Michele

LOLing at you, Micro. Yes, it's a boston Creme one. Gooey and chocolate and still warm. No, I didn't get your vmail. My phone is having an attitude...I'll try to call tonight, all right? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm not seeing anything which would immediately scream "fake," and not even with closer examination in PS. The shadowing/reflection is very subtle, but matches each other; the light source is likely right overhead or very close to that, the compression in the reflection is accurate, and the angle of the shot accounts for the potential perspective skewing (the shark looks *much* larger than the kayak...but again, it's an angle/perspective thing). The shot was likely taken with a long lens, which will also compress the objects (remember the airliner near miss the other day?) closer to each other. I'm willing to put a donut on the line and say that the shot was taken from a lower flying airplane/chopper, which would account for no shadowing of it in the shot (it would be to the right of the shot) due to the angle of the sun. The only item which gives me pause is the break in the horizon line off to the top left in the shot; there is a bounce in the line, but if someone were stitching two shots together, there would be additional indicators of it throughout the water. There aren't, so I'm guessing it's a scanned shot from a magazine of some sort, and that is the "page" crease. I'd also point out that there is a blurred spot about midshot top which made me think some second thoughts, but I just can't see any continuation of it, or any footprints that it's cloning, Gaussian blur, or any thing other than a glitch in the original shot (or poor scanning). My last comment would be if it were shopped, why make it so "boring" ? If I'm gonna take some time and make a shot which encompasses a kayaker and a shark, I would either make them closer together, near attacking, or something more "exciting". Edited to add: There are lines of copy just barely visible in the water, and a dark box to the right edge which would infer another photo. I'm thinking this is an illustration of an article written for an adventure magazine of some sort or another, which falls nicely in line with the break in the horizon as a page crease. My vote is "real." Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

GM, what's really scary is there are some folks who believe that the weather is controlled, and that a snowstorm like this is easy to conjure up to suit the purposes of those in control. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Er, Tom, she wasn't expected to even medal, let alone win. She could have stayed and "fought it out" but instead she stepped down in time to allow Emily (who is a great skater, but not at Kwan's level; just isn't...) to make it to Torino, and thus have a three person team. BTW, you *do* realize that the third spot on the Olympic team was earned by Kwan's wins this last year, including Worlds, right? So...without her, there wouldn't even have been a spot for Emily. The two top competitors will be Slutskya and Cohen. Kwan wasn't expected to be in the top three, but likely would've made the top 5. They ranked her higher than Emily because Kwan is, frankly, more seasoned, more capable of handling the emotions that come with that level of competition, and because while Emily did indeed take 3rd in Nationals, she has never won an international competition...so the USIOC did what they thought was in the best interests of the country...and so did Kwan when she withdrew. With the new scoring system, it will be exceedingly interesting to see who will come out on top...as it stands, the US Figure Skating contingent has already made Olympic history, by landing the first throw triple axel in the Pairs short program Saturday night...and it was a glorious jump. It has landed the pair in 6th place going into the long program, but I don't expect them to stay there; they have some massive competition from the field, and simply don't have the class and elegance that some of the other teams have. Kwan pulled out with grace, style, and consideration...Emily will have my support and best wishes, as well. (Why yes, I follow figure skating; I used to compete in it, as well, many years ago). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Doesn't that contribute to the whole lesions thingy? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

