Soxy

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 11:06 AM) NERDS! This is, of course, reinforced by the fact that these are grown men trying to get a brief glimpse of boob.

Happy Happy!!!!!!

QUOTE(RibbieRubarb @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 09:46 AM) LaGrange, IL has a ceramic art store. You can choose and paint your own coffee mugs!! Naperville has one too!

I wouldn't call them ghosts, but I do believe in that people's spirits can remain around. Shortly after my grandpa died (early from cancer) my grandma went upstairs and turned off the light in his bedroom (they always had the Ozzie and Harriet separate rooms). About 15 minutes later she noticed it was on again, so she turned it off. This happened about 3 times. So, she finally turned it off and unplugged it. Well, 15 minutes later it was on again, despite being unplugged. Weird. Also, after my grandma died the grandfather clock in her house would stop at the exact time the coroner put the time of death at. After we moved it out of that house it never did it again. There's been some other weird stuff like that. Dreams, apparitions too, mostly on that side of the family. But I do think the spirits hang around for a while afterwards.

QUOTE(Steff @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 09:03 AM) I don't know why.. but I smoke. :puke But I don't sit in the smoking section in resturants, nor do I smoke in my car, or in my house. Mainly just here at work or out at bars. So stupid to. But, I bet that if you had to go outside to smoke at a bar or something you wouldn't ditch out on the bill. If I was a smoker I would be pissed that people would think that I would ditch out on the bill just because I have to go outside to smoke.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 09:04 AM) ESPN Zone is a great guys night out. Beat me to it, that was what I was going to suggest. . .

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 08:47 AM) Heck neither my wife or me are smokers, and ever since she got pregnant we have totally quit going to bars, instead going to places that have real non-smoking areas. We would probably go out more often if something like this were to happen where we live. Exactly!!!! Why no one uses this argument I will never know. . .

QUOTE(Queen Prawn @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 08:33 AM) Thanks! And that's what we're saving the prize money for: & for next week.

My trivia team got second place yesterday (and $25). Woohoo!!!

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 08:18 AM) I really don't understand the arguement that if everyone bans smoking, it hurts revenues... If everyone does it, how does it hurt everyone? Do people just stop eating or something??? Because it doesnt' make sense. That argument is completely fallacious. The way that I look at it, some of my friends smoke--most do not. When they go out for a smoke the rest of us hang out in the establishment. They come back, we all have a good time and pay before we leave. I live in New York state (as you all know) and the bars, clubs, restuarants are ALWAYS packed. And I've never seen anyone skip out on a bill. And I can tell you I go out more often if only because I know I won't have to breathe the smoke--so the way I see it, there's an increase of people that go out instead of drink at private homes because of the no smoke. . .

More Ditka quotes, per the Trib Mike Ditka sounded off on the smoking ban Tuesday. Here's what he had to say: On the effects of a ban: "You're going to erode the whole basis of your business. People are going to say, 'You know what, I can save $500. Let me cook a couple steaks on the grill, get my own bottle of wine for $49, and I'll smoke a cigar wherever I want to.' " On the hypocrisy of the idea: "If it's a non-smoking ban, ban all smoking everywhere. In the house, on the street, everywhere. Get rid of it all ... let's go get 'em! If you want to do it, do it right." On government intrusion: "I wouldn't impose my will on anybody, believe me. I can give up smoking cigars tomorrow ... today if I wanted to. But when I want to smoke one, I want to smoke one. That really bugs me when someone says, 'God darn you're in America, but you can't do this stuff.' ... These laws are laws that have been implemented after the fact by man, they're not naturally laws of God." --Jimmy Greenfield, RedEye

