Aug 29, 2009
This Week’s Sound Off
Lockerbie bomber Abdelbeset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi released from prison on humanitarian conditions cause he’s dying of cancer is a scam. He should have rotted in prison.
The four health care bills currently under debate which Democrats want to ram through, not a good idea for Democrats and not good for us. These bills need to be killed. However, insurance reform is a more sensible route to go.
No matter how you look at it, torture of any human being is immoral. With this said, the torturing of detainees, specially known terrorists who are on a mission to do humanity harm, using whatever method available to extract vital security information is acceptable and our government should not have to apologize for its use.
Our “wonderful” Governor Mark Sanford is an embarrassment to South Carolina and his effectiveness as Governor has been overshadowed by his misuse of tax payer's money and adultery. Simply put, Sanford needs to resign his office.
The “Cash for Clunkers” program pisses me off! Now a part of my taxes are going to go to repay Uncle Sam for someone else’s new car? Oh hell no! Like the bailing out of banks and auto companies, this program is nothing more than the same package which you and I will have to pay for. Now the government is considering home appliances? Hope it considers televisions, computers, home furnishings, etc., cause I could sure refurnish my home with your money.
Mass., Senator Edward M. Kennedy, one of the most powerful and influential senators in American history and one of three brothers whose political triumphs and personal tragedies captivated the nation for decades, died at age 77.
Pop entertainer Michael Jackson’s death ruled a homicide. Prior to his death, Michael was given the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam (known by its brand name, Ativan) and midazolam (known as Versed). Propofol was the fatal drug that ended his career and unfortunately his life.
Come September, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi will be coming to the United States. The leader will be pitching his tent in New Jersey and participating in the annual United Nations General Assembly. Gadhafi is allowed to travel anywhere he wishes while in the U.S.
Following his internationally televised welcome home of the Lockerbie bomber Abdelbeset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, like he was the lost prodical son (murder) the State Department should not welcome Gadhafi with open arms and limit his movements while visiting.
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The four health care bills currently under debate which Democrats want to ram through, not a good idea for Democrats and not good for us. These bills need to be killed. However, insurance reform is a more sensible route to go.
<><><>*<><><>
No matter how you look at it, torture of any human being is immoral. With this said, the torturing of detainees, specially known terrorists who are on a mission to do humanity harm, using whatever method available to extract vital security information is acceptable and our government should not have to apologize for its use.
<><><>*<><><>
Our “wonderful” Governor Mark Sanford is an embarrassment to South Carolina and his effectiveness as Governor has been overshadowed by his misuse of tax payer's money and adultery. Simply put, Sanford needs to resign his office.
<><><>*<><><>
The “Cash for Clunkers” program pisses me off! Now a part of my taxes are going to go to repay Uncle Sam for someone else’s new car? Oh hell no! Like the bailing out of banks and auto companies, this program is nothing more than the same package which you and I will have to pay for. Now the government is considering home appliances? Hope it considers televisions, computers, home furnishings, etc., cause I could sure refurnish my home with your money.
<><><>*<><><>
Mass., Senator Edward M. Kennedy, one of the most powerful and influential senators in American history and one of three brothers whose political triumphs and personal tragedies captivated the nation for decades, died at age 77.
<><><>*<><><>
Pop entertainer Michael Jackson’s death ruled a homicide. Prior to his death, Michael was given the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam (known by its brand name, Ativan) and midazolam (known as Versed). Propofol was the fatal drug that ended his career and unfortunately his life.
<><><>*<><><>
Come September, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi will be coming to the United States. The leader will be pitching his tent in New Jersey and participating in the annual United Nations General Assembly. Gadhafi is allowed to travel anywhere he wishes while in the U.S.
Following his internationally televised welcome home of the Lockerbie bomber Abdelbeset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, like he was the lost prodical son (murder) the State Department should not welcome Gadhafi with open arms and limit his movements while visiting.
Cowboy Rules And Cowboys Rule
1. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot. 2. Turn your cap right, your head ain't crooked.
3. Let's get this straight: it's called a 'gravel road'. I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're gonna get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.
4. They are cattle. That's why they smell like cattle. They smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-10, I-40, I-70, & I-80 go east & west, and I-17 , I-25, I-15 go north & south. Pick one & go.
5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're not impressed. We have $250,000 combines that are driven only 3 weeks a year.
6. Every person in the Wild West waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.
7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of geese, pheasants, ducks, or doves are comin' in during the hunts, we WILL shoot it out' a your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.
8. Yeah, we eat trout, salmon, deer and elk. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.
9. The 'opener' refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.
10. We open doors for women. That applies to all women, regardless of age.
11. No, there's no 'vegetarian special ' on the menu. Order steak or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham and turkey.
12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup! Oh, yeah...we don't care what you and the folks in your city call that stuff you eat, but IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!
13. If you bring 'Coke' into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice. If you bring 'Mary Jane' into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.
14. College and high school football is as important here as the Giants, the Yankees, the Mets, the Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.
15. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards - it spooks the fish.
16. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump junk ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers! Refer back to #1!
A true Westerner will send this to at least 3 others and a few new friends that probably won't get it, but we're friendly so we share in hopes you can begin to understand what a real life is all about!
Author Unknown
3. Let's get this straight: it's called a 'gravel road'. I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're gonna get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.
4. They are cattle. That's why they smell like cattle. They smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-10, I-40, I-70, & I-80 go east & west, and I-17 , I-25, I-15 go north & south. Pick one & go.
5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're not impressed. We have $250,000 combines that are driven only 3 weeks a year.
6. Every person in the Wild West waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.
7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of geese, pheasants, ducks, or doves are comin' in during the hunts, we WILL shoot it out' a your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.
8. Yeah, we eat trout, salmon, deer and elk. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.
9. The 'opener' refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.
10. We open doors for women. That applies to all women, regardless of age.
11. No, there's no 'vegetarian special ' on the menu. Order steak or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham and turkey.
12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup! Oh, yeah...we don't care what you and the folks in your city call that stuff you eat, but IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!
13. If you bring 'Coke' into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice. If you bring 'Mary Jane' into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.
14. College and high school football is as important here as the Giants, the Yankees, the Mets, the Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.
15. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards - it spooks the fish.
16. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump junk ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers! Refer back to #1!
A true Westerner will send this to at least 3 others and a few new friends that probably won't get it, but we're friendly so we share in hopes you can begin to understand what a real life is all about!
Author Unknown
Swine Flue Explosion Prediction
The H1N1 flu virus could cause up to 90,000 U.S. deaths, mainly among children and young adults, if it resurges this fall as expected, according to a report released Monday by a presidential advisory panel.
The H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu virus, could infect between 30 percent and 50 percent of the American population during the fall and winter and lead to as many as 1.8 million U.S. hospital admissions, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology reported.
The report says 30,000 to 90,000 deaths are projected as part of a "plausible scenario" involving large outbreaks at schools, inadequate antiviral supplies and the virus peaking before vaccinations have time to be effective.
Up to 40,000 U.S. deaths are linked to seasonal flu each year, with most of the fatalities occurring among people over 65. With seasonal flu and H1N1, this fall is expected to bring more influenza deaths and place "enormous stress" on intensive care units nationwide, which normally operate near capacity, the report says.
An H1N1 resurgence may happen as early as September, at the beginning of the school year, and infections may peak in mid-October, according to the report. However, the H1N1 vaccine isn't expected to be available until mid-October, and even then it will take several weeks for vaccinated individuals to develop immunity, the report says.
The potential "mismatch in timing" could significantly diminish the usefulness of the H1N1 vaccine, the report says.
"Even with the best efforts, this will cause some illness, some severe illness and unfortunately, some deaths," Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Monday. –For rest of the story see CNN
The H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu virus, could infect between 30 percent and 50 percent of the American population during the fall and winter and lead to as many as 1.8 million U.S. hospital admissions, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology reported.
The report says 30,000 to 90,000 deaths are projected as part of a "plausible scenario" involving large outbreaks at schools, inadequate antiviral supplies and the virus peaking before vaccinations have time to be effective.
Up to 40,000 U.S. deaths are linked to seasonal flu each year, with most of the fatalities occurring among people over 65. With seasonal flu and H1N1, this fall is expected to bring more influenza deaths and place "enormous stress" on intensive care units nationwide, which normally operate near capacity, the report says.
An H1N1 resurgence may happen as early as September, at the beginning of the school year, and infections may peak in mid-October, according to the report. However, the H1N1 vaccine isn't expected to be available until mid-October, and even then it will take several weeks for vaccinated individuals to develop immunity, the report says.