HT, I get what you're saying. I don't think there are any dead people because of those cartoons, though...are there? Any embassies burned out? Any rioting? It's not like someone put a price on Callahan's head...like they did to Salmon Rushdie. Shoot, recently they published a cartoon of Condi Rice as a "mammy," and while I found that offensive, I really can't get all worked up over it...the urine and crucifix was abhorrent to some, and a good comparison. And yet, geez, I just can't get worked up over it. The young muslim who painted the Madonna with exposed breasts? Why, he's being funded by the country he lives in (iirc, Belgium) to continue to paint and "express" himself. Does that mean I'll even go so far as to boycott belgian chocolate? Nope. The difference in response is huge. There are people dying because someone decided these cartoons were the latest flashpoint...there is property being destroyed because of the same thing. Here, a group or two petitioned the NEA funding committee, but the petition was denied (again, iirc), and people went on to the next thing. Huge, huge difference from where I sit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Really interesting comments, Jerry. Isn't that the same argument about handguns, the right to bear arms, and the Second Amendment? That there were no weapons like that then therefore the FF's couldn't have been talking about that...and so we can make our own laws about it (i.r. registration, tracking, owning, et cetera)? Or did I misunderstand your comments, or perhaps misapply them? Just wondering if it's the same thought process... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My first jump was an AFF jump...I don't recall saying I was ready. In fact, I think I said "in a minute" and then I was trying to land a canopy in a crosswind. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am, apparently, Lara Croft... A thrill-seeking, slightly unscrupulous, tough-as-nails archaeologist, Lara Croft travels the world in search of ancient relics perhaps better left hidden. She packs two Colt .45s and has no fear of jumping off buildings, exploring creepy tombs, or taking on evil meglomaniacs bent on world domination. Lara Croft 83% Maximus 75% Indiana Jones 67% El Zorro 67% William Wallace 67% Neo, the "One" 50% Captain Jack Sparrow 42% The Amazing Spider-Man 42% Batman, the Dark Knight 33% The Terminator 25% James Bond, Agent 007 17% I really wanted to be Indiana Jones, though...or William Wallace but I think the broadsword question did me in... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Skratch, to jump with you would be an amazing thing. My, your world travels have taken you places. Well done; I want to go to China someday...and I bet it was a wonderful thing to teach. Yes, the rest of the blog indicates that it's both been verified and picked up by media in Britain, Denmark, Belgium, and apparently Australia, as well. It will be interesting to see if this story is picked up here, as well...if not, the avoidance of the issue will be interesting, as well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jeffrey, going off on me is inappropriate. At no point in my post was I painting you with any sort of brush. BTW, the conversation isn't really about you; rather, it's about those who would hold the rest of the world hostage to cartoons; said cartoons having been first circulated 6 months ago, and only now becoming an issue. Why is that? What is going on in the fanatic's world that it is acceptable to kill over a piece of paper? Is the "clash of civilizations" to be started with a drawing? And at what point do we, as Americans, stand up and say "no, you will not take my free speech away." Free speech is really only important when one person has a different view than others. It is not there to protect me from agreeing with others, but from disagreeing, and expressing that disagreement in a manner acceptable (i.e. peaceful, or in art, or in writing) to the general public. That, imho, is the real question...how one balances a global free speech concept with people of vast differences of opinion, lifestyle, and religion. And at what point does someone's "right" to not be offended cross another's right to free speech? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Peej, I'm going to narrow the field just a bit more (not saying you haven't a right to your opinion, just defining mine a bit more thoroughly). As people who call themselves Jewish, there are many different ways to practice that religion: Reformed, Orthodox, Reformed Orthodox, et cetera; just as those who call themelves Christain have many different ways to practice that religion: Baptists, Catholics, Untiarian, Lutheran; just as those who practice buddhism, or hinduism, or Zoroastrianism...all have different ways within that religion to practice their faith. The same must be seen in Islam, and I for one do see it...I don't know their "sects" as well as I know the Judeo/Christian ones, but I know they exist. Because of that, I'll agree with your statement that this is showing true faces, but only of one sect of Islam. I cannot agree with it as a blanket one. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Skratch, it looks like it's for real, but not as a reprint but more as an editorial. But the real question, from what I can see, about this entire episode is twofold. 1. Why the delay in the upset? 2. How long will we (the West and Europe) be held hostage by people who have no problem 6 months after the fact creating such an uproar that people are dying... From what I've heard 'round the edges, the cartoons that people are protesting may not even be the ones published, but others (perhaps created for this "event") that are obscene (according to our standards). Not sure just what to believe, at this point, but it sure looks like propagandizing is indeed going on, and flames being fanned. Sigh... Ciels- Michele (PS: it's great to see you here!

