Michele

I can't figure out which is larger - the chip on McKinney's shoulder or her ego. If I hit an officer, I'd be taken in right there...no questions, nothing other than a Miranda warning. Booked, released, tried, and most likely found guilty. Congress has no free pass when it comes to criminal behavior. If she hit the officer - and apparently she has; even her attorney won't say she didn't... - she needs to be arrested, booked, and tried...with a jury making a decision about the "truth" of the case. I've watched this twit for years making her presence felt, her acrimony heard, and her bile spewed...I'd dearly love to see the great state of Georgia vote someone - anyone!! - into that seat... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bird Flu in Scotland... A swan that was found dead was tested and preliminary results show positive for H5. Confirmation is expected tomorrow. Kelpdiver, I agree with you that there is reason to be optimistic; and that steps have been taken to produce a vaccine that will work...and that it is much harder than an AIDS vaccine...but it's still worrisome a bit (at least to me.). I hope they get it worked out in time, know what I mean? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Congrats to all! Happy birthday, Samantha! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

(as I sit here nursing either the flu or a good, heavy cold...)... I agree in principle, but am curious as to why *this* year rather than years past. This particular flu was identified in 2001...and I just don't get why this year there's been such a spread as opposed to last year, or the year before. I am not saying that the spread is unnatural, or that anything nefarious is going on; I am positive that there is a scientific reason for it...I just don't know it. I suspect it was sort of a tipping over of infected birds and their migratory patterns, due to an exponentially higher infection rate for whatever reason, but I don't know. And that's what I'm curious about. If it went this far this fast this year, what should we expect next year? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

(LOL! at your jew comment. Sadly, though, some people will believe it's their fault...) The difficulty I have with your position is simply this...while it may not be "surprising", it is alarming. This particular flu was identified in 2001, iirc, and culling of birds began then. However, it was in the wild bird population...but that doesn't explain how it didn't "bloom" like this until this year. Unless, and I'm no statistician, there is a quantitative factor, such as when 1 bird gets it, gives it to three others, 2 die, the two still alive infect another 6, and so on...sort of like the exponential Alpha Beta commerical from years ago. I can see how that would've built up into a "bloom" thing, except I don't see how it would've taken 5 years to do it. Wouldn't we have seen small outbreaks in other areas from the migratory birds earlier than this? Unless it's mutated and able to live longer before killing it's hosts...which could pose one helluva problem. Maybe I'm missing something with that, though...can anyone correct my thinking? Let me look into it; I read a report somewhere that made it seem much less effective than 40%, but I could've misunderstood what I was reading. I'll come back with more info, either corroborative or contradictory. Edited to add: Kelpdiver, you were right in your estimate on the numbers, however, the "underwhelming" aspect is that it showed elevated antibodies in just over 50% of the patients when used at the strongest dosage and boosted (i.e. a second shot several weeks later). The normal flu vaccine is somewhat more effective, with a one shot dose, coming in at something to the effect of 70-80% of the people. Here's the article I read on it, which made me think less highly of the vaccine than you have. ABC's story. Thanks for having patience... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Something seems to have happened this spring in terms of H5N1 spreading; over 30 new countries in the past few months have reported infections in their avian population, both domestic as well as wild. Prior to this, there were only 15 countries that had confirmed it's presence. Yahoo News. Further, in mid-March, Michael Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, suggested that the American public start preparing for shortages by buying tuna and powdered milk and storing it under the bed. While that is reminiscent of "duct tape and plastic", and may indicate some sort of fear mongering going on, I'm not sure what to think about it, and not willing to dismiss it out of hand. I do tend to be prepared in any event, simply because I live in earthquake territory, but still...this is curious. ABC News. I don't have powedered milk, however... On April 1st, Bush added Avian flu to the list of communicable diseases for which the military is authorized to quarantine. Here is the ammendment. Some thought that this was an April fool's joke, as did I at first...but I am not sure it is, any more. 'Course, it might be, and I've missed the clues. If so, please feel free to correct me... As a passing note of interest, one town in Romania has already been quarantined because of the avian flu. Cernavoda, Romania. I'm not sure what happened to the town, as I haven't been able to find follow-up articles about it. On another note, from what I've read, H5N1 has spread its species carriers to include dogs, cats (large and domestic), minks, ferrets, pigs, and other mammals. It is suspected to have infected some penguins and killed in Antartica, as well. While this itself poses a problem, the severity is increased simply because the more vectors a host has, the more potential it has to mutate to the human to human virus. Two last notes; the results of the recent trials for the vacine were underwhelming, to say the least, and the Gaza Strip bird owners are saying "pay us before we kill the chickens..." to the Israeli government. IOW, the infected birds are not being killed prior to extermination unless there is payment in hand. This could be a problem. The potential for this flu to change the way of life for many many people is there. It already has; the poultry industry has been hit hard in many countries, and people who depended upon the poultry industry have been slammed economically. Further, importation and exportation of chicken and turkey has been stopped in many places, to prevent/slow the flu's progression. The potential is huge for it to create both economic as well as health crisis is enormous. Just thought I'd throw those things into the pot... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Continuing the prayers, and congratulations. Keep the faith! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good riddance...it's about time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ray, I'm in a similar position as Muenkel is; can't donate right now because of medications. But what I can do is say prayers for her, you, and the rest of the family. Sorry...I wish I could donate. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Prayers from the West wafting towards you now, Rico...and for Angie, as well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I agree - and am also very pleased that she is unharmed physically. When I heard that on the television this morning, I sat there and said "no way..." and when it was confirmed, I just grinned in glee. Hot damn!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Max, you rock. I am just loving you back in SC... Hugs, Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No...I don't think that's a good measure. For two reasons, primarily. 1. I've known people who were sitting on the edge of suicide, and who were functioning pretty well at the time. Only people in the know knew of their distress, and their desire to suicide. I've known mothers in the throws of PPD/P who were outwardly "functioning" but literally unable to cope. And I know that for myself, when I was there at the edge, I was not considered unfunctioning; most people I knew had no idea what was transpiring inside my mind. What is function, anyway? The ability to pay taxes? Then every stay-at-home mother who doesn't earn a wage then becomes "non-functioning." Being able to hold a job? Drive a car? Go to the store? Read a book? What? What if someone is completely sane, and only has their groceries delivered and lives off a trust fund and stays at home all the time? They're functioning...in their way, for their needs and choices, in a chosen lifestyle. So is that not functioning? 2. At what point does "functioning" become perjorative, as in "most people eat ice cream for dessert, therefore if you eat ice cream for dinner, you're not functioning" or something along those lines? We're right at defining normal, which I think is almost impossible to do accurately. I would suspect there are other factors, rather than "functionality", that should be the earmarkers for mental illness... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Chris, it will depend on my mood, and what other stuff's happening at the moment... Ciels- Michele (PS. Tell your Mom I haven't forgotten her either...)... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, we seem to, at least on that point. Now, the next question is, how does one determine one from the other in the not-so-obvious situations we encounter on a regular basis as a society? That is the question that needs answering, at least from my standpoint. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I have a different perspective, based not simply on first hand knowledge but also from anecdotal experience. So please don't tell me what I can reply to you with...that only limits the thread. I don't think that folks with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar, et cetera, while ill or during an episode, are capable of making a rational, clear decision. Therefore, you and I agree; those who are mentally competent and able to make clear, competent decisions should be allowed to make those decisions. Apparently, where we disagree, is understanding mental disability and the difficulty in understanding the ramifications of their decisions...let alone the processes which bring them to making that decision in the first place. Am I right in that assessment, or have I misunderstood your position? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Do you mean any mentally healthy person making that decision? Or are you including all persons, mentally healthy or not? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

