Texsox

QUOTE(Jenksismyb**** @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 04:52 PM) Thousands of years full of evidence of human action. Two bombs. Yeah, that's the same thing... Two bombs? Yep, just a couple of bombs. Hell, we've dropped thousands on some countries in one day. We win wars.That's how we have become the leading superpower in the world. We've killed hundreds of thousands of people in our couple hundred year history. So which would prove your point about being hardwired? A nation that in a couple hundred years has killed more people or one that killed less and did it in thousands? So if you want to preach that this is hardwired and people can not change, then you have to accept that includes Americans. There is nothing in our history that would have you believe we favor peace over war. Yet, I believe in the principle of tabula rasa. I believe a leopard can change its spots. There have been negotiated peace accords. Those only happen when both sides agree to put down the weapons. An eye for an eye leaves both sides blind.

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 05:03 PM) I can tie a cherry stem into a knot using only my tongue. So 1970s. so can I.

QUOTE(mr_genius @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 04:55 PM) i'd rather donate financial resources to a worthy cause. the money would help them more than my working there a few hours. but thats just me. Most of these organizations survive as a sort of three legged stool. They need your time, talent, or money. So I agree that writing a check is necessary, but I disagree taht it will help them more. Every person's money is the same, but your unique attributes can not be bought or duplicated.

QUOTE(Jenksismyb**** @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 04:42 PM) Not a good comparison. Are you serious? That’s practically the definition of human nature. There’s how many thousands of years of evidence to prove that’s exactly what humans do. That’s the problem with certain people in the world. They hold out for this unimaginable fallacy that people aren’t hard-wired to be this way. They try and deal with irrational people in a rational way. They try to use logic with illogical people.

I would like to be the first, besides every retail store on the planet to wish you and your families peace and happiness this Holy-day season. May the God of your choice bless you. For me and my family it will be the miracle of Jesus' birth and the promise that God made to each of us. But that's not to say we can't chuckle every now and then . . .

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 04:10 PM) I wanted an answer to a particular question, but it probably would be helpful for others on the board to share home repair tips etc. My question is how do I keep my windows particularly the outside of the windows, cleaner longer? It is seriously a pain to keep washing the exterior of my windows, because they seem to get dirty extremely quickly. Anyone have a tip to help me out? In my power washing business we also did windows for our regular clients. The key to fast, easy, window washing is starting with good equipment. I used Ettore products. I used their window cleaner, it left almost zero streaks. Fill a bucket with about a gallon of water and a couple squirts of the cleaner, note, not reverse, you don't want a lot of suds. There are sleeves that fit on the "T" bar to scrub down the window. After you complete this step, switch to the squeegee and remove the excess water. Wipe down the sill and any drips on the corners with a clean chamois or surgical towel, (lint free) and you are finished. Start to finish on most residential windows should be under 90 seconds. Use an extension pole to reach the high spots, or use a ladder with a spreader bar. I bought my stuff from a dealer, I need sets for 6 workers, but IIRC Home Depot carries their stuff. On first floor stuff you should squeegee the window without lifting the blade from the glass. Kind of an S pattern. BTW, most reputable, insured, window guys will charge from $5 to $10 per pane, residential. Lower prices for annual contract work. You can get some great deals from the crack addict with a squeegee.

QUOTE(Jenksismyb**** @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 03:58 PM) Are you serious? That's practically the definition of human nature. There's how many thousands of years of evidence to prove that's exactly what humans do. That's the problem with certain people in the world. They hold out for this unimaginable fallacy that people aren't hard-wired to be this way. They try and deal with irrational people in a rational way. They try to use logic with illogical people. You going to tell me socialism works too? And do you honestly believe this letter is a message to the American people to trust that Iran won't do anything bad in the future? That its sole aim is to uphold justice and be respectful of all other nations and peoples? Oh wait, we already know that's not true CUZ HE'S CALLING FOR THE ANNIHILATION OF AN ENTIRE ETHNIC GROUP. He's pandering to the rest of the world, promoting himself as a good guy against the evil Bush regime. God help us if people actually believe that crap. So after dropping an atomic bomb we will forever be the most blood thirsty country on the planet. OK, I can accept that.