The potential "mismatch in timing" could significantly diminish the usefulness of the H1N1 vaccine, the report says.
"Even with the best efforts, this will cause some illness, some severe illness and unfortunately, some deaths," Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Monday. –For rest of the story see CNN
Little Johnny
The teacher said, "Let's begin by reviewing some American History. Who said 'Give me Liberty , or give me Death'?" She saw a sea of blank faces, except for Little Johnny, who had his hand up: 'Patrick Henry, 1775' he said.
'Very good!'
Who said 'Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth?'
Again, no response except from Little Johnny, 'Abraham Lincoln, 1863'.
The teacher snapped at the class, 'Class, you should be ashamed; Little Johnny knows more about history than you do.'
She heard a loud whisper: 'F*** the Indians,'
'Who said that?' she demanded. Little Johnny put his hand up, 'General Custer, 1862.'
At that point, a student in the back said, 'I'm gonna puke.'
The teacher glares around and asks 'All right!!! Now who said that!?'
Again, Little Johnny says, 'George Bush to the Japanese Prime Minister, 1991.'
Now furious, another student yells, 'Oh yeah? Suck this!'
Little Johnny jumps out of his chair waving his hand and shouts to the teacher, 'Bill Clinton, to Monica Lewinsky, 1997!'
Now with almost mob hysteria someone said 'You little shit. If you say anything else, I'll kill you.'
Little Johnny frantically yells at the top of his voice, ' Michael Jackson to the child witnesses testifying against him-2004.'
The teacher fainted.
And as the class gathered around the teacher on the floor, someone said, 'Oh shit, we're screwed!'
Little Johnny said quietly,
"The American people, November 4, 2008.
Author Unknown
'Very good!'
Who said 'Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth?'
Again, no response except from Little Johnny, 'Abraham Lincoln, 1863'.
The teacher snapped at the class, 'Class, you should be ashamed; Little Johnny knows more about history than you do.'
She heard a loud whisper: 'F*** the Indians,'
'Who said that?' she demanded. Little Johnny put his hand up, 'General Custer, 1862.'
At that point, a student in the back said, 'I'm gonna puke.'
The teacher glares around and asks 'All right!!! Now who said that!?'
Again, Little Johnny says, 'George Bush to the Japanese Prime Minister, 1991.'
Now furious, another student yells, 'Oh yeah? Suck this!'
Little Johnny jumps out of his chair waving his hand and shouts to the teacher, 'Bill Clinton, to Monica Lewinsky, 1997!'
Now with almost mob hysteria someone said 'You little shit. If you say anything else, I'll kill you.'
Little Johnny frantically yells at the top of his voice, ' Michael Jackson to the child witnesses testifying against him-2004.'
The teacher fainted.
And as the class gathered around the teacher on the floor, someone said, 'Oh shit, we're screwed!'
Little Johnny said quietly,
"The American people, November 4, 2008.
Author Unknown
CBS Didn’t Stop Him!
Surprised CBS let this get away ... of course, the fellow was right, and he merely told the truth.
Andy Rooney said the following on "60 Minutes" a while back:
'I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens. Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.
Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.
I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, which is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE?
I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.
I have the right NOT to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird, or tick me off.
When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling; it is the law of probability.
I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!
My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.
I think the police should have every right to shoot you if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word 'freeze' or 'stop' in English, see the above lines.
I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc. so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store, or any other business.
We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our Constitution is a living document and open to their interpretations.
I don't hate the rich, I don't pity the poor.
I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.
I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.
It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say 'NO!'
I think tattoos and piercings are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!
I am sick of 'political correctness.' I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa, so how can they be 'African-Americans'? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe . I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.
And if you don't like my point of view, tough.
Andy Rooney said the following on "60 Minutes" a while back:
'I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens. Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.
Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.
I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, which is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE?
I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.
I have the right NOT to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird, or tick me off.
When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling; it is the law of probability.
I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!
My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.
I think the police should have every right to shoot you if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word 'freeze' or 'stop' in English, see the above lines.
I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc. so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store, or any other business.
We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our Constitution is a living document and open to their interpretations.
I don't hate the rich, I don't pity the poor.
I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.
I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.
It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say 'NO!'
I think tattoos and piercings are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!
I am sick of 'political correctness.' I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa, so how can they be 'African-Americans'? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe . I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.
And if you don't like my point of view, tough.
A Golf Story
Five fellows made plans to go on a 5-day golf trip. A few days later, one had to tell the others that he couldn't go because his wife wouldn't let him. After a lot of teasing, the fellow headed home totally frustrated.
The following week when the other four buddies arrived at the golf resort, they were shocked to see their friend sitting in the lobby, drinking beer, and holding his putter!
"How did you talk your wife into letting you go?" one of the friends asked.
"I didn't have to," the guy replied. "Last night I slumped down in my favorite chair in the den with a beer to drown my sorrows when my wife suddenly snuck up behind me, covered my eyes, and said, 'Surprise!' When I peeled her fingers off my face, she stood there in a beautiful see-through negligee. She then told me, 'Carry me to the bedroom and you can do whatever you want with me.' And so, I did. I carried her to the bedroom, laid her on the bed, tied her arms and legs to the bedposts, and placed two large strips of duct tape over her mouth. And now, HERE I AM!"
Author Unknown
The following week when the other four buddies arrived at the golf resort, they were shocked to see their friend sitting in the lobby, drinking beer, and holding his putter!
"How did you talk your wife into letting you go?" one of the friends asked.
"I didn't have to," the guy replied. "Last night I slumped down in my favorite chair in the den with a beer to drown my sorrows when my wife suddenly snuck up behind me, covered my eyes, and said, 'Surprise!' When I peeled her fingers off my face, she stood there in a beautiful see-through negligee. She then told me, 'Carry me to the bedroom and you can do whatever you want with me.' And so, I did. I carried her to the bedroom, laid her on the bed, tied her arms and legs to the bedposts, and placed two large strips of duct tape over her mouth. And now, HERE I AM!"
Author Unknown
12 Words You Can Never Say In The Office
1. Intranet
Popular in the mid-90s, the term "intranet" referred to a private network running the Internet Protocol and other Internet standards such as the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It was also used to describe an internal Web site that was hosted behind a firewall and was accessible only to employees. Today, every private network runs IP. So you can just use the term virtual private network or VPN to describe a private IP-based network.
2. Extranet
An "extranet" referred to private network connections based on Internet standards such as IP and HTTP that extended outside an organization, such as between business partners. Extranets often replaced point-to-point electronic data interchange (EDI) connections that used standards such as X12. Today, companies provide suppliers, resellers and other members of their supply chain with access to their VPNs.
3. Web Surfing
When is the last time you heard someone talk about surfing the Web? You know the term is out of date when your kids don't know what it means. To teens and tweens, the Internet and the World Wide Web are one and the same thing. So it's better to use the term "browsing" the Web if you want to be understood.
4. Push Technology
The debate over the merits of "push" versus "pull" technology came to a head in 1996 with the release of the PointCast Network, a Web service that sent a steady stream of news to subscribers. However, PointCast and other push technology services required too much network bandwidth. Eventually, push technology evolved into RSS feeds, which remain the preferred method for publishing information to subscribers of the Internet. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.
5. Application Service Provider (ASP)
During this decade, the term "Application Service Provider" evolved into "Software-as-a-Service." Both terms refer to a vendor hosting a software application and providing access to it over the Web. Customers buy the software on a subscription basis, rather than having to own and operate it themselves. ASP was a hot term prior to the dot-com bust. Then it was replaced by "SaaS." Now it's cool to talk about "cloud computing."
6. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Coined by former Apple CEO John Sculley back in 1992 when he unveiled the Apple Newton, the term "personal digital assistant" referred to a handheld computer. PDA was still in use in 1996, when the Palm Pilot was the hottest handheld in corporate America. Today, the preferred generic term for a handheld like a Blackberry or an iPhone is a "smartphone".
7. Internet Telephony
You need to purge the term "Internet telephony" from your vocabulary and switch to VoIP, for Voice over IP. Even the term VoIP is getting old-fashioned because pretty soon all telephone calls will be routed over the Internet rather than the Public Switched Telephone Network. It's probably time to stop referring to the PSTN, too, because it is headed for the history books as all voice, data and video traffic is carried on the Internet.
