Everon

Considering today's energy demands, along with controversial global warming claims, etc. wouldn't it be wise to reconsider investing in fission as a clean, efficient energy source? The Three Mile Island accident basically put an end to nuclear facility expansion in the US, but in reality it really shouldn't have been considered an accident, as the design of the reactor was well known to be very "touchy," and the resulting events were predictable of Babcock and Wilcox reactors at the time (among other things.) About one half of TMI unit two's core did actually melt, with no resulting catastrophe, and this was 26 years ago. Without going into too much detail at this point, what's your opinion on this? There's research into (safer) fusion reactors, but it is not a priority. The nuclear industry stalled after TMI, and there are insurance and cost issues as well. Would investing in nuclear generating facilities by the utility companies be viable today?

River Downs (SE side along the river) and Turfway Park (across the bridge - in Florence Ky.) are thoroughbred racetracks that race live this week. If you're interested let me know - I'll give you a couple of "hot" ones....

Sorry - I'm a humanist and atheist. Okay?

While there are some truly qualified teachers out there, I realize there are many lousy ones as well. Some downright lousy. I was an instructor at the university for a year satisfying my graduate requirements and learned to be good at it. In the public tutoring room, I tutored many el-ed teachers and was appalled. I'd have to say I agree with your statement.

I'm sorry you feel that way.

Yes indeed it does: 1) We believe in the equal rights, opportunities, and benefits for all humans. 2) We do not tolerate discrimination for ANY reason against anyone, nor bigotry. 3) We believe that scientific advancement is the medium for the benefit of future generations to achieve happiness and an excellent quality of life. 4) We believe one should strive for "heaven" during THIS life, and make the most of your skills and intelligence now, not in another "life." This is our "moral code," so to speak, our directions for a "way of life." As for the "standards" in my earlier response, I was refering to whom I was responding to of his "love of everyone." Of course, there are many that do not adhere to that, in which case my standards would not reflect theirs.

I certainly wouldn't be offended by your recitation. That is your belief and you have every right to have it. Actually, I don't think this guy cares what others think of his beliefs - it is in his (and my) opinion unconstitutional to include the phrase, because our constitution guarantees everyone's religious freedom, and there are those in this country whose religion (or lack thereof) does not worship this "god." Do it in church, home, whatever - not in public schools. Love your last statement. This is, indeed, one of our goals in life - and I'd certainly hope for everyone else as well!

Let me qualify what I wrote earlier. It's not so much christianity in general, but rather the actions and words of the religious right. The intelligent design garbage and their blatant actions of discrimination and bigotry they espouse. I'm certainly not debating the fine education available at jesuit schools - I for one got my master's at a jesuit school, and the instruction was first-class. As an atheist, my standards parallel yours, but let me add that we are strongly opposed to discrimination of any kind, and are for equal civil rights for all. Tschuess!

As an atheist myself, perhaps I can shed some light on it. I myself am offended by that, walking into a public restaurant seeing "god bless America" plastered on the wall, etc. I view christianity as a detriment to education. This is the main reason why it is offensive to me. There are other religions, along with atheists, that do not believe in the christian god, and when we profess our (dis)beliefs, we are looked upon as second-class citizens. This is just wrong, and it is another reason it offends me. Anyway, I've seen on this thread the ever-popular "we were founded as a christian nation" theme mentioned, and Bill recommended two good readings. Here is a short collection of the thoughts of our founding fathers: http://www.freethought.mbdojo.com/foundingfathers.html#madison

This is true - there is probably no article coming at all.

Yes, he cut taxes but in the wrong places. Corporate America is doing just fine, and the lower-middle classes are not. The key to stimulating any economy is to completely cut the capital gains taxes on small emerging growth companies for example 2 years, so they can focus on R&D and expansion. These are the future intels and ciscos and they create decent jobs rapidly. This hasn't been done.

Wow, I've never seen her before - she's cute. I agree about the biases on both CNN and Fox, but of the twoo I think CNN's jounalists are more professional, so I prefer it. MSNBC news is okay, too. Anybody familiar with Maria Bartiromo on CNBC? Smokin'!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/30/AR2005083001553.html

Actually, Saddam's son-in-law Kamel had already told the CIA he had destroyed them - long before 9/11. And Kamel's other intel proved to be accurate from years before. And this administration knew this. The only reason he showed defiance is his paranoia from his much stronger neighbor - Iran. Saddam had no fear greater than a war with his greatest enemy, and that's why he gave the illusion he might have WMD - to deter Iran from invasion. The inspection bullshit had nothing to do with it. Most Europeans were aware of this (which is why there was no coalition) as was anyone who decided to educate hisself on Middle Eastern history - but that is certainly not a priority in the US - education, that is. It was unbelievable to me that so many people (in the US) bought this lie (WMD).

But didn't you know that anything that conforms to their beliefs is the "gospel?" Research be damned!!.

You won't see mine - I vowed not to scare anyone. Just kidding.

Let's put it this way. This guy (Saddam) rose to power in a not too dissimilar fashion from the way Stalin did (poor families, no resources, etc.) GWB was handed millions in wealth and businesses with a silver spoon and f*%^ed them all up. Who is smarter in your book?

No, he knew. He opened his borders "wide open" just before the invasion, knowing full well this would be the result.

Ditto. When I was a kid I remember reading a newsclip about 3 people dying in a car fire while in the trunk of a car going to a drive-in movie. Wow - just to save a few bucks. What was that line in "Parenthood?" "You need a license to fish, you need a license to drive, but anyone can have a kid." This fine specimen needs to be spayed.

Don't even have to look - I've seen it already. ROTFLMAO!!!! I'm sure you're all familiar with a Santorum search?

A lot of things went wrong here. To have forseen what is happening today one needed a strong grasp of Middle Eastern history and the USs involvment in it. As our leaders were reassuring (seen as liberators, etc.) none of them clearly had a grasp of what they were about to undertake. One guy did - Saddam himself. And he said it before the invasion proper - "he's going to see another Vietnam." Say what you will about the man, but he has a deep understanding of the workings of the US and surely did not forget about the USs betrayal of him in the Iran-Iraq war. What's ultimately far more sobering is that, knowing we will not be able to pull out of Iraq for many years to come, the door has been left wide open for by far and away the most powerful country in the Middle East - Iran. This is going to be a wonderful opportunity for the fundamentalist, very dangerous regime extremely hostile towards the US (much more so than Saddam ever was) to become more powerful than anyone could imagine. Was there anyone who spoke of this potential danger before the unjustified invasion of Iraq? Nadda. I don't even want to ponder any further than this - the thoughts become very ugly.

Ooops! Thanks - correction made.

http://www.pocketmovies.net/detail_44.html Once there, click the download button. You'll have to click on the resulting picture again to see the commercial. If that doesn't work, right click on the picture and open link. If the link above is dead, manually type it into you're address bar. Sorry, but I had a heck of a time with this. I don't know if it's the site or my computer. Anyway, enjoy!