Michele

The story of Timothy Treadwell and his "work" with grizzlies is well documented and all over the net. Some people liked him. Some people hated him. Everyone thought he was nuts to live among grizzlies for 13 summers. And lots of people admired him like they admire skydivers: "cool for you, but not for me. Tell me the story about when..." Werner Herzog put together an incredible documentary about Treadwell, and it shows both his childlike idealization (the perfect world is one with no other people in it) as well as his apparent mental illness (yes, the signs are there for bi-polar; however, if you spent 5 days without anyone to talk to, I bet you'd start chatting to yourself too...). He showed some paranoia, but once one researchs his life, it might be found that it was justifiable in some instances. The Park Rangers at any time could've removed him from the park. And they did not. They also used him to collect data they were unable to get, and so there was a symbiotic relationship that occurred. Over all, Timothy Treadwell did what he loved, and died doing it. We as skydivers know how that goes...and should respect his desire to educate the public about grizzlies in a manner which few others can - or would - do. What some people don't realize is that there was a Russian scientist who did the identical thing as Treadwell (although I can't recall the location...), and who was also killed by a bear several months after Timothy's death. Not much has been made of his life/death...primarily because there was no camera around (sound familiar, vidiots? LOL!). I suppose that while this film may bother some people, it is also incredibly well done, and beautifully crafted from beginning to end. His decision to not include the tape of Aime's and Tim's death was because, according to Herzog, death carries a dignity, and as such, should be respected. I applaud him for that. Don't hesitate to see it if you get the chance. It's an incredible story, and an incredible documentary. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Mike, I genuinely enjoy your discussions/arguments. After reading through your posts here, I've got a question or two for you. ~Is not Iran one of the most active state sponsors of terrorism there is? is there not a significant track record of them providing arms and money to those who would see the west harmed for their cause? I think that they would not hesitate to "lose" a nuke (ala the suitcase nukes via the USSR...) and provide it to a terrorist organization with the ability to have "plausible deniability" contained therein. If so, who do you think the nuke would get lost to? ~In confining their ability to deliver a nuclear weapon to the continents of either Europe or the US, but still allowing them both a tactical nuclear weapon and the means of delivering it within, say, 150 miles, doesn't that put Israel at great risk? And if you accept that premise, do you think that a leader of the Iranian people, proved to be one of the hostage takers in the Embassy and who has made it plain, no question about it, that he would prefer to see the State of Israel wiped off the map, do you think that leader should have a nuclear weapon that can decimate Israel? Just some fodder for the discussion. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

To the Danes on this board... Because there is a boycott against your products in the ME, I'd like to ask if there are some products which you sell here that I can buy. No, I'm not saying that my measly few bucks spent on Danish cheese will turn the tide; but it will help (even if just a drop). But there's precious little I can do except this, and so I'd like to. Any suggestions? I am partial to chocolate, but any idea would be good. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

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

Apparently, Iran has been referred to the UN Security Council for violations regarding their nuclear enrichment program. (Link). Iran, however, has stated that this referral will end diplomatic efforts as well as inspectins Link. McCain spoke today, saying that while it was the last option, military involvement has not been taken off the table. Meanwhile, Israel has been very clear that any nuclear power in the area will not be allowed to take hold, especially if their President has threatened anhiliation of the State of Israel. Apparently, the global community has taken strong steps to communicate in no uncertain terms that a nuclear Iran is not acceptable. I know there is something upcoming in March with regards to the IAEA's full report, but this interim move is very interesting. I believe that things are going to get much worse before they get better...I can only hope that Iran's refusal of diplomacy was a momentary lapse in judgment and that they pick it up again. I don't think they will, however...and that's a concern. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Very nice. Thanks for sharing, and thanks so very much for volunteering to serve...you do rock, as do all the military folk over there. Thanks. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And they're both dead. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Peej, I do understand where you're coming from. However, I disagree to an extent. And I really don't like getting YELLED at. If you're not interested in PPD, and understanding both what causes it and how it can be mitigated, and are SIMPLY YELLING just to BE HEARD, then rest assured I both hear you, and understand your position. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm not automatically disagreeing with you, Peej, but I am curious why you believe that there is no cure for her sort of insanity? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not directed at Peej, just the encapsulation of the thoughts. Frankly, she belongs in a mental health facility, possibly for the rest of her life. I am generally very leary of those who claim insanity as a defense. Most of the cases I research that have this claim I think are so full of shit they'd fertilize an entire farm in one fell swoop (Buono, for example...). However, after reading her history, and seeing the absolutely horrific treatment she received at both the hands of her husband as well as the medical community (her last Dr. was apparently sued for malpractice by others, and perhaps as well as the Yates family. Not sure about that), and seeing the incredible deterioration that happened to her, I do not believe that she was in full grasp of her sensibilities. I have read other stories about women who claim to have PPD, and don't believe them. But I've seen enough on Andrea Yates to see that the diagnosis is very likely correct. As such, it is an illness, and should be treated as such. One of the biggest issues in society is the understanding of mental illness and the proper treatment of it. It costs many people their lives, and often lives of those who love them, or are around them. I have not forgotten the children; I cannot. They were victims, and suffered a frightening death. But I also have not forgotten the woman who is sick in a way that many people dismiss out of hand. My sister in law experienced not post partum psychosis but depression to such an extent that intervention was necessary. I will not go into details, but it got dicey there for a bit. Post partum depression/psychosis is real. It kills. It is treatable. And it is not the sufferer's fault. Mental illness is hard to believe at times, because there is no outward manifestation of such. It is not bullshit, it is not made up, it is not a character defect. What it is is terrifying and horrible for all involved. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