8. Weblog
A blog is a shortened version of "Weblog," a term that emerged in the late 1990s to describe commentary that an individual publishes online. It spawned many words still in use such as "blogger" and "blogosphere." Nowadays, few people have time to blog so they are "microblogging," which is another word that's heading out the door as people turn Twitter into a generic term for blasting out 140-character observations or opinions.
9. Thin Client
You have to give Larry Ellison credit for seeing many of the flaws in the client/server computing architecture and for popularizing the term "thin client" to refer to Oracle's alternative terminal-like approach. In 1993, Ellison was touting thin clients as a way for large organizations to improve network security and manageability. Although thin clients never replaced PCs, the concept is similar to "virtual desktops" that are gaining popularity today as a way of supporting mobile workers.
10. Rboc
In 1984, the U.S. government forced AT&T to split up into seven Regional Bell Operating Companies [RBOCs] also known as Baby Bells. Customers bought local service from RBOCs and long-distance service from carriers such as AT&T. Telecom industry mergers over the last 15 years have formed integrated local- and long-distance carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and Qwest. This makes not only the term RBOC obsolete, but also the terms ILEC for Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier [i.e., GTE] and CLEC for Competitive Local Exchange Carrier [i.e., MFS].
11. Long-Distance Call
Thanks to flat-rate calling plans available from carriers for at least five years, nobody needs to distinguish between local and long-distance calls anymore. Similarly, you don't need to distinguish between terrestrial and wireless calls because so many people use only wireless services. Like pay phones, long-distance calls -- and their premium prices -- are relics of a past without national and unlimited calling plans.
12. World Wide Web
Nobody talks about the "World Wide Web" anymore, or the "Information Superhighway," for that matter. It's just the Internet. It's a distinction that Steve Czaban, the popular Fox Sports Radio talk show host, likes to mock when he refers to the "Worldwide Interweb." Nothing dates you more than pulling out one of those old-fashioned ways of referring to the Internet such as "infobahn" or "electronic highway." -Yahoo Finance
Popular in the mid-90s, the term "intranet" referred to a private network running the Internet Protocol and other Internet standards such as the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It was also used to describe an internal Web site that was hosted behind a firewall and was accessible only to employees. Today, every private network runs IP. So you can just use the term virtual private network or VPN to describe a private IP-based network.
2. Extranet
An "extranet" referred to private network connections based on Internet standards such as IP and HTTP that extended outside an organization, such as between business partners. Extranets often replaced point-to-point electronic data interchange (EDI) connections that used standards such as X12. Today, companies provide suppliers, resellers and other members of their supply chain with access to their VPNs.
3. Web Surfing
When is the last time you heard someone talk about surfing the Web? You know the term is out of date when your kids don't know what it means. To teens and tweens, the Internet and the World Wide Web are one and the same thing. So it's better to use the term "browsing" the Web if you want to be understood.
4. Push Technology
The debate over the merits of "push" versus "pull" technology came to a head in 1996 with the release of the PointCast Network, a Web service that sent a steady stream of news to subscribers. However, PointCast and other push technology services required too much network bandwidth. Eventually, push technology evolved into RSS feeds, which remain the preferred method for publishing information to subscribers of the Internet. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.
5. Application Service Provider (ASP)
During this decade, the term "Application Service Provider" evolved into "Software-as-a-Service." Both terms refer to a vendor hosting a software application and providing access to it over the Web. Customers buy the software on a subscription basis, rather than having to own and operate it themselves. ASP was a hot term prior to the dot-com bust. Then it was replaced by "SaaS." Now it's cool to talk about "cloud computing."
6. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Coined by former Apple CEO John Sculley back in 1992 when he unveiled the Apple Newton, the term "personal digital assistant" referred to a handheld computer. PDA was still in use in 1996, when the Palm Pilot was the hottest handheld in corporate America. Today, the preferred generic term for a handheld like a Blackberry or an iPhone is a "smartphone".
7. Internet Telephony
You need to purge the term "Internet telephony" from your vocabulary and switch to VoIP, for Voice over IP. Even the term VoIP is getting old-fashioned because pretty soon all telephone calls will be routed over the Internet rather than the Public Switched Telephone Network. It's probably time to stop referring to the PSTN, too, because it is headed for the history books as all voice, data and video traffic is carried on the Internet.
8. Weblog
A blog is a shortened version of "Weblog," a term that emerged in the late 1990s to describe commentary that an individual publishes online. It spawned many words still in use such as "blogger" and "blogosphere." Nowadays, few people have time to blog so they are "microblogging," which is another word that's heading out the door as people turn Twitter into a generic term for blasting out 140-character observations or opinions.
9. Thin Client
You have to give Larry Ellison credit for seeing many of the flaws in the client/server computing architecture and for popularizing the term "thin client" to refer to Oracle's alternative terminal-like approach. In 1993, Ellison was touting thin clients as a way for large organizations to improve network security and manageability. Although thin clients never replaced PCs, the concept is similar to "virtual desktops" that are gaining popularity today as a way of supporting mobile workers.
10. Rboc
In 1984, the U.S. government forced AT&T to split up into seven Regional Bell Operating Companies [RBOCs] also known as Baby Bells. Customers bought local service from RBOCs and long-distance service from carriers such as AT&T. Telecom industry mergers over the last 15 years have formed integrated local- and long-distance carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and Qwest. This makes not only the term RBOC obsolete, but also the terms ILEC for Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier [i.e., GTE] and CLEC for Competitive Local Exchange Carrier [i.e., MFS].
11. Long-Distance Call
Thanks to flat-rate calling plans available from carriers for at least five years, nobody needs to distinguish between local and long-distance calls anymore. Similarly, you don't need to distinguish between terrestrial and wireless calls because so many people use only wireless services. Like pay phones, long-distance calls -- and their premium prices -- are relics of a past without national and unlimited calling plans.
12. World Wide Web
Nobody talks about the "World Wide Web" anymore, or the "Information Superhighway," for that matter. It's just the Internet. It's a distinction that Steve Czaban, the popular Fox Sports Radio talk show host, likes to mock when he refers to the "Worldwide Interweb." Nothing dates you more than pulling out one of those old-fashioned ways of referring to the Internet such as "infobahn" or "electronic highway." -Yahoo Finance
Aug 22, 2009
No He Can’t
Fellow Americans,
Please know: I am black; I grew up in the segregated South. I did not vote for Barack Obama; I wrote in Ron Paul's name as my choice for president. Most importantly, I am not race conscious. I do not require a black president to know that I am a person of worth, and that life is worth living. I do not require a black president to love the ideal of America.
I cannot join you in your celebration. I feel no elation. There is no smile on my face. I am not jumping with joy. There are no tears of triumph in my eyes. For such emotions and behavior to come from me, I would have to deny all that I know about the requirements of human flourishing and survival - all that I know about the history of the United States of America , all that I know about American race relations, and all that I know about Barack Obama as a politician. I would have to deny the nature of the "change" that Obama asserts has come to America . Most importantly, I would have to abnegate my certain understanding that you have chosen to sprint down the road to serfdom that we have been on for over a century. I would have to pretend that individual liberty has no value for the success of a human life. I would have to evade your rejection of the slender reed of capitalism on which your success and mine depend. I would have to think it somehow rational that 94 percent of the 12 million blacks in this country voted for a man because he looks like them (that blacks are permitted to play the race card), and that they were joined by self-declared "progressive" whites who voted for him because he doesn't look like them. I would have to be wipe my mind clean of all that I know about the kind of people who have advised and taught Barack Obama and will fill posts in his administration - political intellectuals like my former colleagues at the Harvard University 's Kennedy School of Government.
I would have to believe that "fairness" is the equivalent of justice. I would have to believe that man who asks me to "go forward in a new spirit of service, in a new service of sacrifice" is speaking in my interest. I would have to accept the premise of a man that economic prosperity comes from the "bottom up," and who arrogantly believes that he can will it into existence by the use of government force. I would have to admire a man who thinks the standard of living of the masses can be improved by destroying the most productive and the generators of wealth.
Finally, Americans, I would have to erase from my consciousness the scene of 125,000 screaming, crying, cheering people in Grant Park, Chicago irrationally chanting "Yes We Can!" Finally, I would have to wipe all memory of all the times I have heard politicians, pundits, journalists, editorialists, bloggers and intellectuals declare that capitalism is dead - and no one, including especially Alan Greenspan, objected to their assumption that the particular version of the anti-capitalistic mentality that they want to replace with their own version of anti-capitalism is anything remotely equivalent to capitalism.
