Michele

Haven't paid any attention to it, frankly. Far too busy running my own life. But I promise, I'll start to work on yours as soon as possible when I've got some time. It might take a long while to straighten out, though, 'cause it's such a mess...so don't look for it right away! Oh, I forgot to mention - you're last on my "To Do" list...hope you've got some patience! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

What a pity; I would've thought an admitted plagiarizer would get along really well with an admitted liar. Same sort of ethics, you know? Oh well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Uh oh, Linz...you're sterile and too serious. LOL! Right-e-o! But now you've done it. I tried before the same way you're trying now...but all that earned me was a stalking troll. I hope you don't get the same sort of parasite I did! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I hung a jury on just that subject a few years back. Well, not that subject, but it came up a lot during deliberations. An interesting few days, that was...really demonstrated what fear can do to a person, and what hate and prejudice can do to those sitting in judgment, with a bit of power over that fear. Lots of "group think" and pressure put on me to "conform" but that's not my nature. But Moussaoui is a different story, I think. I don't believe the sentence was passed because the jury was fearful of what he might do at some point, nor do I think the guilty plea was accepted for the same reason. Rather, I think that conspiracy is a real event, a real crime, and that in this case it was punished effectively. Furthermore, I don't think that the jury did a lot of deliberation on the topic of "we can't make him a martyr." From what I've read, and from what I've heard, that really wasn't a factor in their conversation; rather, what punishment is fitting for this crime was the focus. In any event, I think that a life sentence is fine. Let him sit in Supermax in Colorado for the next 40 years. By the same token, I don't think I'd've been upset if they had given him death, either. Both methods keep him away from being able to commit any further crime on the public. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nah. That "insult" was definitely not worth plagiarising oneself for...just the typical bullshit slinging that is expected from a person fixated on "weenie" sizes. Nothing original or inventive whatsoever. Oh well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, thanks for that! Made me grin, you did! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Welcome back! Glad to hear you had a wonderful time, and got to explore some of God's most gorgeous, pristine country... Great photos, as always...you should sell some of those, you know? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not telling... Thanks, you guys. I went out to dinner with Dad again tonight, with some family friends. Another bit of drinking and partying at a Greek restaurant....I like it when birthdays go on for a few days...'tis fun!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Girl! I hope your day is as special as mine was! Much love your way!! And a happy birthday - even though you're "not celebrating" it anymore, have a drink or three anyway! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I had a wonderful, sweet time with my Dad and best friend - walk at the 3rd Street Promenade, dinner and drinks on the coast, walking along the water...great company and better conversation... And my father gave me a birthday gift which will be treasured for the rest of my life...he knows how to spoil his "little girl" even if he says he sees new lines on my face. LOL! Thanks again for the wishes; and Micro, I'm sorry I missed your call - let's make sure we talk this weekend... As for stories. Well, I have to be doing something interesting to write an interesting story....hopefully, that boring state of being will change shortly, and some stories will come forth.