AFF 3. Only one so far! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

no, rhino, she didn't "walk." Her guilty verdict was overturned by appeals, and she is scheduled to go back to court in March. Furthermore, because of the system, she was able to "bail out", and is now in a mental institution (where she belongs, frankly). Should she leave the institution, she will have violated her conditions of bail, bail will be revoked, and she will be back inside a prison while she awaits her next trial. Additionally, the State has withheld two charges of murder so that should a verdict go against them, they are able to slap new charges on her immediately (which bothers me a great deal, honestly). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Just so we're clear (as there have been two posts which indicate it's LAPD), from what I understand, it was the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, and the shooting took place in Chino Hills (which is not LAPD's jurisdiction). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Peej, you really need to re-read what I said. At no point do I advocate the government taking away someone's rights. What I do say is that in my state, which is where this happened, there are certain things which will prevent you from owning a firearm. Being put into a mental facility is one of them, no legal/courtroom adjudication required. It's a medical decision made by Drs about a person's mental health to put someone into a facility, and one of the ramifications is lack of ability to purchase a firearm. That's what it is in my state. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Erm.... Well.... So, see, that's not exactly true. I believe you have to have a record of being mentally ill, and having been locked up for same, before you're prohibited from purchasing. In CA, for example, if you've been 5150'd into a mental health facility, then you're prohibited from purchasing a firearm for a period of time (I think it's 5 yers...not too sure). So, well, if someone hasn't been locked up, they can still purchase firearms. And like I said, I think there's a time limit on how long you're prevented. this whole situation was screwed from the beginning. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The interesting aspect, to me, is that until Karla got involved, Paul Bernardo was "only" a rapist...now, granted, escalation occurs often with rapists to murder, but what was the additional factor here? Karla... Once one has read enough about Karla, you really get a good feel for her manipulation, and her willingness to kill. She is now involved with an incarcerated murderer (Jean Paul Gerbet, iirc), who killed his first wife. Yup, Karla's making some really good choices with her life. Read some of the latest interviews/articles on her (especially on her release from prison), and you'll see how easily, and adeptly, she manipulates people; for instance, her moving to Quebec simply because apparently the French Canadian media was a bit more sympathetic to her is something that is telling... The plea deal was known as "The Deal With The Devil," and many, many thousands of people were hurt, offended, and appalled at the deal. Especially once the video tapes came to light, the outrage was enormous. But the deal had been made, and had to be kept. Paul Bernardo recieved life in prison, although I don't know if that means 'life' or something else. I am unfamiliar with Canadian penal sentencing and law. One of the things that this situation points out to me is the absolute lack of understanding and comprehension that women are capable of just as heinous a crime (or series of crimes) as men are. Often, women are percieved as not so bad, or the victim (as in Karla's case...she's been screaming victim for a very long time...and she is NO victim...), or the lesser of two evils. That is, frankly, a global perception of things rather than simply a western/Canadian/American view...and it allows women far more leeway to commit crimes and literally get away with them than men. And that is totally wrong. Narcimund, I don't think that no-one is listening. They may not have picked up on all that I say (often I'm subtle....NOT! LOL), but that's all right. I definitely don't equate it with priceless paintings before swine (isn't that pearls before swine? ). If someone doesn't listen to wisdom from whereever it appears, then it's an issue for them, and not the speaker. Hope you are having a good time in your new native land. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

IIRC, it was a plea deal w/ Karla to testify against her husband. IIRC further, video tapes came to light which showed Karla to be far more participatory than had originally been discussed (and the deal struck upon). However, the prosecution felt that they'd have a difficult time convicting Paul, the husband, without her testimony, so the deal stood. IMHO, that was one of the worst plea deals ever struck, and to me shows that unless you are VERY clear that the person you're dealing with is a witness or at most a minor player, plea deals just don't work. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sorry, Andy, if you felt I singled you out. Yours was the last post in the thread, and thusly I responded to it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Signs in restaurants I've gone to recently... "shirt, shoes required." "Tie required." Notes in invitations I've received lately. "Black tie" "Formal Wear" And in conversation while getting ready for the Crash/Weeds party the other day, "Suit and tie for your father, semi formal for you." I didn't get thrown out of any of the above. Had I been wearing inappropriate attire, I would have either been refused entry, or tossed off the red carpet (which wouldn't have mattered to me; I was looking for the back door anyway...). And had I caused a commotion, or ignored an officer's direct warning, then yes, I do expect to be arrested, ticketed, or worse. Common sense, people. Cindy Sheehan...from grieving mother to radical in one fell swoop...this certainly isn't a way to start a campaign against Dianne Feinstein, is it? (while I would love to see Feinstein replaced, Sheehan would be out of the frying pan into the fire.). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