So you have made history, Americans. You and your children have elected a black man to the office of the president of the United States , the wounded giant of the world. The battle between John Wayne and Jane Fonda is over - and that Fonda won. Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern must be very happy men. Jimmie Carter, too. And the Kennedys have at last gotten their Kennedy look-a-like. The self-righteous welfare statists in the suburbs can feel warm moments of satisfaction for having elected a black person. So, toast yourselves: 60s countercultural radicals, 80s yuppies and 90s bourgeois bohemians. Toast yourselves, Black America. Shout your glee Harvard, Princeton , Yale, Duke, Stanford, and Berkeley. You have elected not an individual who is qualified to be president, but a black man who, like the pragmatist Franklin Roosevelt, promises to - Do Something! You now have someone who has picked up the baton of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. But you have also foolishly traded your freedom and mine - what little there is left - for the chance to feel good. There is nothing in me that can share your happy obliviousness. -Anne
Please know: I am black; I grew up in the segregated South. I did not vote for Barack Obama; I wrote in Ron Paul's name as my choice for president. Most importantly, I am not race conscious. I do not require a black president to know that I am a person of worth, and that life is worth living. I do not require a black president to love the ideal of America.
I cannot join you in your celebration. I feel no elation. There is no smile on my face. I am not jumping with joy. There are no tears of triumph in my eyes. For such emotions and behavior to come from me, I would have to deny all that I know about the requirements of human flourishing and survival - all that I know about the history of the United States of America , all that I know about American race relations, and all that I know about Barack Obama as a politician. I would have to deny the nature of the "change" that Obama asserts has come to America . Most importantly, I would have to abnegate my certain understanding that you have chosen to sprint down the road to serfdom that we have been on for over a century. I would have to pretend that individual liberty has no value for the success of a human life. I would have to evade your rejection of the slender reed of capitalism on which your success and mine depend. I would have to think it somehow rational that 94 percent of the 12 million blacks in this country voted for a man because he looks like them (that blacks are permitted to play the race card), and that they were joined by self-declared "progressive" whites who voted for him because he doesn't look like them. I would have to be wipe my mind clean of all that I know about the kind of people who have advised and taught Barack Obama and will fill posts in his administration - political intellectuals like my former colleagues at the Harvard University 's Kennedy School of Government.
I would have to believe that "fairness" is the equivalent of justice. I would have to believe that man who asks me to "go forward in a new spirit of service, in a new service of sacrifice" is speaking in my interest. I would have to accept the premise of a man that economic prosperity comes from the "bottom up," and who arrogantly believes that he can will it into existence by the use of government force. I would have to admire a man who thinks the standard of living of the masses can be improved by destroying the most productive and the generators of wealth.
Finally, Americans, I would have to erase from my consciousness the scene of 125,000 screaming, crying, cheering people in Grant Park, Chicago irrationally chanting "Yes We Can!" Finally, I would have to wipe all memory of all the times I have heard politicians, pundits, journalists, editorialists, bloggers and intellectuals declare that capitalism is dead - and no one, including especially Alan Greenspan, objected to their assumption that the particular version of the anti-capitalistic mentality that they want to replace with their own version of anti-capitalism is anything remotely equivalent to capitalism.
So you have made history, Americans. You and your children have elected a black man to the office of the president of the United States , the wounded giant of the world. The battle between John Wayne and Jane Fonda is over - and that Fonda won. Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern must be very happy men. Jimmie Carter, too. And the Kennedys have at last gotten their Kennedy look-a-like. The self-righteous welfare statists in the suburbs can feel warm moments of satisfaction for having elected a black person. So, toast yourselves: 60s countercultural radicals, 80s yuppies and 90s bourgeois bohemians. Toast yourselves, Black America. Shout your glee Harvard, Princeton , Yale, Duke, Stanford, and Berkeley. You have elected not an individual who is qualified to be president, but a black man who, like the pragmatist Franklin Roosevelt, promises to - Do Something! You now have someone who has picked up the baton of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. But you have also foolishly traded your freedom and mine - what little there is left - for the chance to feel good. There is nothing in me that can share your happy obliviousness. -Anne
Illegal Alien Health Care Loophole
As Members of Congress and their constituents continue to engage in the health care debate, the issue of immigration — both legal and illegal — will play an important role.
Many Americans have used the town hall forums to express their opposition to covering illegal aliens under a health care reform proposal. Last month, President Obama told CBS News that illegal aliens should not be covered under a health care bill. However, FAIR has exposed the loopholes in the House version of the health care reform legislation that will allow illegal aliens to access taxpayer-subsidized affordability credits and the so-called "public" option health plan.
While the president said he was opposed to providing health care coverage to illegal aliens, he did note a caveat: "The one exception that I think has to be discussed is how are we treating children, partly because if you've got children who may be here illegally but are still in playgrounds or at schools, and potentially are passing on illnesses and communicable diseases, that aren't getting vaccinated, that I think is a situation where you may have to make an exception."
The cost of health care reform will be a function of the number of people eligible to participate. Since the House version of the bill lacks meaningful verification procedures, illegal aliens will be able to access taxpayer-funded subsidies for affordability credits and the public plan. House bill allows legal immigrants (green card holders) — who are otherwise required to wait five years before becoming eligible for most federal benefits — to immediately become eligible for affordability credits as soon as they set foot in the United States.
At current admission levels, this means that American taxpayers will be subsidizing the costs of health care for both legal and illegal aliens to the tune of tens, and maybe even hundreds, of billions of dollars each year, depending upon how many of these aliens actually access the subsidized affordability credits or public plan. –For the complete story see FAIR
Many Americans have used the town hall forums to express their opposition to covering illegal aliens under a health care reform proposal. Last month, President Obama told CBS News that illegal aliens should not be covered under a health care bill. However, FAIR has exposed the loopholes in the House version of the health care reform legislation that will allow illegal aliens to access taxpayer-subsidized affordability credits and the so-called "public" option health plan.
While the president said he was opposed to providing health care coverage to illegal aliens, he did note a caveat: "The one exception that I think has to be discussed is how are we treating children, partly because if you've got children who may be here illegally but are still in playgrounds or at schools, and potentially are passing on illnesses and communicable diseases, that aren't getting vaccinated, that I think is a situation where you may have to make an exception."
The cost of health care reform will be a function of the number of people eligible to participate. Since the House version of the bill lacks meaningful verification procedures, illegal aliens will be able to access taxpayer-funded subsidies for affordability credits and the public plan. House bill allows legal immigrants (green card holders) — who are otherwise required to wait five years before becoming eligible for most federal benefits — to immediately become eligible for affordability credits as soon as they set foot in the United States.
At current admission levels, this means that American taxpayers will be subsidizing the costs of health care for both legal and illegal aliens to the tune of tens, and maybe even hundreds, of billions of dollars each year, depending upon how many of these aliens actually access the subsidized affordability credits or public plan. –For the complete story see FAIR
The Sex Of The Housefly
A woman came home from shopping and found her husband with a fly swat in hand. She asked:
"Why the fly swat in hand?”
The husband replied: "Killing flies, of course."
The wife asked: "Have you killed any?"
The husband replied: "Yes, 3 males and 2 females."
The wife asked: "How could you tell male from female?"
The husband replied: "3 were in the beer, and 2 were on the phone."
Author Unknown
"Why the fly swat in hand?”
The husband replied: "Killing flies, of course."
The wife asked: "Have you killed any?"
The husband replied: "Yes, 3 males and 2 females."
The wife asked: "How could you tell male from female?"
The husband replied: "3 were in the beer, and 2 were on the phone."
Author Unknown
Smoking May Be A Culprit
Scientists have known for some time that people who constantly worry tend to die at a younger age than others, but the cause wasn't clear.
Now, a new study suggests that a higher level of smoking is a key reason.
The report, funded by the National Institute on Aging, finds that 40 percent of the increased mortality among people classified as highly neurotic can be attributed to smoking.
"Smoking explains part of the effect of personality on mortality," says Daniel Mroczek, a family studies professor at Purdue University in Indiana. His research, conducted in cooperation with the Veterans Administration, is published in the Journal of Research in Personality.
Neuroticism refers not only to anxiety, but also to being highly sensitive to stressful situations. Mroczek says many neurotic individuals appear to find that smoking relaxes them and dulls that sensitivity.
"When you're ... feeling negative and anxious and worried, sometimes for some people, a cigarette can alleviate that," Mroczek tells CNN Radio. –For the complete story see CNN
Now, a new study suggests that a higher level of smoking is a key reason.
The report, funded by the National Institute on Aging, finds that 40 percent of the increased mortality among people classified as highly neurotic can be attributed to smoking.