I believe that's what just happened...although it is a weird rendering of the verdict. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, everyone! Dee and I are going with Dad to the coast for dinner; it should be wonderful...but what's made it really wonderful is this thread! Thanks, Lisa!! (and even though you're not celebrating your birthday, happy "other" day to you!!) You guys rock - I appreciate the wishes very, very much! Hugs to all! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Windcatcher, just a note of thanks for this thread. I called my Mom tonight, whose arrangements, wishes and desires were not known. They're not known now, but she is taking steps to rectify that...and for that help, I thank you for putting the thought into my head that maybe I need to find out. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks for the response, Narcimund. For me, knowing what the parameters of the original study, as well as control groups, and the numbers tested is important. That way, you have far more of a base to draw from, and to make conclusions about, pro or con. But then, you indicated it was a preliminary study at best, so we'll let it go. You know me. I have a chemical imbalance in my brain not dissimilar from diabetis and the pancreas' inability to produce insulin. I am a firm believer in correcting that imbalance, and of living my life as productively as possible. If we found that vitamin Q was responsible for the lack of chemical balance in my brain, I'd be the first at the store getting it. But see, this is where you and I diverge. I don't see religiousity as an illness. I don't see it as something which needs correcting. I realize, recognize, and respect your position that for you, it's all a bunch of hooey, but I also don't agree with that in the least. While I can see your point, I can't qualify religiousity as a disease. So then it becomes, I'd guess, what actually qualifies a disease? For years - decades, centuries even, my illness was not understood. What happened was that finally someone studied people who had the symptoms I have, and those without those symptoms. They discovered that seratonin (among others) in those without the symptoms were X level, and for those who had the symptoms, the seratonin levels were at Y levels. The conclusion was that seratonin depletion/non-production is the cause of an illness. That discovery set into motion a whole slew of things, including coming up with medications which help restore normal levels of seratonin, and relieve/alleviate the symptoms. In the original case, religiousity, there was no study that I know of that demonstrated religiousity is, in fact, an illness; that is, there was no control group of non-religious people who had higher levels of vitamin L, and no studies done to see what happens to those people when they are deprived of vitamin L. Therefore, the premise of the study was already there - a hypothesis, if you will - but with a predetermined set of factors; i.e. only those with a clear religiousity (according to the studier...again, not something which had been previously established as "higher than normal," I gather), and ran some panels looking to prove that hypothesis. The difference between the schitzophrenic and a religious person is easily measured; the schitzophrenic has an imbalance in known brain chemicals. I'd bet you a dollar that the religious person does NOT have the same imbalance, which is why we don't call them schitzophrenic. However, discovering a certain lack of a vitamin which has not been previously established to be at a normal level in a different population renders the entire study null, imho....especially as the study set out with pre-existing hypothesis that there is something "wrong" with religious people. How about this.... We continue with the study of vitamin L, and discover that in fact, a lower than average level is existant in religious people. But we also discover that "normal" or higher levels of vitamin L in people shortens their lifespan. It has slight, but real, negative effects on brain function, which can't be found in religious people. It operates by effectively making them have more stress, thus a higher rate of heart attacks and inability to survive major illnesses like cancer. Does that make religion a cure for a disease? No... Simply put, imho, religion is a personal lifestyle choice. Are all religious people good? Oh hell no. One just has to look at the other thread about that lady (the one with video) to see that. Or look at the 9/11 hijackers. or...or...or...et cetera. But does religion make a person more prone towards violence? That has not been my experience; as a matter of fact, the opposite is true in my experience. So we're back at the basics...is religiousity a disease which needs correction? No, I really don't think so. Nor, frankly, is homosexuality a disease which needs correcting...and that's the point people are making. Well, all that made sense when I was writing it. I hope it makes sense to those who read it! LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks for the compliment, and no, I don't give a damn about your sexual orientation. I do know that getting angry - even if someone else deserves it, and it's righteous - doesn't serve you and your point. And I'm not taking sides, except to say that I tend to expect more evenhandedness from you, as you do from me. So, let me ask. What about religiousity should be cured by vitamin deficiencies? Why would this be an important finding? And how would it benefit people at large? While I know it's very preliminary in it's findings, the study is interesting in it's target group, and I am not completely sure I understand it. I'd be very clear if they said "vitamin deficiency can be correlated to MS," as that's a disease...but to consider religiousity a disease is a stretch. So what is your position on this study? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Narcimund, I have no idea where you left your keys. Check the sofa - that's where mine always end up - either that or the microwave. Don't ask. Look...those who are stating that the potential exists that vitamin deficiency may also create other "issues" which aren't really issues, imho, is a real one. When you get all bent out of shape and angry, it doesn't serve you at all. Frankly, I'm bothered more that people spent money better spent elsewhere in testing for vitamin deficiencies and correlating them with religiousity. There's nothing wrong with being religious, or spiritual, or having a relationship with a Creator. Nothing wrong at all. So why waste the money trying to demonstrate a correlation like that? One could easily argue the same for homosexuality. There's nothing wrong with it, and so why bother spending the money to test for a correlation between homosexuality and vitamin deficiencies? And one could argue the same for those with a preference towards vegetarianism. Or flat shoes v. high heels (I hate heels...). Or athletically inclined 10 year olds v. bookworms. Or...or...or... See, that's what the issue is. Why is religiousity considered something which should be "cured" or might be caused by a vitamin deficiency? I'd rather discover a cure for a problem, like vitamin C and it's interaction with mumps, or the best vitamin regime to prevent baldness...or even, what vitamins are best with SSRIs? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My Dad's 83. Despite some serious scares last year, he seems to be doing all right. He has a roommate, and I live all of 5 minutes away from him - 10 if I have to walk. When/if the time comes that he needs more intensive care, he will stay at home, and I'll do whatever needs to be done. His roommate will help, as well. The other issues one must consider these days is will/probate/trust issues, Do Not Resusitate/medical directives, and other end of life care options. It is insanely difficult to have those discussions with your parents, but it's so very much more important to know what they want and desire, because it might not be the same thing you think. Dad and I are at the point where his plot and casket have been purchased, his trust is being created, and the medical directives are complete. We're working on his memorial details right now...he's a character, and this, while horrific and stressful on my part, actually helps him feel more in control, and know that what he wants is what he'll get. He wants a party? Well, he'll get a party. We all might cry our way through it, but he'll get a party. He was there for me as I came up - and it wasn't easy being my Dad. The very least I can do is be here for him, even if it isn't easy. So what? That's my dad... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