QUOTE(Rex Kicka** @ Nov 27, 2006 -> 11:16 AM) Just seems like the way a KGB spook would off another spy. Just to toss a log on the fire, why would the KGB assassinate him in a manner that would almost certainly bring attention back to them? If he had been a victim of "a random robbery" gone wrong, he wouldn't be any less dead *and* the KGB would have plausible deny-ability. This way it reads too much like a James Bond plot.

The only hope for peace is that each player in the conflict has the same sort of epiphany. I pray this happens. However, if we follow b****'s lead, that will be impossible because of prior acts. I have an eternal optimism for all humankind and believe it can happen, to accept otherwise is to accept the depths of human violence and cruelty as inevitable and unchanging.

QUOTE(sox4lifeinPA @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 03:09 PM) aside from referring to Israel as Zionist, what was wrong with what he had to say? Not much that I read. And the shot at Israel was expected, and probably tempered. I assume the balls reference was it would not be well received by his cohorts in that corner of the globe. A bit too conciliatory towards the Christian world and the US.

QUOTE(YASNY @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 12:34 PM) So where is all the indignation about this racism, along the lines of that which Richards inspired? Is it truly possible for a society our size to pay attention to and react to each and every episode to have any single instance be examined? Richards should get a pass because the other 1,000s of episodes that happen everyday in this country does not elicit the same outrage? And let's not pretend there is simply a moral lesson here, the entertainment value drives this story. We care, and create a thread with over 150 posts, because he's a celebrity that people actually know and care about. The reaction is as much about entertainment as it is values and morality.

QUOTE(Jenksismyb**** @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 02:58 PM) Pot meet Kettle... Man this guy has some balls. Yep, some balls.

QUOTE(YASNY @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 12:43 PM) The only thing about that is when Kennedy got done serving his country, he was still wealthy to the gills. Whereas Joe Citizen might need that time to better himself and his family. Not addressing the draft and options, but thinking in a more immediate and concrete way. There are many ways to give back. From a couple hours a month to many hours per week, and most are stuff that people like. Volunteer with a sports league for youth, Church groups, Scouting, Boy's and Girl's Clubs, YMCA, the political process, advisory boards, park districts, the list is endless.

QUOTE(YASNY @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 11:11 AM) Kennedy's quote was not a mandate. No it is not a legal mandate, perhaps a moral or ethical one. We could either chat about the nuances of a word or we could discuss the differences between feeling entitled to take whatever one can from this society or the feeling of a debt to give something back. I believe, strongly, that we have raised a generation that believes public service is a punishment for doing something wrong. It's the "Me Generation".

We have gone around and around on this issue, and if anyone truly cares about my position, just look at any thread on the subject, I've usually jumped in. Instead I would appreciate everyone taking a moment and thinking about Keith Matthew "Matt" Maupin. and Ahmed_Qusai_al-Taayie It's sad to put anyone's life into a "nutshell" but they are the only US Serviceman currently missing in Iraq. Please pray to the God of your choice for them and their families. There are times that this fun diversion swerves into something more serious and the loss of American lives is about as serious as I can think.

Sometimes it is the smallest moves that make the biggest impact. With this contract, he is also more tantalizing in any trade talks.

Not anything "official" but an interesting way of ranking fielding.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 10:00 AM) If the IPs fit, you mustn't aquit

BTW, local angle for me. The Executive Producer and Director graduated from my children's High School.

It is interesting the number of people who have made up their minds before reading any of the debates.

QUOTE(Controlled Chaos @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 08:15 AM) "The last time I checked, the first six letters of Christmas still spell out Christ," Braoudakis told the AP. "It's tantamount to celebrating Lincoln's birthday without talking about Abraham Lincoln." We also shouldn't celebrate Independence Day because some citizens are of English birth or ancestry and they will be offended.

