Forgiveness

---Part of the recovery process I am now beginning in life asks of me to seek forgiveness from those who I have hurt or done wrong to in the past. One of the first places I wanted to come was here, to the place of my brotherhood.

I just want to say, from the deepest part of my being, that I am dearly and truly sorry if I ever hurt any of you or did wrong to you in the past in any way. This especially goes towards my brothers Scott, Mike M., and PJB. ---

Balloons???

This is the third time this has happened so I figured it was time to share. As it goes it’s Sunday night and we are eating dinner in our kitchen when all of the sudden “C” starts to holler “Balloon Balloon!!” To which my wife and I look at him and think WTF is he talking about? But this is the third time so by now we know to turn around and we will see hot air balloons floating in the sky over our back yard. Any how “C’s” enthusiasm is shared by all of us and we all race out the door and hang out in our yard to see all of them (4 to 6) pass. I suspect our neighbors think we are a little juvenile, over some thing I am sure they have seen many time before, but to us it is still very new and novel. Any hoo, here is “C” sporting the fat lip sitting on my lap watching the air parade.

Valerie Loves Me, Material Issue

update

Well, its looking like I will be thinking about starting day hospital treatment for my short comings in life. I don't know what your stances are on rehabilitation/adult day care, nor do I give a shit, but I just wanted to let you know that you may not see me for a while....I need some "me" time. I have to regroup or else I'm in biggy trouble.

Well, at least not ranting and raving as you'd like to normally see spew forth outta my ignorant ass. I put someone else in charge of finding good stories on Illegal Immigrants for now!

but I do know I lurve ya.

Right here in good ole DSM....

You know, when I campaigned here in 2000, I said, I want to be a war President. No President wants to be a war President, but I am one.
--George w. Bush

Des Moines, IA
10/26/2006

It Starts and Ends With `E`

What word starts with `e` ends with `e` and only has one letter in it?

What the hell?

MONROE, Georgia (CNN) -- The police were only about 50 yards down the road when the gun-wielding white mob stopped the car and dragged the two black men out, shoving them face first into the dirt.

A local woman playing Dorothy Malcom has an unborn baby cut from her womb during the re-enactment.

The two women were next to be yanked from the burgundy Buick into the thick, sultry air of a Southern summer, one of them thrashing and flailing as she screamed and pleaded with the mob to spare her and her unborn child.

The lynch mob dragged the sharecroppers through the pine trees down a wagon trail to the Apalachee River and, on their leader's command, unleashed three torrents of gunfire.

As the four hit the ground, a man stepped from the woods and shot two streams of ketchup onto the victims for effect.

Wednesday's graphic re-enactment of Georgia's last mass lynching is the organizers' way of drawing attention to the still-unsolved murders. See and hear scenes from the re-enactment »

The investigation into the atrocities at Moore's Ford is one of scores from the civil rights era that have or could be reopened under a cold-case initiative by the FBI.

Decades-old cases can and have been solved. In 2005, former Ku Klux Klansman Edgar Ray Killen was convicted of killing three civil rights workers in Mississippi in 1964. Earlier this year, another former Klansman, James Ford Seale, was found guilty of kidnapping and conspiracy in the 1964 deaths of two black teens in Mississippi.

Congress is considering a bill, currently stalled in the Senate, that would create a special unit in the Justice Department and provide $100 million over the next decade for the FBI to investigate these types of slayings.

Getting answers remains critical to some communities, even 40, 50 or 60 years on, local leaders say.

---Is this an over the top way for the justice system to waste money?---

Today's quote

Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what's right.

Isaac Asimov

Ummmm......

We thought we were protected forever from trade policy or terrorist attacks because oceans protected us.
--George w. Bush

Santiago, Chile
11/20/2004
speaking to business leaders at APEC Summit

on the clock

If you’re reading this article at the office you’re probably a lot like the average American employee — who wastes almost two hours of every workday, according to a report that came out Wednesday.

The annual survey by Salary.com — which polled 2,000 people in the U.S. across geographical, age, job level and industry lines — found that employees waste about 1.7 hours of a typical 8.5-hour day at work.

The top time busters are using the Internet, socializing with coworkers and conducting personal business.

The numbers have declined slightly since 2005, when Salary.com began doing the survey. The average time wasted per day then was more than 2 hours.

random thoughts

hey guys my wife's new computer has a camera so you will now be subjected more images like me in the morning!!! good luck

Today's quote

Having smoking and non-smoking sections in the same room is like having urinating and non-urinating sections in a swimming pool.

Ross Parker

Is this a good idea?

By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN Associated Press Writer
NEW HAVEN, Conn. Jul 24, 2007 (AP)

This city is becoming the first in the nation to offer identification cards to illegal immigrants, trying to bring them out of the shadows even as many municipalities crack down on them.

Beginning Tuesday, New Haven will offer the ID cards to all of its 125,000 residents, including some 10,000 to 12,000 illegal immigrants.

The cards will allow immigrants to open bank accounts and use other services that may be unavailable without driver's licenses or state-issued IDs. If they can open bank accounts, immigrants will be less likely to carry large amounts of cash, a practice that makes them easy targets for robbers.

City officials say the cards will also encourage immigrants who are crime victims or witnesses to cooperate with police.