Lurch, it's never "just a cat." You might be surprised at how you feel, but I'm not. I do rescue and rehoming, and while I know they're going to a good place for rehoming, and that they've only stayed with me a short time, it's still never "just a cat." If the house has an open expanse out front, you might try building a bit of a shelter to give her a place to come to. Maybe place a cardboard box with the opening to the side under the window, and put a stinky shirt (one you've sweated in a day or two, so it really smells like you) in the box at the bottom. The scent will draw her, and she will have a place to hide (the interior of the box), and from there, she has a new starting point to approach the front door or the window. Good luck, and patience is key. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lurch, a few tips (and I'm not getting into the abortion debate...). 1. When a cat's in heat, they become microscopic and can escape through the screen mesh. LOL! I've seen it, it's amazing, and it's scary. What you're describing is normal "I gotta get me some" behavior, and unless people are really prepared to handle that, it freaks them out. 2. When a cat escapes, in heat or not, they tend to stay near to what's dear...meaning you. They will not usually come when called, so walking the streets hollering out their favorite nickname "Hey, Fuzzbutt, where are you??" is not going to do anything but make the neighbors think you're nuts. I know this from experience. It will also do nothing to bring her home; she will hide from you, too, because right now, everything is a danger...including the person who loves her and cuddles her and with whom she shares a bed. It's a scary world out there, and she'll be in survival mode. 3. When they do escape, they often stay very close to home. In the wild, making noise is tantamount to them calling down predators on them, so they will remain silent. Look around your own place right away; under the porch, behind the trash can, in the garage, under the bushes. They rarely go adventuring much farther than a few houses out, so expand your search that way, in a circle. Don't hesitate to look in places you don't think she'd be; as you've discovered, they can become liquid and small when they want to, and will get into places you'd never believe. So really look, even in places you've already looked; she may have changed spots. 4. If possible, leave your front door propped open. I've had some success with this; a cat might be lurking in the bushes just outside the door you usually use, and will be too scared to come bolting to you when you come in. So jingle your keys really well at your door, leave the door open, and allow her to come in when she can gather the courage to do so. (BTW, just because jingling keys are her signal that you're home, it doesn't necessarily mean that if she hears it 1/2 a block away...she likely only associates the sound with you on one side of a door, her on another, and so may not realize that it's you jingling.) 5. Set food out, right next to your door. She knows where she lives; and again, I know cats stay close to home. If you put food out, monitor how much is left there when you come back to it; you can usually tell if a cat is eating it. If some is gone one day, take some time and lurk the food (from inside) and see who's eating it. Dollars to donuts, it's her...and then try the open door thing. 6. When she does come home, and I believe she will, make sure you take her to the vet; not because you want to verify that she's preggers, but because once she's out, she's now been exposed to worms and fleas. Both need to be treated ASAP before any infestation occurs, because they can be deadly to a cat, and some more so than others while she's preggers. And you really don't need the kittens to have issues either. I have a cat, Charlotte, who at least once a year decides she needs to get free and run, run, run. She has been gone as long as five days, and she wasn't in heat...just needing freedom. I have, in the past, given up on her...but then, there she was, lurking the porch. Do NOT give up hope, not at all. She will come back, likely pregnant, and needing vet attention, but she will be home. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to pm me...I'd be more than happy to help. I know the bond we can get with cats, and how special they are and how sad it is when we're separated from them...as I type this, I've got one full grown kitty tucked into my robe. So I really know where you're coming from. You hang in there, all right? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Smiles, I am having trouble confirming your assertation that there was an altercation between he and an airline person. However, simply because I can't find it doesn't mean it wasn't real. There are many different points of view on Treadwell's death, and lots of details surrounding things we will simply not ever know. The way it is commonly reported, and in the film as well (which is where I originally got the idea) is that Treadwell decided to remain in the Maze and look for Downy, a female he had "befriended", for an additional week because he hadn't seen her yet and was concerned. In that week, the crucial timing that you speak of became life or death for him; had he left when he had intended, then he likely would still be alive. In either event, why Treadwell chose to go back into the Maze - either because an airline official pissed him off or he was looking for Downy - doesn't matter. What matters is he both knew and appreciated that this was a time of change, and that he would be at greater risk of death if he returned. He returned anyway. They could have removed him. They threatened to do so. And yet, they didn't. Is this death their fault? No, not at all. Free choice gave Treadwell his life and his death. Not the Park Rangers. Yes, one human body was buried as a cache for later consumption, and the other dismembered and scattered around the campsite. The two bears they killed were Bear #141 (I think), who was very old (some say 25+ years, which is exceedingly old for a bear, wild or otherwise), and whose canine teeth were both rotted and missing. The second bear was a sub adult male, about 3 years old (again, iirc). There is contention about which bear did the actual killing, but sadly, both bears died. I am not passing judgment on Treadwell or his behavior. I believe the documentary that Herzog produced was a phenomenal piece of work, and should be seen for what it is, a rare glimpse into both the lives of grizzlies, and more importantly, a glimpse into the mind of a man. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