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

Sounds fun! er...well....wait. Oh! Economic impact of illegal and legal immigrants. Right! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I did, and my father did. They've closed down several of the larger streets in Los Angeles (Wilshire and LaBrea, starting in MacArther park)...the police are on tactical alert (meaning that shifts are held over, and maximum personell are on the street), and lots of folks have closed their businesses. I have heard some comments on the TV about how they blocked the border between San Ysidro and Tijuana...and I have no idea why. I think it's time to get my tennis shoes on and go shopping...my area seems to have taken a hit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Stoney, the issue with mental illness is that it's not apparent on it's face. In other words, you can see someone who has been fighting cancer - their bodies show the fight. But you can't always identify mentally ill folk by the way they look or "seem." That being said... I don't think she is insane, or even disturbed. She has chosen her faith and manner of expression. That is NOT to say that I agree with her, or that her family upbringing didn't influence her mightily. Personally, I think that she is as evil and mean as they come. And if she protested a funeral when I was there, she'd hear some "blasphemy" from me, I promise... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I haven't taken an oath, but I get involved anyway. I usually consider the potential problems after everything is done and over with... but I always get involved. My 83 year old Dad worries about that, though "don't get involved, it's not your business..." sort of thought....he's a transplanted New Yorker, so that might explain it. Or his age. He got involved a whole lot when he was younger, though, so maybe it's also just age. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Me? I'm going to do some shopping with some gift cards...I believe that gift cards aren't "counted" until their funds are used, so I think I will use them tomorrow. I can't think of a better day to go buy that which I need anyway... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

When they were at the podium together, it was hysterically funny. And I disagree with the article - Bush did lighten up a lot, and the whole thing was scripted. He had to have approved the skit. Too funny. And I think also a well done! to Stephen Colbert, who had to have been nervous as hell working with the President like that. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Vinny, you know I've been very public about my battles. If you need some perspective, some support, and some guidance, just pm me. I've been there, and I know what it's like. Every time I see a thread about suicide, it hurts. Both for those who have undertaken it, as well as for those left behind. As always, and as I will forever do, should anyone be thinking about suicide, or battling depression, I'm here. Reach out one more time, because there is help....I promise. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~