Michele

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

All Hisbollah needed to do was not cross over the borders and not kidnap and kill some IDF. You can't attack your neighbor and expect to not have retaliation. Simple, no? But alas, it's not that simple. It wasn't that simple back when Israel pulled out of Gaza. Or of Lebanon. Israel did, and was attacked for it's pull out. It wasn't that simple back when Israel defended herself against quite a few neighbors, all who've sworn to see the end of Israel as a nation. It certainly wasn't that easy back in 48, when they, a nascent nation, was attacked and had to defend immediately their right to exist. Simple. See? Someone put it eloquently on another thread. If Israel's neighbors had laid down their arms, there would have been peace. If Israel had laid down her arms, they would not exist. That is, sadly, the simple fact. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Mike, I understand what you're saying. I don't agree with it, but I understand it. I think, frankly, with the Israeli movement into Lebanon today, we will see door to door searches and "clearing" of these caches (those which haven't been moved already). The difficulty is, then, the number of casualties incurred during this street combat (which IDF is very capable of). I think it's an awful situation. It's a terrible, horrific thing for all parties involved. And I also think that Israel is doing what she believes she needs to do to ensure her own survival...and that's the roughest thing a nation could ever consider. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

What bothers me about that statement is simply this. Katyusha rockets are mobile launcher based. Meaning, that they can be anywhere, at any time, and be fired. Two minutes later, or approximately one minute after they have been detected, the laucher can be gone. G O N E. Adios. Bye-bye.These rockets have been fired from backyards, schoolyards, streets, and bridges. They have been fired from empty fields, from market places. Their very mobility is what makes them incredibly attractive. Why? Good question. Both because they can be easily and quickly transported to a new location and fired, but also because they then can be "attractants" of enemy fire. Meaning, when a rocket is launched from someone's backyard, ipso facto the house then becomes a target. It's a civilian structure. But it also is a military structure, inasmuch as it has doubled as that for the moment when the rocket was fired. Furthermore, there have been weapons caches discovered on the first floor of several apartment buildings. In schools, storage lockers at central gathering stations, in mosques. All of this is Hizbollah's planning. What are they planning? They are planning that there will be some sort of restraint used when the opposition targets them...because of civilians being present. How absolutely shitty of Hizbollah, how diabolically brilliant and fuckingly cunning to do so. Because then, when Israel does what it needs to do and takes out the weapons storage areas (which are in schools, backyards, mosques, and so on), they are then accused of targeting innocent civilians. And of killing kids. Additionally, let's look at the realistic reason one actually would target bridges and roads of the enemy. Because then they can't easily transport weapons (i.e. Katyushka rockets) from one site to another, and hopefully in the destruction of the bridges and roads will contain the enemy so they are then in one general spot rather than an entire country. And they can't get reinforcements. And they can't move. So it's easier to find them, find their supplies, and eradicate the threat with as little additional destruction and casualties as possible. It is common strategy in war to do that. Common, first grade military strategy. I'm not in the military and I can figure it out... So what is the Israeli army to do? Well, they drop leaflets warning that this area will be bombed. They announce it before hand, hoping that at least some will listen and get the hell outta dodge. That maybe, someone will turn in the local weapons cache, and save some lives that way. They drop leaflets, make announcements, and then...three days later (ample time for innocent civilians to get to a different town), amass their troops on the border, and begin to go into the area. They are looking for those weapon caches stuck in people's basement. The schools. The Mosques. Again, military strategy 101. Basic stuff. With warnings, no less. Ample warnings. Lots of time (and indeed, lots of people have heeded them, thank God) to leave the area. Now, contrast that to the strategies the terrorists use. Car/suicide bombs, no leaflets, intentionally targeting civilian places where lots of people gather and that there are no weapons caches present. There is no reason to be targeting these places other than civilian deaths...none at all. That's terrorism. That's intentionally targeting civilians and children. That's what the Israeli army is fighting. I deplore the deaths on all sides. I hate to hear that people are dying because of this. I can't stand to see the bodies of dead children. ON ANY SIDE. But I also completely understand why Israel is doing what they're doing...their children are at risk, from an enemy which doesn't give warnings, which stores weapons in childrens homes, and which will use whatever means, fair or foul, to accomplish their goal - and that goal is the destruction of a nation called Israel. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Your other cat will, given some time and space. Make sure the food bowls are separated but within view of each other, spend lots of time with the other kitty (so she doesn't feel like she's being replaced or needs to be jealous), and let them get to know each other. It's a lot like children. Some of them will take immediately to a new sibling; others, like my nephew, took some time (he'd drag his little sister around by her arm...and whack her a bit. Funny, but problematic). He loves her now, and they have a great relationship...same thing with the kitties. It will take some time, but it will be fine in the end. Just make sure the other cat knows that she is still loved, adored, and a very special kitty in her own right. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

