I took away from it. 'Course, I could be completely wrong...I hope no-one skewers me if I am. Again, I have no idea what caused his post in the first place. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~