Huh. Ditka tackles ban on smoking Proposal's foes bring in Da Coach By Delroy Alexander Tribune staff reporter Published July 13, 2005 Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka on Tuesday became the public face of the opposition to a sweeping new measure that would ban smoking inside almost all public places in Chicago, from bars and restaurants to train platforms. Ditka, the founder of Mike Ditka's restaurant downtown, appeared at a City Council hearing to speak against the proposal on behalf of the hospitality, restaurant and liquor industries. "Don't impose the will of the few on the lives of the many," said Ditka, who drew a strong reaction from the audience when he used an expletive to describe the proposed smoking ban. Ditka's testimony stretched more than 30 minutes during a nearly 3-hour session, the first in a series of public hearings to discuss the latest anti-smoking moves that could result in some of the toughest prohibitions in the nation. The former coach suggested the City Council should push to ban smoking entirely if it seriously wanted to address the health concerns related to lighting up a cigar or cigarette. Later in the hearing, a Chicago woman who said second-hand smoke gave her throat cancer at the age of 37 spoke in favor of banning smoking in public places. Ditka, who is often pictured smoking a big cigar, said any new measures restricting smoking in public places would hurt his business and other city establishments because high-paying customers who like to drink and smoke at the same time would avoid eating out altogether. A ban also would impinge on customers' right to choose what they do when they go out to eat, he said. "If you take this revenue away from restaurants, you are going to lose a lot of jobs," Ditka said. The anti-smoking lobby, which supports the strict new guidelines, was represented by Mary Rondoni, 39, a former Chicago bartender and waitress of 20 years. She said she believes second-hand smoke led her to being diagnosed two years ago with late-stage throat cancer, often seen in aging long-term smokers. "I am a young non-smoker and had no risk factors in my family history," said Rondoni, who has had three surgeries so far during cancer treatment. "It is very likely my exposure to years of second-hand smoke brought this disease to me, and it will be years before I know if I am to survive." Rondoni, now a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society, called it shameful that, in her view, businesses continue to put profit before the growing amount of evidence of the harmful effect of second-hand smoke. Rondoni's and Ditka's comments came after Ald. Ed Smith (28th), chairman of the City Council's Health Committee, introduced legislation that would ban smoking inside public spaces. The legislation also would force smokers who gather outside office doorways to be at least 25 feet away from any area where smoking is banned. The only exceptions spelled out in the measure are for private homes, hotels and motels and retail tobacco stores. Mayor Richard Daley has not taken a stand on the legislation. He has so far preferred to wait and see what, if any, proposals finally emerge from the City Council. Critics have charged that the proposed legislation, as currently constituted, has little chance of winning the 26 votes needed to pass. Even some aldermen on the committee who support the legislation appear willing to look at fresh options. "I think it's a little early for talk of compromise," said Ald. Joe Moore (49th). "But I am a realist, and three-quarters of a loaf is better than none at all." The anti-smoking debate has been heated in several Chicago suburbs in recent years, with Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette and Highland Park among more than 1,900 municipalities nationwide that have some type of restrictions on smoking. Seven states, including California, Massachusetts and New York, ban smoking in bars and restaurants. Proposals to tighten the prohibitions in Chicago as a whole over the years have failed to win council approval, including a broad ban, similar to the measure discussed Tuesday, which was proposed by Ald. Edward Burke (14th) in 2002. In 1988, the City Council prohibited smoking in many indoor public places. But it permitted creation of designated smoking areas in buildings, including restaurants, and left bars untouched. Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), owner of Ann Sather Restaurants and former chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association, has been touting a restaurant-only smoking ban until 9 p.m., after which customers could smoke freely. Another idea being floated is a ban that would cover all restaurants, except establishments that obtain a special smoking permit. llinois Restaurant Association President Colleen McShane said her group opposes any new measures but is open to a compromise. McShane would not endorse any potential alternative until she had a chance to check with her members. McShane said the restaurant business is too important to risk jeopardizing with new smoking restrictions. With about 210,000 workers employed in 6,000 eateries in the city, restaurant owners are Chicago's largest private employers, McShane said. "A $1 million loss in a hospitality establishment directly results in the loss of 34 jobs," McShane said. Andrew Hyland, an associate professor at the University of Buffalo's Roswell Park Cancer Institute, said studies of New York's ban on smoking in restaurants and bars, first imposed in 1995, showed that 22,000 more employees now work in restaurants in that city, an 18 percent increase. He said his research was geared primarily toward the true economic impact of a smoking ban. "Data from multiple, objective sources all indicate that the law worked--the air got cleaner, people supported it, and it was not bad for the hospitality economy," he said

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 12:48 AM) Alright, I just read through this thread, for the first time. What an awesome thread. Anyways -- I beat solitaire for the first time yesterday. My mom was having surgery at Rush, and my dad, my grandparents and I all basically sat in the 'waiting room' for about five hours. I was so happy when I beat it. And, my mom is doing Ok, she should be home from the hospital on Friday (fingers crossed). My dad and I both were real nervous the whole time, just 'cause he's had some bad experiences there (not saying other people haven't), and I'm overall just a nervous person. So, it was a big weight off our shoulders when we heard the news that the surgery went well. I'm glad your mom is going to be okay. And, yes, this is the awesomest thread ever. And, this is page 69 *snicker*

QUOTE(Steff @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 08:03 AM) I didn't... Jim never had one. His son and daughter were supposed to get it for him. I just got an email from her saying.. "oh.. we couldn't get it. Didn't know where to find it".. She's had THREE MONTHS to do it.. or tell me.. and not on the DAY we're going out for his birthday. So me... the wonderful loving step-mom.. get's to swoop in and save the day. :headshake Unreal.. ugghh.. must bite my tongue.. And these are your ADULT step-children iirc. That sucks. . .