In addition to Kris' comments, another very common reason is he's making himself "at home". Making sure things smell like him. And, he's 2 1/2 months old - he might've had an accident. Be aware, though, unless it's definitely spraying (and urinating is not spraying - that's the marking that goes on...very different scent, activity, and body position in that), you might not want to get him neutered this early. I recommend that one wait until their animal is at least 6 months old if possible, because their bodies need the time to mature and grow, and the hormones contribute to that. However, if he is spraying (and 2 1/2 months is a bit early, although not unheard of), it might be time. I caught Simon playing with his tweeter at about 4 months, and so got him fixed ASAP, earlier than what I'd've liked. He never did spray, and he is a little on the short side, but stocky and well defined and formed, so no real damage done. I think likely it was just an accident...he's still a baby, and they do have accidents. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Turtlespeed, that's a funny video. That behavior is called "chitting", and is thought to demonstrate precursor hunting focus (they've spotted the prey, but haven't quite gotten around to pouncing). Some people believe the cat tries to imitate the bird sounds so as not to alarm the birds...not sure I believe that; I think they just get all excited and chitter away. I've not seen one "howl" quite like that, though. ROFL. Thanks for linking that...and thanks to the others who've linked the kitty videos...too funny, and provided me with a much needed giggle today. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Russian blues are so mellow for the most part. They can be rambunctious, and climb like a mf!, but they mellow out with age and tend to be incredibly loyal. You've got a shadow for life. Now, as for the walking...use a harness and a NONretractable leash. You don't want him scaling a tree, 'cause they do like to climb, and they're hard to get down from above. Harnesses are better than collared leashes because the harness holds their body rather than their neck, and cats tend to not like collars and things 'round their necks much. Congratulations, and I think Ernie is a pretty cool name for him. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

They'll be fine eventually. Not right away, not too likely, but eventually. When it's time, let me know; I've got some tricks which will help the integration process a lot. As for me, I've got 6 cats, all rescue/feral adoptions. I also take care of two outside cats (owned by no-one, but cared for by me), and if I had a yard, I'd have a few dogs (rescues, as well). Just a note to those who want to get a breed specific animal - there are breed specific rescues you might want to check out first, before buying. That way, you'll be able to rescue an animal, and still get the breed you want. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