"Smoking explains part of the effect of personality on mortality," says Daniel Mroczek, a family studies professor at Purdue University in Indiana. His research, conducted in cooperation with the Veterans Administration, is published in the Journal of Research in Personality.
Neuroticism refers not only to anxiety, but also to being highly sensitive to stressful situations. Mroczek says many neurotic individuals appear to find that smoking relaxes them and dulls that sensitivity.
"When you're ... feeling negative and anxious and worried, sometimes for some people, a cigarette can alleviate that," Mroczek tells CNN Radio. –For the complete story see CNN
Aug 15, 2009
Did You Get Your Health Care Letter?
Did you get your letter about Health Care [also known as ObamaCare], which was jointly drafted by the White House and the US Congress?
I understand it was sent to every senior citizen, retiree, and recipient of Social Security benefits. I received one. If you have not yet gotten yours, you should get one shortly. It was very brief and direct to the point, and it was signed by President Barack Hussein Obama, the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and the Senate president Henry Reid.
It very simply and clearly said: "DROP DEAD!"
Author Unknown
I understand it was sent to every senior citizen, retiree, and recipient of Social Security benefits. I received one. If you have not yet gotten yours, you should get one shortly. It was very brief and direct to the point, and it was signed by President Barack Hussein Obama, the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and the Senate president Henry Reid.
It very simply and clearly said: "DROP DEAD!"
Author Unknown
The Patient Grandpa
One day, a grandfather and his 3-year-old grandson went to the grocery store. It was obvious that Gramps had his hands full with the child acting like a brat and screaming for candy in the candy aisle, cookies in the cookie aisle; same for fruit, cereal, and soda in their respective aisles.
Meanwhile, Gramps worked his way around, saying in a controlled voice, "Easy, Bill, we won't be long -- easy, boy."
At every outburst, Gramps calmly said, "It's OK, Bill, just a couple more minutes and we'll be out of here. Hang in there, boy."
At the checkout, the little terror threw items out of the cart, and Gramps again in a controlled voice said, "Bill, Bill, relax buddy, don't get upset. We'll be home in five minutes; stay cool, Bill."
All this time, a woman who had followed the pair and witnessed the whole episode from the very beginning when Gramps and the little kid first entered the grocery store was very impressed at the old man's patience. After she paid for the few items that she purchased, she hurriedly went outside hoping to catch Gramps and his impish grandson. Fortunately, she saw Gramps still loading his groceries and the screaming boy into the car.
She hurried towards them, and said: "You know, Sir, it's none of my business, but you were truly amazing in there. I don't know how you did it. The whole time, you kept your composure, and no matter how loud and disruptive your grandson got, you just calmly kept saying that things would be OK. Bill is very lucky to have you as his grandpa."
"Thanks, lady," said Gramps, "but I'm Bill --- the little monster's name is Steve!"
Author Unknown
Meanwhile, Gramps worked his way around, saying in a controlled voice, "Easy, Bill, we won't be long -- easy, boy."
At every outburst, Gramps calmly said, "It's OK, Bill, just a couple more minutes and we'll be out of here. Hang in there, boy."
At the checkout, the little terror threw items out of the cart, and Gramps again in a controlled voice said, "Bill, Bill, relax buddy, don't get upset. We'll be home in five minutes; stay cool, Bill."
All this time, a woman who had followed the pair and witnessed the whole episode from the very beginning when Gramps and the little kid first entered the grocery store was very impressed at the old man's patience. After she paid for the few items that she purchased, she hurriedly went outside hoping to catch Gramps and his impish grandson. Fortunately, she saw Gramps still loading his groceries and the screaming boy into the car.
She hurried towards them, and said: "You know, Sir, it's none of my business, but you were truly amazing in there. I don't know how you did it. The whole time, you kept your composure, and no matter how loud and disruptive your grandson got, you just calmly kept saying that things would be OK. Bill is very lucky to have you as his grandpa."
"Thanks, lady," said Gramps, "but I'm Bill --- the little monster's name is Steve!"
Author Unknown
Three Men And A Genie
Three men - a Canadian farmer, Osama bin Laden and a Marine are all walking together one day. They come Across a lantern .....
And a Genie pops out of it. 'I will give each of you One wish, which is three wishes in total', says the Genie.
The Canadian says, 'I am a farmer and my son will also Farm. I want the land to be forever fertile in Canada.'
POOF! With the blink of the Genie's eye, the land in Canada was forever fertile for farming.
Osama was amazed, so he said, 'I want a wall around Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Iran so that no infidels, Americans or Canadians can come in our precious land.'
POOF! Again, with the blink of the Genie's eye, There was a huge wall around those countries.
The Marine says, 'I am very curious. Please tell me More about this wall.'
The Genie explains, 'Well, it's about 5,000 feet high, 500 feet thick and completely Surrounds those countries. Nothing can get in or out; it's virtually impenetrable.'
The Marine sits down, cracks a beer, smiles, and says, 'Fill it with water.'
Leave it to the Marines!!!! God Bless 'Em!
Author Unknown
And a Genie pops out of it. 'I will give each of you One wish, which is three wishes in total', says the Genie.
The Canadian says, 'I am a farmer and my son will also Farm. I want the land to be forever fertile in Canada.'
POOF! With the blink of the Genie's eye, the land in Canada was forever fertile for farming.
Osama was amazed, so he said, 'I want a wall around Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Iran so that no infidels, Americans or Canadians can come in our precious land.'
POOF! Again, with the blink of the Genie's eye, There was a huge wall around those countries.
The Marine says, 'I am very curious. Please tell me More about this wall.'
The Genie explains, 'Well, it's about 5,000 feet high, 500 feet thick and completely Surrounds those countries. Nothing can get in or out; it's virtually impenetrable.'
The Marine sits down, cracks a beer, smiles, and says, 'Fill it with water.'
Leave it to the Marines!!!! God Bless 'Em!
Author Unknown
Mermaid or Whale
An advertisement featuring the "typical" picture of a beautiful, slim, nicely-tanned, young female model appeared on the window of a gym, and emblazoned below the model's photo are the words:
"THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?"
A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics apparently did not match those of the young woman on the poster, sent a letter to the gym's staff. The letter said:
To Whom It May Concern:
Whales are always surrounded by friends --- dolphins, sea lions, curious humans. They have an active sex life, they get pregnant, and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time stuffing themselves with shrimp and krill. They play and swim in the seas, and they see wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected, and admired by almost everyone in the world.
Mermaids, on the other hand, don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of some Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis---fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, [not to mention that they probably don't have a normal female "you-know-what"], so, how could they have sex? Therefore, they couldn't have kids, either. And who wants to get close to a creature who's skin is scaly and smells like a fish?
The choice is perfectly clear to me. I'd rather be a whale.
Lastly, we are in an age when the media put into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my grandkids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a cup of latte with my friends. With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our head that when there is no more room up there, it is distributed out to the rest of our body. So we aren't just heavy with information and wisdom; we are enormously cultured, educated, and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror, I will think: "Good God, look how smart I am!"
-BIG BERTHA-
"THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?"
A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics apparently did not match those of the young woman on the poster, sent a letter to the gym's staff. The letter said:
To Whom It May Concern:
Whales are always surrounded by friends --- dolphins, sea lions, curious humans. They have an active sex life, they get pregnant, and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time stuffing themselves with shrimp and krill. They play and swim in the seas, and they see wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected, and admired by almost everyone in the world.
Mermaids, on the other hand, don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of some Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis---fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, [not to mention that they probably don't have a normal female "you-know-what"], so, how could they have sex? Therefore, they couldn't have kids, either. And who wants to get close to a creature who's skin is scaly and smells like a fish?
The choice is perfectly clear to me. I'd rather be a whale.
Lastly, we are in an age when the media put into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my grandkids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a cup of latte with my friends. With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our head that when there is no more room up there, it is distributed out to the rest of our body. So we aren't just heavy with information and wisdom; we are enormously cultured, educated, and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror, I will think: "Good God, look how smart I am!"
-BIG BERTHA-
Aug 8, 2009
Would You Be So Brave?
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence ?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him,
and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished ...
Remember: freedom is never free!
I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games. –Nancy’s Blog
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him,
and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished ...
Remember: freedom is never free!
I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games. –Nancy’s Blog
Separate But Unequal Means Gay Apartheid
Yesterday, I listened with hope to the President Barack Obama’s words at the historic White House celebration of Gay Pride. Instead, when he was done, I found myself very depressed.