QUOTE(Queen Prawn @ Jul 12, 2005 -> 08:20 PM) My wedding dress arrived today woohoo lol. That's awesome! And I remember the dress as being gorgeous! Hurray! Where are you hiding it or do you not care if Brian sees it?

QUOTE(CubKilla @ Jul 12, 2005 -> 09:12 PM) Funny. Blago continually tells his State workers the State is broke but he's finding millions for stem cell research and salt dome pressure washing contracts to contributors to his campaign. Let's not forget the millions he's earmarked to his wife so that she can organize flower planting areas along the State's highways..... flowers that DIE every winter from the salt spray of vehicles traveling well in excess of the 55 MPH posted speed limit. f*** "Blag-daddy" and his stem cell research :finger The money was ear marked for research anyway, so I don't think this is a misappropriation of funds. . .

Since Ross is still on the dl list... I would say AJ, he seems like he would be fun. Or Mark, he also seems fun.

Linky Cell Phone Use Quadruples Car Crash Risk 56 minutes ago TUESDAY, July 12 (HealthDay News) -- Drivers distracted by cell phone conversations quadruple their risk of a serious accident, according to new research out of Australia. The University of Sydney study also found that hands-free mobile phones are no safer than handheld mobile phones while driving. Researchers analyzed data on 456 drivers who owned or used mobile phones and had been in a traffic crash resulting in injuries requiring hospitalization. As part of the study, they interviewed the drivers and used phone company records to assess their mobile phone use immediately before the crash and during trips occurring at roughly the same time of day 24 hours, three days, and seven days before the crash. This meant, in effect, that researchers could compare crash risks in the same driver at the same time of day, with the only difference being whether or not they were using their cell phone. Reporting Tuesday in the online edition of the British Medical Journal, they found that cell phone use occurring in the 10 minutes prior to a crash was linked to a quadrupled risk of having an accident. The researchers also found similar results for the interval of up to five minutes before a crash. This link between mobile phone use and increased crash risk held true irrespective of driver age, sex, or whether or not he or she was using a hands-free mobile phone, the researchers added in a prepared statement. More information The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has more about cell phones and driving.

QUOTE(Steff @ Jul 12, 2005 -> 12:46 PM) This is gross.. but there isn't any pussing is there..? Or scabbing? If there is you might want to head to a dermatologist and get something stronger to keep the moisture in there. You'll keep peeling unless you stay moist enough (can't wait to see the peanut gallery comments on that one.. LOL). The pussing is over, for a couple of days I had gauze taped to my shoulder and back because it was just gross. I should have gone to the doctor. There's some scabbing. Fortunately this round is a lot better than when the first set blistered and peeled. If it's still a problem after this layer is gone I'm definitely going to the doctor. Thanks for the advice Steff. I usually don't burn this badly, my skin is getting more sensetive as I get older I think. . .

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Jul 12, 2005 -> 12:42 PM) Mmmmmmmmmm! :puke It's horrible! And I was even wearing sunblock. I've been putting aloe on every 5 minutes, and still it's all gross. . .

QUOTE(Steff @ Jul 12, 2005 -> 12:36 PM) Queen, Soxy and Laura help.. Exactly, it's quality not quantity. And we're all high quality.

Linkage Blagojevich earmarks money for stem cell research The Associated Press Published July 12, 2005, 1:28 PM CDT Gov. Rod Blagojevich issued an executive order Tuesday that directs $10 million in state money to be used for stem cell research, including embryonic stem cells. The money is to be given in grants to medical research facilities and would be part of a program the governor called the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute. The Illinois Department of Public Health is to over see that program, which is expected to be up and running by the end of the year. Blagojevich said he would consider it immoral not to act because stem cell research is an important avenue through which some diseases could be cured. The cash was included in the state budget as money for medical research. The executive order permits funding for research on adult, cord blood and embryonic stem cells. Obtaining embryonic stem cells requires destroying days-old embryos, so abortion foes oppose using them. The Bush administration has dramatically restricted federal funding for the practice. New Jersey, California and Connecticut already provide state funding for stem cell research.

The sunburn finally finished peeling yesterday--but now the next layer is starting to peel. I feel like a snake.

Bat girl posted a hilarious entry following the Twins losses to the Royals. I highly recommend reading the July 10th entry on the origins of sucking in baseball... A highlight: Unable to control said curiosity, Pandora opened the jar and out swarmed terrible beasts named E-4, KL, GIDPwRISP, and Frank Thomas. As a curse from Zeus to humanity, poor Pandora had let out all the world's sucking. In penance, she spent the rest of her days as a Cubs fan.

Foreign film endings usually throw me for a loop because they're much less concerned about happy endings, in general. The most recent one I can think of is 8 Women a french film. Momento also got me.