At least you recognize your prejuding. Most people don't. Let me re-write it so that you'll see how prejudicial your comments are. If you said the following: I'm not so stuck up that I think that color or skin tone is the only, or even a large, factor in someone's personality. Many of those that are white have their own problems or hangups. No, I don't look away or sneer when a "nigger" walks by. I do judge, though, and that's not changing. It's what makes me more perceptive, and I'm usually right. Not always, I understand, but enough. As I said, I'm just calling this as I see it. Here's what I can't seem to understand, however: If a large amount of crime is caused by factors other than skin color, why is it that no other country I've been in, which is quite a few, has as large of a number of victimized people? " Et cetera. Look. Prejudging on anything is wrong. Believing your perceptions are accurate because that's what you think, in face of other evidence (both anecdotal and scientific), is either ignorant or arrogant. Do I believe you to be either? Despite what you've posted, because I don't know you, I can't say I do believe you to be either. And rest easy, it takes a whole lot more to offend me than someone showing me that they're prejudiced in one way or another. Thanks for sharing your thoughts...I disagree with them wholeheartedly. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dolph, thanks for the illustration. I agree...and I also think that those who are not the "norm" are regularly ostracized (on both sides; too skinny and/or too fat). I live in Barbie and Ken land. It's scary, the lengths some people will go to look a particular part, or have a certain look. Very, very scary. They stick plastic pillows in their chests or calves; they bleach their skin; they shoot fat into their lips. They get pulled out of recognition by surgeons, all to fit someone else's idea of what is beautiful and acceptable. They torture themselves if they gain an ounce, and will literally starve themselves to get the look they want. And not one of them look good, and not one procedure looks normal. A lot of people who think that someone else should a certain way or they're not worthy of (whatever) needs to look a bit farther than the surface, and indeed much farther than their mirror. I am so sick of the judgmental arrogance of some people, the attitude that they are better than I because of their body (oh please!!!) that it just makes me laugh to see them behave without even be aware of it. And yes, Jeanne, I will definitely jump with you any time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

O.K., so what are your reference parameters? % of body fat? Pounds v. height? Looks? Clothing size? Health status? All? None? Other? What, in your opinion, is "obese"? Ah, but what you don't seem to understand is that medication can start the weight gain and prevent any weight loss, and by the time things are done (if they can be), the weight's already gained. Furthermore, if one (as in RL's situation) has an illness which is very difficult to diagnose and it's let to run it's course over many years, and only then is treatment begun, the damage has *already* occurred...in my case, I wasn't diagnosed for many many years, and a whole lot of physical damage is still being "undone" while other damage will never be corrected. What do you consider "a bit of extra weight" and how do you know it's from laziness or from a medical issue when you're looking at them and saying "fattie" in your head and tossing a sour, nasty look their way? (Not saying you do this, but one does indeed suspect so; it happens far more often than you think, and especially with those who prejudge. Your original post indicates this might be the case. Correct me if I'm wrong...). You do realize you contradict yourself in your statement. For me, it did take three hours daily, 5 days a week. When I was at a "fighting" weight, my workout included 2 hours daily of cardio, and one hour (or more) of weights. And I still was told I was 'overweight' (according to some people). I'm not looking for an "easy" life; never have, never will. But I am also not willing to sit here and read someone's ignorance without an attempt to show there is a)a person with a real heart, feelings, and emotions reading your posts, and b) you don't know what you're talking about. Your indication that "life isn't easy" is simply another bit of misinformation that you apparently believe and cling to, and your assumption that I want things to be "easy" is about as spurious and condescending as it gets. I should've just stuck with my original thought to post... Sigh... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And it's funny how far people go to ostracize and berate someone who they believe is "lazy." As Kris said, there are MANY factors which go into obesity...does everyone have all of them? No. Are some people "lazy"? Sure. But there may be a number of people who have a combination of things that combine to increase weight gain. Me? It's a combination of medication, bad dieting habits (meaning starvation type diets for two decades[killing the metabolism]), and genetic tendencies towards higher percentage of "fat cells"...it's not exactly me being lazy. Could I work out for three hours a day? Sure...but could you? So despite my initial reaction of "oh, fuck you" to this thread, I thought I'd take a moment to articulate the issues from someone who you just might want to stay away from, lest you catch a virus, or catch being "lazy" from me. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Chocolate covered. Room temp or chilled doesn't matter when they're chocolate covered. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not necessarily. If the shot was taken from the ground, and the lens was a really good one (L glass, for example), the aperature and shutter speed, and if focus was set out to infinity, it is really, really hard to diferentiate focal points in moving objects at a distance. Think of it in terms of shooting stars. We all know there are millions of miles separating them from each other, but only in rare instances are we able to see some slight Depth of Field (which is what you're talking about) between stars. Dunno if this was doctored, but it doesn't look like it at first glance. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~