White-house-picture As our elected officials search for new words, new institutions and new arrangements to avoid giving us full equality, it is important for people to remember that right now all we have amounts to basically a system of separate but unequal. We have a set of laws at the national, state and local levels that separates LGBT folks from the rest of America.
Let’s call it what it is - Gay Apartheid.
Now some of you might think that is a loaded and unfair word. I have chosen the word very carefully and deliberately. Apartheid is when a group of citizens of a nation is by law separated from all other citizens and the rights, benefits and protections all others are granted.
Having DOMA and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as laws of the land are apartheid laws. They set us apart from all other American citizens. State after state has singled us out in their Constitutions to create a separate body of law for LGBT citizens. States have created laws to forbid us from adopting or participating in the foster care system. Those of us who have foreign national partners are refused to right to co-habitate in America. Creating civil unions and domestic partnership laws to avoid marriage is a failed attempt to sustain a system of ‘separate but equal’ that didn’t work in the segregationist South and won’t work for us. So lets be honest about this as we see an enormous number of laws on the books specially denying LGBT Americans the rights, benefits, privileges and protections granted to all other Americans: we have created and are continuing to expand on a system of Gay Apartheid. There is no other way to look at it.
Despite the President’s warm words and the lovely trappings at the White House, he continues to buy into this system and allows it to continue. In fact, it was a carefully worded warm, fuzzy speech that failed to answer many questions. The use of the words ‘domestic partnership’ seems like out of the 1980’s. He couldn’t even say the words ‘civil unions’? He again mostly addressed Federal employees concerns and repeated his campaign promises to overturn DOMA and DADT. There was no attempt to stop the horrific destruction of the careers of our LGBT military personnel with the announcement of a “stop-loss” order. In fact right after the event Press Secretary Gibbs basically said it isn’t going to happen and threw the entire issue to Congress without Presidential leadership. Marriage? Civil Unions? The President said not a word. Adoption and Foster Care? Not one word was uttered by the President. Immigration for partners of American citizens? Not one word.
We did not hear the answer to the most important question: When?
The fact that the President might feel our pain or understand our impatience or even wants to socialize with us just is not important any more. Quite honesty, I don’t care if he likes us, has us to dinner or even if he believes marriage is between a man and women. I don’t want to hear any more promises or caring words about our future. Please don’t tell me one more time I have to change the hearts of Americans before I am allowed to have my freedom. For me to be a free man doesn’t mean I have to make everyone in America like me. In fact the Constitution protects an unpopular minority from the tyranny of a majority.
The only thing important to me now is when! That is the question. When will these oppressive and horrendous apartheid laws be overturned? When will the President show the powerful leadership shown by President Kennedy and President Johnson in the 1960’s? When will he insist Congress take up and immediately repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?” When will the President address the nation in a powerful speech saying that the time of inequality, injustice and yes, apartheid against the American LGBT community must come to an end. Mr. President, the only question we have for you is when?
White-house-picture The notion that the President feels we might be happy with his term at the end of seven and a half years was depressing. For those who understand the political process, that when might be never happen given the changing nature of the presidency. No one in their right mind believes that he will have credibility, the powerful Congress and the good will of the American people more than he has now. First Lady Michelle Obama wouldn’t tolerate living under the laws of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” for two days and he expects us to live under them until maybe into his second term? Hell, no. Not acceptable, Mr. President.
So there is only one acceptable answer to the question of when the President should seriously begin to deal with ending the system of Gay Apartheid in America.
Now, for God sakes. Now.
By David Mixner
White-house-picture As our elected officials search for new words, new institutions and new arrangements to avoid giving us full equality, it is important for people to remember that right now all we have amounts to basically a system of separate but unequal. We have a set of laws at the national, state and local levels that separates LGBT folks from the rest of America.
Let’s call it what it is - Gay Apartheid.
Now some of you might think that is a loaded and unfair word. I have chosen the word very carefully and deliberately. Apartheid is when a group of citizens of a nation is by law separated from all other citizens and the rights, benefits and protections all others are granted.
Having DOMA and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as laws of the land are apartheid laws. They set us apart from all other American citizens. State after state has singled us out in their Constitutions to create a separate body of law for LGBT citizens. States have created laws to forbid us from adopting or participating in the foster care system. Those of us who have foreign national partners are refused to right to co-habitate in America. Creating civil unions and domestic partnership laws to avoid marriage is a failed attempt to sustain a system of ‘separate but equal’ that didn’t work in the segregationist South and won’t work for us. So lets be honest about this as we see an enormous number of laws on the books specially denying LGBT Americans the rights, benefits, privileges and protections granted to all other Americans: we have created and are continuing to expand on a system of Gay Apartheid. There is no other way to look at it.
Despite the President’s warm words and the lovely trappings at the White House, he continues to buy into this system and allows it to continue. In fact, it was a carefully worded warm, fuzzy speech that failed to answer many questions. The use of the words ‘domestic partnership’ seems like out of the 1980’s. He couldn’t even say the words ‘civil unions’? He again mostly addressed Federal employees concerns and repeated his campaign promises to overturn DOMA and DADT. There was no attempt to stop the horrific destruction of the careers of our LGBT military personnel with the announcement of a “stop-loss” order. In fact right after the event Press Secretary Gibbs basically said it isn’t going to happen and threw the entire issue to Congress without Presidential leadership. Marriage? Civil Unions? The President said not a word. Adoption and Foster Care? Not one word was uttered by the President. Immigration for partners of American citizens? Not one word.
We did not hear the answer to the most important question: When?
The fact that the President might feel our pain or understand our impatience or even wants to socialize with us just is not important any more. Quite honesty, I don’t care if he likes us, has us to dinner or even if he believes marriage is between a man and women. I don’t want to hear any more promises or caring words about our future. Please don’t tell me one more time I have to change the hearts of Americans before I am allowed to have my freedom. For me to be a free man doesn’t mean I have to make everyone in America like me. In fact the Constitution protects an unpopular minority from the tyranny of a majority.
The only thing important to me now is when! That is the question. When will these oppressive and horrendous apartheid laws be overturned? When will the President show the powerful leadership shown by President Kennedy and President Johnson in the 1960’s? When will he insist Congress take up and immediately repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?” When will the President address the nation in a powerful speech saying that the time of inequality, injustice and yes, apartheid against the American LGBT community must come to an end. Mr. President, the only question we have for you is when?
White-house-picture The notion that the President feels we might be happy with his term at the end of seven and a half years was depressing. For those who understand the political process, that when might be never happen given the changing nature of the presidency. No one in their right mind believes that he will have credibility, the powerful Congress and the good will of the American people more than he has now. First Lady Michelle Obama wouldn’t tolerate living under the laws of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” for two days and he expects us to live under them until maybe into his second term? Hell, no. Not acceptable, Mr. President.
So there is only one acceptable answer to the question of when the President should seriously begin to deal with ending the system of Gay Apartheid in America.
Now, for God sakes. Now.
By David Mixner
New Strain Of HIV
French researchers have identified a new human immunodeficiency virus, the first derived from gorillas, a report said Monday.The three previous HIV variants came from chimpanzees. The new findings indicate that gorillas, in addition to chimpanzees, are likely sources of HIV, the researchers concluded in a report published in the weekly Nature Medicine journal.
The new virus, called RBF 168, was detected in a 62-year-old woman who moved to Paris, France, from the western Africa nation of Cameroon, the report says. She tested positive for HIV in 2004, and researchers led by Jean-Christophe Plantier identified the virus as being closely related to a recently discovered simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV).
The new gorilla virus "has many of the biological properties necessary for human infection," the report says.
"The human case described here does not seem to be an isolated incident, as before coming to Paris the subject had lived in the semiurban area of Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, and reported no contact with apes or bush meat," the researchers said.
That would indicate that the woman contracted the virus from another human.
The significance of the latest findings is difficult to determine without more information, said Robert C. Gallo, who co-discovered HIV in 1984.
"It's yet to be known," Gallo said. "It could be zero. ... Let's see a more full report on this individual and let's see wider testing."
Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, calls the latest HIV variant "an oddity" but said it's not surprising that it cropped up, because the virus has been circulating in non-human primates for centuries.
The three previous HIV variants are labeled M, N and O. The new one has been classified P. The N and O variants, Fauci said, are extremely rare.
"It's not significant unless it establishes itself as a predominant strain," he said. "We have not seen that with N and O."
Fauci lumps the new P variant with the rare group because it has been detected in only one patient.