There may have been an issue with a commercial flight being available when he wanted to return home, but his decision to extend his stay was because of the bear he was looking for, and not because of an airline. Andrews Air (I think), which is a "commercial" bush piloting service, is the one that he used, iirc, and the flight was delayed because of a storm which came in when the rescheduled flight was supposed to come. That caused a delay, not intentional, and the pilot came the next day. He landed, hollered for the two, started walking up to the camp, felt something was really wrong, and went (ran?)back to his plane (apparently he also saw one of the bears subsequently killed by Park Rangers). He then flew over the campsite, and saw a bear eating a ribcage. He radio'd that back, and the rangers came in, found a bear eating a corpse, shot that bear (the very old one), and then later that day had to shoot a younger sub-adult (about 3 years old). There is some discussion about whether or not the old bear was the one who'd done the killing, as his teeth were not capable of making some of the wounds found on both Treadwell and his girlfriend (according to both the rangers as well as the coroner). The information I've gotten has been from reading many different accounts, as well as that account made in The Grizzly Man. Yes, there was a problem, but it wasn't the pilots/airline's fault. It was rather a delay caused by Treadwell's rescheduling of his pick-up date, and then weather moving in. If you really need some sources, I'll see if I can't find them again for you (I just can't right now, sorry). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ca surf, I think (but not sure) that extradition can occur only after a sentence has been served. In other words, if a country has caught and convicted someone who is wanted in another country, once the convicted has served his sentence, he can only then be sent off to the other country. In this case, if the sentence was death, there is no "after" to get extradicted for. Not sure, though... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, theGreekone...Herzog is an amazing filmmaker. The reason he extended his stay wasn't because of flight personnel. Rather, it was to continue to look for one particular bear he had befriended and not yet seen that summer. He stayed, fully aware that those bears he knew would be retiring for the winter, and that those still out might be highly predatory to develop their fat stores for their winter hibernation. He only extended it one week, but in that week, he was able to locate the bear. However, on the day he was supposed to be picked up, weather moved in and prevented them from landing. He had already broken camp, and had to set up a new one. And so, apparently, he moved it into the path of a predatory bear, one not known to him, and thus increased his danger level. That is, from what I understand, the events surrounding his and Aime's deaths. it wasn't the pilot's fault whatsoever. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The latest is that it is believed that they tunneled out into the female side of a mosque, and did that tunneling with help. Whose help they are not sure, but they suspect either prison guards or intelligence officers. The 14 who have escaped are a perfect "cell", knowing each other, bonded by their escape, and all AQ. It's going to be interesting how this plays out. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope, I didn't forget the beer...but I don't know a Danish one. Any suggestions? Besides, if I'm having a sammich for lunch, it's likely I won't drink alcohol (work stuff, you know...)...but I'll be happy to tipple one this evening. Gimme a name! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jerry, you're on a roll. Well done! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Rasmack, thanks for the link. I have to go to the market today in any event, so some danish ham and Havarti cheese is on my list. I figure I can sit here and curse the assault on freedom of speech while eating a good sammich. LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Brilliant quick assessment. I was seeing a psychologist, and she referred me to a psychiatrist. I saw him for meds, and her for working through issues. I saw him once a month, and her weekly. Now, I see my regular MD for the medication, because I've been stable for so very long, and can manage my illness appropriately as long as the meds continue. it took years to get there, so don't expect that right away...but that is where I've come to. I would suggest that you see a psychologist first, and let them make a referral to a psychiatrist should your illness warrant medications. Lots of time, meds are not needed, but talk therapy is. Good luck...and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to pm me. Ciels- Anne ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

O.K., but that isn't my question. Iran has ties (significant, deep ties) to Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Kurdistan Worker's Party, as well as surreptitious ties with other deadly islamic terror organizations. If your answer is an allusion to the changes made from threatening regime changes by the US/West, that is not something I care to stake many lives on...as in, well, it's worked with Qaddafhi, so why not this dude? The primary difference is the (undeclared) jihad on all things western, including allies, friends, and countries which are local and near to them. Understanding jihad and what is in the minds of those who wage it is vital to finding ways to safely, and hopefully peacefully, defuse the situation. Frankly, I don't think that there is a defusion in the offing, and it bothers me greatly to hear this man stand there and say "wipe (them) off the face of the earth. They have no place here." (Please also note the elimination of an identifiable "they"...). I *do* understand your thought regarding a nuclear bomb being a defensive weapon; and if we were dealing with someone who was rational, generally peaceful, and not announcing his intentions to wipe countries and races off the map, I'd be more inclined to agree with you. It may be that he's full of hot air. I don't want to find out differently, after he's obtained a nuke. Furthermore, it's not implausible that a nuke is "lost" and I'm not discussing Clancy or Hollywood...shit happens, things "get lost" (lord knows we've lost some things...), and if they get found by the wrong people, well, it's not necessarily a pre-emptive/first strike sort of thing. It's rather more "dratted terrorists...sorry about that. We'll do better." If someone has plausible deniability, human nature is such that we will not create glass parking lots, but rather go with conventional warfare tactics, and change regimes...but still, not a return nuke would be sent. Again, I understand your position. I disagree with it wholeheartedly, but I understand it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~