He's a cutie, for sure. Congratulations. All my cats named themselves; he will name himself after a time. If you need any help with him (other than naming...I'm not so good with that!), let me know. He looks like he's got some russian blue in him, so expect a talker and a shadow to whomever/whatever he decides is his. I had a russian blue who didn't need any restraints, even when driving and/or at the vet. She'd just hang out on my lap, happy as anything. Even when strange dogs would approach at the vets, she'd just sit in my lap, doing exactly nothing. She was a dear one. Again, congratulations, and let me know if you need help. Best to you and him! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ask BillV about how to get a generator thing so that you can really be off the grid - he has one that apparently generates enough energy so that he gives some back to the city (I think...). Good lord, would that be glorious or what? If we can, great. If not, maybe next spring - you know I'm fascinated with tornados! Congrats on the gigantic changes in your world - funny how a few months ago it was a major concern...and now, look at you. Things always do work out. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Micahel, are you preparing for armageddon? Cows? Dude. Just no big black mean firebreathing scary bull held only by a little wire, all right? That damned thing scared me silly when I was out last time at the farm. So...fly me back and let me see them. Oh yeah, and I wanna drive the tractor. Interesting how life changes. Very interesting. And quite cool, too. Love to everyone! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Funny questions....asked of Dr. Laura S. some time ago, with occasional author credit to Kent Ashcraft. And, iirc, a repost. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Darius, there are warmongers on all sides, it seems... Iran's Hezbollah Says "Ready!" While there hasn't been iron clad proof yet that Israel has been hit by Iranian rockets, Israel says it has been. If true, it still doesn't indicate Iranian involvement, but does indicate Iranian weapons have managed to get into the hands of the Lebanese Hezbolluh, likely through a sort of "gee, how'd we misplace that?" type of thing. It will get very interesting should Israel prove Iranian munitions...especially as there are some who claim that Iran already has nuclear weapons...and the means to deliver them. Ciels- Michele Edited to add: I wonder what happens when the war ships that are to protect the evacuation (Iwo Jima group, iirc) make it into the area. I wonder if there will be a strike on them, thus involving us directly in the conflict. It's going to get interesting, as I said...and my thoughts and prayers are with all the civilians in, around, and near the areas. ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Interesting, and I agree....but I disagree on it being the game plan all along. I think what happened has presented an opportunity, and that opportunity will be taken advantage of. Further, it will be used as a negotiation tool from Israel ("hey, you want us to do that? Sure...but you need to do XYZ"), which is what allies do for each other. It will be very interesting, and while I don't exactly see this as being WW3 (or 4, depending on who's talking), I think it could be rather dramatic before it completes. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

As a parent, sometimes you need to do things which will upset the child - i.e vaccinations, no chocolate, bedtime...but it's a parenting thing, and a responsibility, not a manipulation to make a child cry so you can take photos. I have a shot of my littlest niece; she was screaming her 2 year old head off...we didn't realize it at the time that she had grabbed a catcus. Might I give that shot to her when she's older? Perhaps, depending upon how her sense of humor develops. Will I sell it? Hell no. Would I intentionally give a catcus to a child to see what their reaction would be? Hell no. That would be abusive. Intentionally inflicting physical or emotional pain is not an acceptable thing to do for any reason, let alone one that is clearly stated as a political/theological one... One is a parent bringing up a child to be a productive member of society. The other is a manipulation of a child's emotion in a negative way to achieve a personal (i.e not for the child) goal. That, to me, is a pretty clear difference, even though I'm not a parent. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Some days, all the brain cells work at once. Some days, they don't. Can you guess which day this is? LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Krisanne, the OP is a guy, at least according to his myspace page...24 y/o, Henderson, NV. 'Course, he might've lied... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ohhh, ouchie. Perfect, too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm not sure he was aware, or, if he was, that anything could've been done; velocity would've taken over (you can see him "bottom out" and swing up very quickly...he wasn't in charge). If you watch the vid closely, it starts a bit earlier - the wing gets wobbly in the series before - the 360s. He was pushing the wing way past it's limits. And I am glad his reserve didn't tangle...I just have no idea how it didn't. Speaks to the whole concept of "these things wanna fly!" Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Holy moly. It looks almost like he pitches under, and then behind him...glad it cleared - I wasn't sure it would. Holy good lordy moly. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope...July. Unhinged for sure. Glad to see you made it out alive. They don't call it Death Valley for nothing... And yes, it's gorgeous scenery. Tough during the summer, horrible during winter, but nice during spring and late fall. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

He's the dude who matters! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

It's not about party lines. It's about abuse of a three year old child for political and theological statements, as well as personal financial gain. It's not got a whole lot to do with which party the titles fall in line with. Had she titled them otherwise, I'd still have issues with how the shot was achieved, and to what aim she manipulated the children into tears. It's not a republican rant...it's not a democrat slam. It's the method involved, and the goals she had, when she created a shot. Abuse is illegal - if I make photos of someone beating their kid and called it "Poor White Trash", I'd be pillioried. And rightly so. If the MESSAGE is created prior to the shot, and the method obtained to make that shot objectionable, then the message is part of the manipulation and the goal of the shot. You know as well as anyone else when you start a shoot you have a goal in mind...and to abuse a child to get to that end to me is abhorent. That's the point; there isn't some real big political underlying message from me here; rather, it's about the use/misuse of a child and the blatant manipulations and coercion to get the goal shot - which is political and theological. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yep, that's who I mean...Slink2. How are you doing today, Ori? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~