If it were widespread, Fauci said, "we would already know about it. When these things happen, you see a lot of them around."
Even if the new variant proves lethal, it's not likely to increase AIDS infections, said Gallo, director of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. There are so many HIV variations, he said, that one more is not likely to make a difference.
The new virus is difficult to detect by conventional tests because it is not closely related to the other three HIV variants.
"This demonstrates that HIV evolution is an ongoing process," co-researcher David Robertson of the University of Manchester said in a release. "The virus can jump from species to species, from primate to primate, and that includes us; pathogens have been with us for millions of years and routinely switch host species."
HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which attacks the body's immune system, giving rise to lethal infections. Patients diagnosed with HIV can take medications to delay or stop HIV from developing into AIDS. There are 33 million confirmed cases of AIDS worldwide.
The unnamed woman has no signs of AIDS and remains untreated, Nature Medicine said.
The most likely explanation for the emergence of the new virus is gorilla-to-human transmission, though researchers say they cannot rule out the possibility that the chimpanzee SIV gave rise to the new strain "either indirectly by transmission to gorillas and then to humans or directly by transmission to humans and also to gorillas."
Researchers said they don't know how widespread the virus is among humans.
"The human prevalence of this new lineage remains to be determined," the report says, adding that "it could be circulating unnoticed in Cameroon or elsewhere."
Western Central Africa bears close watching, the researchers suggest.
"In conclusion, our findings indicate that gorillas, in addition to chimpanzees, are likely sources of HIV-1," the report states. "The discovery of this novel HIV-1 lineage highlights the continuing need to watch closely for the emergence of new HIV variants, particularly in western central Africa, the origin of all existing HIV-1 groups."
Co-researcher Robertson noted that the new virus may not be restricted to Africa.
"It also highlights how human mobility can rapidly transfer a virus from one geographical location to another as has been dramatically evident with the recent emergence of swine flu," he said. -CNN
Aug 1, 2009
Call Me Senator
Did you see the 19 Jul 2009 newspaper article about Barbara Boxer correcting Brigadier General Michael Walsh because he addressed her as "Ma'am" and not "Senator" before a Senate hearing. Anyway, the letter below is from a National Guard pilot, who is also a captain for Alaska Air Lines, who wrote the Senator.
Hey, Babs!
You were so right when you scolded the general on TV for using the term, "Ma'am," instead of "Senator". After all, in the military, "Ma'am" is a term of respect when addressing a female of superior rank or position.
The general was totally wrong. You are not a person of superior rank or position. You are a member of one of the world's most corrupt organizations, the U.S. Senate, equaled only by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The US Congress has become a cesspool of liars, thieves, inside traders, traitors, drunks (one who killed a staffer, yet is still revered), criminals, and other low level swine who, as individuals (not all, but many), will do anything to enhance their lives, fortunes and power, all at the expense of the people of the United States and its Constitution, in order to be continually re-elected. Many Democrats even want American troops killed by releasing photographs. How many of you could honestly say, "We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor?" None? One? Two?
Your reaction to the general shows several things.
First is your abysmal ignorance of all things military. Your treatment of the general shows you to be an elitist of the worst kind. When the general entered the military (as most of us who serve), he wrote the US government a blank check, offering his life to protect your derriere now safely and comfortably ensconced in a thousand-dollar leather chair, paid for by the general's taxes. You repaid him for this by humiliating him in front of millions on national TV.
Second is your puerile character, lack of sophistication, and arrogance which borders on the hubristic. Your display of brattish behavior shows you to be a virago, termagant, harridan, nag, scold or shrew, unfit for your position, regardless of the support of the unwashed, uneducated masses who have made California into the laughing stock of the nation.
What I am writing, Senator, are the same thoughts countless millions of Americans have toward the current Congress, but who lack the energy, ability, or time to convey them. Under the Democrats, some don't even have the 44 cents to buy the stamp. Regardless of their thoughts, most realize politicians today are pretty much the same, and will vote for the one who will bring home the most bacon, even if they do consider how corrupt that person is.
Lord Acton (1834 - 1902) so aptly charged, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Unbeknownst to you and your colleagues, Senator, your love for power has had its way with all of you, and we are all the worse for it.
Finally Senator, I, too, have a title. It is "right wing extremist potential terrorist threat". It is not of my choosing, but was given to people like me by your Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. And you were offended by being addressed as "Ma'am"? What a laugh!
Cheers!
Jim Hill
16808 103rd Avenue Court
East South Hill, WA 98375
<><><><><><><><><>
Hey, Babs!
You were so right when you scolded the general on TV for using the term, "Ma'am," instead of "Senator". After all, in the military, "Ma'am" is a term of respect when addressing a female of superior rank or position.
The general was totally wrong. You are not a person of superior rank or position. You are a member of one of the world's most corrupt organizations, the U.S. Senate, equaled only by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The US Congress has become a cesspool of liars, thieves, inside traders, traitors, drunks (one who killed a staffer, yet is still revered), criminals, and other low level swine who, as individuals (not all, but many), will do anything to enhance their lives, fortunes and power, all at the expense of the people of the United States and its Constitution, in order to be continually re-elected. Many Democrats even want American troops killed by releasing photographs. How many of you could honestly say, "We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor?" None? One? Two?
Your reaction to the general shows several things.
First is your abysmal ignorance of all things military. Your treatment of the general shows you to be an elitist of the worst kind. When the general entered the military (as most of us who serve), he wrote the US government a blank check, offering his life to protect your derriere now safely and comfortably ensconced in a thousand-dollar leather chair, paid for by the general's taxes. You repaid him for this by humiliating him in front of millions on national TV.
Second is your puerile character, lack of sophistication, and arrogance which borders on the hubristic. Your display of brattish behavior shows you to be a virago, termagant, harridan, nag, scold or shrew, unfit for your position, regardless of the support of the unwashed, uneducated masses who have made California into the laughing stock of the nation.
What I am writing, Senator, are the same thoughts countless millions of Americans have toward the current Congress, but who lack the energy, ability, or time to convey them. Under the Democrats, some don't even have the 44 cents to buy the stamp. Regardless of their thoughts, most realize politicians today are pretty much the same, and will vote for the one who will bring home the most bacon, even if they do consider how corrupt that person is.
Lord Acton (1834 - 1902) so aptly charged, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Unbeknownst to you and your colleagues, Senator, your love for power has had its way with all of you, and we are all the worse for it.
Finally Senator, I, too, have a title. It is "right wing extremist potential terrorist threat". It is not of my choosing, but was given to people like me by your Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. And you were offended by being addressed as "Ma'am"? What a laugh!
Cheers!
Jim Hill
16808 103rd Avenue Court
East South Hill, WA 98375
Home Grown Terrorism
Picture Of An “Alleged” N.C. Terrorists Wife, Sabrina BoydWould You Trust This Person?
Could You Trust This Person?
I Couldn’t — Not In Today’s World!
Story Here
Could You Trust This Person?
I Couldn’t — Not In Today’s World!
Story Here
Bombs, Beatings Mar Outgames
Reports of as many as three explosive devices detonated in two track stadiums of the Outgames in Copenhagen, leaving one person with minor injuries.
Before the men’s 4x200 track relay in the afternoon, two bombs were thrown onto the track exploding instantly, according to a witness in an e-mail obtained by The Advocate. An Outgames athlete was taken to hospital with injuries to his right hand from flying shrapnels, He was later released from the hospital, and is expected to recover.
Participants from the field were unharmed but a little shaken up.
Less than an hour later, a second bomb was thrown in another stadium. Luckily, no one was injured, but track events were delayed for 90 minutes.
Police now have a 31-year-old man in custody.
This is the second violent incident in less than a week for the Outgames.
Three men -- from England, Sweden, and Norway -- were attacked in the Danish capital, during opening-night ceremonies. All three victims were taken to a hospital where they were later released with minor injuries. Police arrested two men, who were believed to have been inebriated. Both suspects held criminal records and were expected to remain in custody for the remainder of the event.
The Federation of Gay Games are standing in solidarity with OutGames organizers, condemning these violent attacks.
Copenhagen has a reputation as one of the most LGBT friendly places on Earth. Even there, we are reminded that our community still faces those that would deny us our basic human rights, even the freedom to run in a track meet in safety. But we will not be discouraged; rather, we will run, swim, jump, throw, grapple, volley and perform at events like the Gay Games and OutGames, celebrating our right to love who we want,” Gay Games organizers said in a release. –Chris Jai Centeno, Advocate
Before the men’s 4x200 track relay in the afternoon, two bombs were thrown onto the track exploding instantly, according to a witness in an e-mail obtained by The Advocate. An Outgames athlete was taken to hospital with injuries to his right hand from flying shrapnels, He was later released from the hospital, and is expected to recover.