QUOTE(FriendsofPAforPresident @ Nov 28, 2006 -> 11:14 PM) Hooray for PA! From the Urban Dictionary 1. sock puppet 34 up, 2 down An account made on an internet message board, by a person who already has an account, for the purpose of posting more-or-less anonymously. by Ian Maxwell Mar 14, 2003 email it permalink: del.icio.us Send to a friend your email: their email: send me the word of the day (it's free) 2. sock puppet 24 up, 1 down 1: A fake personality, usually a 'friend' or 'sister,' created by a drama queen/king for the sake of defending him/herself against others in an online forum. 2: Someone who might be an actual person but behaves like the above, defending someone who really deserves no defense. After mskyootie44 left the board in a snit, she made a sock puppet claiming to be her sister that told us we should all be ashamed of how mean we were because mskyootie was cutting herself in the bathroom. You know, just sayin'

QUOTE(mr_genius @ Nov 28, 2006 -> 10:04 PM) so what are you going to do with the people who refuse to work? put them in jail? what constitutes a legit "service" option? how about working at "family planning" or for a "pro-life" campaign with ties to a religious institution? the idea doesn't work any many levels, one of them being logistical. oh, and the Kennedy quote is great, but he meant it as a suggestion and way to live, not as a mandate. Your Quote: i don't think the government should have authoratitive power to forcefully mandate service to the coutry unless there is a relevant and immediate threat to the survival of the country. Kennedy's quote: Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. Which is the better suggestion? Which is better for our country?

I really dislike repeating myself so often is this forum. Allow me to summarize. We have forgotten why we pay taxes. We pay taxes to run the government. To provide the goods and services that allow millions of people, spread out over millions of acres, to live in safety and security with a high standard of living. President Reagan, who I have a lot of respect for, found the perfect strategy to be wildly popular. Give the elected leaders all the money they want to fund programs and return home a hero, and also give the taxpayers back some money in their taxes. Who wouldn't want free stuff? Problem is we eventually have to pay all this back with interest. Spending goes unchecked when no one has to pay for things. Truly lower taxes comes from lower government spending, not increased borrowing. Lower government spending comes from making the leadership responsible for how they are spending the money. Only through a balanced budget is that accountability realized. I favor a simplification of our personal income tax system. It should not take a trained accountant to file the average Americans personal income tax.

LCR, as a teacher I am certain you have noticed with mergers and acquisitions the reduction in the number of text book publishers that are available to you. Further, with large states, (re: customer for text books) specifically Texas and California, mandating the material that must be contained, we are rapidly establishing a national standard even without standardized tests. A local school board may impose all the standards they like, however, without the resources for a teacher to use, the situation becomes one of frustration for teachers, students, and parents. So I believe a national standard is inevitable. So the question becomes who we would prefer to establish this standard. The writers and editorial board at Prentice-Hall, or via the government? I believe we need to recognize this fact and build within that a system that allows local influences as well. What I would like to talk about more than anything in education is the hijacking of all a child's education and placing that at the feet of the schools. We have allowed the schools to be the final arbitrator and resource for teaching our children. We have removed the parent from the equation. The schools should be considered one of the tools that parents use to teach their children. Allow me to elaborate. I place the parents at the top of the pyramid in raising their children. They alone have final responsibility to deliver their child to adulthood. Asking the schools to teach everything from spelling to morality is wrong. Every child is home schooled. Let me say that again so it is clear. Every child is home schooled. They learn more from watching the adults around them then sitting in a classroom. Parents contract out to others the education opportunities in areas they are unfamiliar and which amplified. Our public school system does an admirable job in teaching reading, writing, arithmetic, history, and all the traditional subjects. We need to give them the time and resources to teach these subjects. We should not make them responsible to be teaching your child morality, ethics, and other basics of life. The parents need to take responsibility for that training. If they need to find help in those areas, much like they do with schools, that is fine as well. Parents need to then find organizations that reflect their family values. That could be through their religion or character based youth activities like sport leagues, karate, Awanas, Boy and Girl Scouts, YMCA, Indian Guides, etc. But let us not ask our nation's pubic schools to take that responsibility as well.