While it's neither Rome nor skydiving (anywhere), I'll put the hug and kiss my two year old neice gave me against anything else in the world...they live in Oregon, so I only see them a few times a year; but Mayah's hugs and loving baby kiss - plus sharing her quesadilla with me (shoved it in my mouth, took it out and then ate it herself...), and letting me fuss on her after she grabbed ahold of a catcus at the zoo...well, it just doesn't get any better than that. Those sweet chubby arms 'round my neck...yeah, well...that's heavenly. Add to that my 7 year old nephew and 5 year old neice chasing their Noni (me) around, and drawing me pictures and tickle fights between the three of us...whatever is better than heaven, I was there. Glad to hear you had a great day; I did, as well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not sure I understand your query...do you mean to say that someone who holds some of the same beliefs as the president and/or republican party can't disagree on others? For example, I'm pro gun and pro woman's choice (to me, they are nearly identical issues; it's about personal responsibility and choices without government interference, but that seems to get lost on people sometimes...), so does that make me a republican or a democrat? IOW, can't someone agree with part of a platform and disagree with others, and not have that be a problem? Back to the topic at hand...as someone who lives in Los Angeles, I too wish there were tighter restrictions on illegal immigrants...not simply latinos, but all illegal immigrants. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Agreed about how long it will take to get facts known. Given that, you haven't answered my questions, though. I understand standing from a position of agnosticism (used here to mean unknowing, thus not having a conclusion about X or Y), but it seems that you do have a strong opinion as what you think happened to the WTC and the Pentagon. Given that no one knows for sure, since we weren't there...but those were the questions, not necessarily where you get your news from, or what you think big biz and the g'ment are doing (and those are indeed interesting topics, just maybe for their own threads; trying to prevent thread creep here...). So, what do you believe about how/why the WTC came down, and what hit the Pentagon? Again, I know you weren't there...but you're arguing passionately for a position, or that at least "X" position can't be right...so I am really curious as to what position you do believe is right? And yes, I can read details (i.e. long posts don't bother me at all) so feel free to elaborate. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I appreciate the response. So what do you think happened at the Pentagon? honestly, for me, the only question I have is the Pennsylvania one...it might have been shot down, and perhaps saved an additional thousand lives or so. We're not going to know that for certain unless and until the government tells us, but I could understand making that decision...as horrific and terrible as it would be, I really can understand it. But what do you think happened at the Pentagon? And do you think that two commercial airliners brought down the WTC towers, and building 7, or do you believe it was something else? And if so, what else? You have passionate beliefs which are different from mine, and I am honestly trying to see it from your perspective. Thanks. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Cumplidor, in all honesty, I'm curious. What do you think happened on 9/11, and what happened to the WTC, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon? What do you really think occurred? Please just answer for yourself; if possible, give details, but tell me in your own words...I'd appreciate it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My herd agrees, and are making me make this statement upon pain of death by purring, slobbering, and fur shedding. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dad's still with me...the cats are still behaving...my writing is coming along...the sun is shining brightly...and my new rose bush has a beautiful bud on it...the coffee is hot and fresh...my best friend is still alive...and my brother, sister-in-law and their kids are coming to town today for 10 whole days!!!! Life can be ever so sweet...especially when one realizes it's made up of moments like these. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~