Participants from the field were unharmed but a little shaken up.
Less than an hour later, a second bomb was thrown in another stadium. Luckily, no one was injured, but track events were delayed for 90 minutes.
Police now have a 31-year-old man in custody.
This is the second violent incident in less than a week for the Outgames.
Three men -- from England, Sweden, and Norway -- were attacked in the Danish capital, during opening-night ceremonies. All three victims were taken to a hospital where they were later released with minor injuries. Police arrested two men, who were believed to have been inebriated. Both suspects held criminal records and were expected to remain in custody for the remainder of the event.
The Federation of Gay Games are standing in solidarity with OutGames organizers, condemning these violent attacks.
Copenhagen has a reputation as one of the most LGBT friendly places on Earth. Even there, we are reminded that our community still faces those that would deny us our basic human rights, even the freedom to run in a track meet in safety. But we will not be discouraged; rather, we will run, swim, jump, throw, grapple, volley and perform at events like the Gay Games and OutGames, celebrating our right to love who we want,” Gay Games organizers said in a release. –Chris Jai Centeno, Advocate
Syphilis/AIDS On Rise
The Centres for Disease Control reported today that birth rates and sexually transmitted diseased have increased at an alarming rate among teenagers and young adults. Since 1991, birth rates had declined for teens aged 15 or older, but since 2005, they have sharply increased in more than half of American states. Syphilis rates among teenage girls have risen by almost half, and the number of adolescent boys with Aids has nearly doubled.
What's going on? We need to reevaluate our education and prevention methods; under our last administration, abstinence-only education censored and mislead teens.
It’s important to protect the reproductive health of our youth and show your support for honest, comprehensive sex education. Take action and sign the letter to your congressperson by clicking here.
What's going on? We need to reevaluate our education and prevention methods; under our last administration, abstinence-only education censored and mislead teens.
It’s important to protect the reproductive health of our youth and show your support for honest, comprehensive sex education. Take action and sign the letter to your congressperson by clicking here.
Nationwide Ban On Texting
Four senators pushed for a bill Wednesday to ban texting while driving, a day after a study found that drivers who text while on the road are much more likely to have an accident than undistracted drivers.
Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-New York; Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey; Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana; and Kay Hagan, D-North Carolina, unveiled the ALERT Act, which would ban truck and car drivers and operators of mass transit from texting while driving.
The proposed legislation would prohibit any driver from sending text or e-mail messages while driving a vehicle, said an earlier news release from the senators.
If the bill passes, the Department of Transportation would set the minimum standards for compliance.
States that do not enact text-banning laws within two years of the bill's passage could lose 25 percent of their federal highway funds, Schumer said in a news conference announcing the legislation. The noncompliant states could recuperate that money once they meet the text-banning standards, Schumer said.
CTIA, a cellular phone industry group, said that it supports legislation that addresses text messaging while driving.
"CTIA and our member companies continue to believe text messaging while driving is incompatible with safe driving," said a statement on CTIA's Web site. –CNN for rest of the story.
Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-New York; Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey; Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana; and Kay Hagan, D-North Carolina, unveiled the ALERT Act, which would ban truck and car drivers and operators of mass transit from texting while driving.
The proposed legislation would prohibit any driver from sending text or e-mail messages while driving a vehicle, said an earlier news release from the senators.
If the bill passes, the Department of Transportation would set the minimum standards for compliance.
States that do not enact text-banning laws within two years of the bill's passage could lose 25 percent of their federal highway funds, Schumer said in a news conference announcing the legislation. The noncompliant states could recuperate that money once they meet the text-banning standards, Schumer said.
CTIA, a cellular phone industry group, said that it supports legislation that addresses text messaging while driving.
"CTIA and our member companies continue to believe text messaging while driving is incompatible with safe driving," said a statement on CTIA's Web site. –CNN for rest of the story.
Swine Flu Vaccine Guidelines
A federal advisory committee issued sweeping guidelines Wednesday for a vaccination campaign against the pandemic swine flu strain, identifying more than half the U.S. population as targets for the first round of vaccinations.
The priority groups include pregnant women; health care and emergency services personnel; children, adolescents and young adults up to age 24; household and caregiver contacts of children younger than six months; and healthy adults with certain medical conditions.
The guidelines were approved in a near-unanimous vote by the 15-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. One person dissented on whether to include people ages 19 to 24 among those targeted.
The vote does not trigger a decision to vaccinate against the disease, also called H1N1, but the federal government typically follows the committee's recommendations.
The recommendations could prove especially important if the pandemic strain, which emerged this spring, spreads widely before sufficient quantities of vaccine can be produced to protect everyone. The recommendations are intended to ensure that members of the most vulnerable groups get priority.
Earlier Wednesday, federal officials said they are on track to initiate a mass vaccination campaign by October, although many details remain to be worked out. Clinical trials to assess vaccine safety and efficacy are just getting under way at a handful of centers across the country.
Dr. William Schaffner, a flu researcher at Vanderbilt University, which is running one of the clinical trials, played down safety concerns that have been raised because safety data are limited.
"There is no alternative" to approving the new vaccine based on the limited data, he said. Fortunately, he added, "the novel H1N1 vaccine is created exactly the same way our seasonal vaccine is created, year in and year out."
Dr. Wellington Sun of the Food and Drug Administration said data from those trials would probably be available in September. –CNN for rest of the story.
Question. With a vaccine that has not been widely tested to insure its effectiveness and dosage, are you willing to roll up your sleeve and be immunized? After all, when you are "immunized" you are being given the influenza virus, known as Swine Flue, so your body will recognize the infectious agent. In the comment section below, post your thoughts.
The priority groups include pregnant women; health care and emergency services personnel; children, adolescents and young adults up to age 24; household and caregiver contacts of children younger than six months; and healthy adults with certain medical conditions.
The guidelines were approved in a near-unanimous vote by the 15-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. One person dissented on whether to include people ages 19 to 24 among those targeted.
The vote does not trigger a decision to vaccinate against the disease, also called H1N1, but the federal government typically follows the committee's recommendations.
The recommendations could prove especially important if the pandemic strain, which emerged this spring, spreads widely before sufficient quantities of vaccine can be produced to protect everyone. The recommendations are intended to ensure that members of the most vulnerable groups get priority.
Earlier Wednesday, federal officials said they are on track to initiate a mass vaccination campaign by October, although many details remain to be worked out. Clinical trials to assess vaccine safety and efficacy are just getting under way at a handful of centers across the country.
Dr. William Schaffner, a flu researcher at Vanderbilt University, which is running one of the clinical trials, played down safety concerns that have been raised because safety data are limited.
"There is no alternative" to approving the new vaccine based on the limited data, he said. Fortunately, he added, "the novel H1N1 vaccine is created exactly the same way our seasonal vaccine is created, year in and year out."
Dr. Wellington Sun of the Food and Drug Administration said data from those trials would probably be available in September. –CNN for rest of the story.
Question. With a vaccine that has not been widely tested to insure its effectiveness and dosage, are you willing to roll up your sleeve and be immunized? After all, when you are "immunized" you are being given the influenza virus, known as Swine Flue, so your body will recognize the infectious agent. In the comment section below, post your thoughts.
The Perfect Solution To Senior Health Care
While discussing the upcoming Universal Health Care Program with my sister-in-law the other day, I think we have found the solution. I am sure you have heard the ideas that if you�re a senior you need to suck it up and give up the idea that you need any health care. A new hip? Unheard of. We simply can't afford to take care of you anymore. You don't need any medications for your high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, etc. Let�s take care of the young people. After all, they will be ruling the world very soon.
So here is the solution. When you turn 70, you get a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives. Of course, you will be sent to prison where you will get 3 meals a day, a roof over your head and all the health care you need! Need teeth? Great. Need glasses? No problem. Need hip, knee, kidney, lung, heart? Well, bring it on. And who will be paying for all of this. The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care. And, since you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income tax.
I really think we have found the perfect solution!
Author Unknown
So here is the solution. When you turn 70, you get a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives. Of course, you will be sent to prison where you will get 3 meals a day, a roof over your head and all the health care you need! Need teeth? Great. Need glasses? No problem. Need hip, knee, kidney, lung, heart? Well, bring it on. And who will be paying for all of this. The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care. And, since you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income tax.
I really think we have found the perfect solution!
Author Unknown
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