"The simple straightforward purpose here is to build a stronger community," Mayor John DeStefano said Monday. "You can't police a community of people who won't talk to our cops."

Opponents say the cards will encourage more illegal immigration.

---Yeah, I couldnt pass it up, it was on one of my news pages....do you think it is a good idea to give ID cards to illegals? I think this is yet just another way for an illegal immigrant to take advantage of what this country has to offer. I know people that cant even open bank accounts because of their bad credit history and here we are letting an illegal immigrant open one without a problem. You all know how I feel.---

Joke time.

	A Navy man and an Army man are driving opposite directions on a curvy mountain road. The army man hits a patch of sand, swerves, and nails the Navy man's truck. They both exit their cars with no injuries, but their vehicles are ruined. Now, the rivalry between Army and Navy is well known, so needless to say a heated argument followed. Then suddenly the Navy man changed heart and said, "Hold on, this is dumb. It was an accident. Let's put this rivalry behind us." The Army man agreed this was a good idea. So the Navy man offered, "Why don't we celebrate our new friendship over a fifth of vodka? I have a bottle in the truck." The Army man thought this was an excellent idea. So the Navy man, being a gentleman, offered the Army man the first drink, and told the Army man to drink as much as he wanted. Soon half the bottle was gone and he offered the bottle back to the Navy man who said, "Thanks, but I'll wait till after the cops get here!"

Today's quote

I don't always know what I'm talking about but I know I'm right.

Muhammad Ali

---I Love this quote.

What have you guys been up to? Nothing all too special on my end. Its hot here which sucks. I will be heading to Chicago In November now, hopefully everyone will be around but we have months to plan something. Ill be there the 4th-9th.---

Funny one....

My trip to Asia begins here in Japan for an important reason. It begins here because for a century and a half now, America and Japan have formed one of the great and enduring alliances of modern times. From that alliance has come an era of peace in the Pacific.
--George w. Bush

Tokyo
02/18/2002
someone apparently forgot about a little something called World War II

Todays Quote.

We hate some persons because we do not know them; and we will not know them because we hate them.
- Charles Caleb Colton

ABINGDON, Va. — Purdue Pharma L.P., the maker of OxyContin, and three of its executives were ordered to pay a $634.5 million fine on Friday for misleading the public about the painkiller's risk of addiction.

U.S. District Judge James Jones levied the fine on Purdue, its top lawyer and former president and former chief medical officer after a hearing that lasted about four-and-a-half hours. The hearing included statements by numerous people who said their lives were changed forever by the addiction potential of OxyContin, a trade name for a long-acting form of the painkiller oxycodone.

Designed to be swallowed whole and digested over 12 hours, the pills can produce a heroin-like high if crushed and then swallowed, snorted or injected.

From 1996 to 2001, the number of oxycodone-related deaths nationwide increased fivefold while the annual number of OxyContin prescriptions increased nearly 20-fold, according to a report by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In 2002, the DEA said the drug caused 146 deaths and contributed to another 318.

---It is ABOUT TIME some of the SOBs have to pay out for ruining so many lives. This is a nasty, nasty drug that is seriously addictive. Ive seen quite a few lives changed by it, all for the worse. I even know someone personally who lost her kids because of this drug. Its friggin nasty. To be honest with you, it has the same euphoric feeling as heroin if crushed and snorted. It can take you to some real high places, but when it brings you back you are in hell wanting more. Its very addictive and I think the company failed over the years to mention just how addictive it really is. My heart has a soft spot of junkies at times, you dont know w hy they get high, it could be to just escape something terrible that has happened to them. What gets me mad is when you hear about all these movie or rock stars that become junkies when they have all the money in the world and could avoid such situations. My heart goes out to the gutter junkie but not a man like Curt Cobain who had it all and pissed it away. Everyday is a struggle for me. My parents have to lock up their prescription pain killers from me in order for me to stay safe. The mind of a junkhead is an amazing thing. To me each day is one day at a time.... ---

funny quote

Having one child makes you a parent; having two you are a referee.

David Frost

Hey Offmen… Thanks!

The other day I was thinking about something I had learned from Pat M, and that thought lead me to think there was possibly a little some thing from all of you to be thankful for. So I thought about it for some time and jotted things down when they came to me. In the end I found there were a lot of good memories and for those I am most thankful.

Patrick M, Thank you for your great deal of patience in teaching me the game of chess.

John T M, Thanks for teaching me to never be afraid to cut my own hair, and also how to eat with chop-sticks.

Frank, I think I speak for most all Offmen in saying thanks for introducing us to Big Black.

Ian K, I was unable to think of any thing I learned from you but, your job at Metro did make for some great part time employment for a few of us(wow those are memories!)

Mark, That even my worst dribble here on the OMI blog can be responded to in a most eloquent and thoughtful manor. Your words inspire me to be more academic when creating posts, or comments (I obviously have a long way to go).

Michael S, Where do I begin? All those little suggestions you made about my study habits and I ignored back in the day, now make them self’s so useful.

Martin, I learned that you are more that just a really nice guy. In fact, you are as exceptionally intelligent as your lovely wife (possibly even more so, because you are an Offmen).

Mike T, Thank you so very much for introducing me to the music that would forever change my life (Thanks Mike with out you I might still be stuck listening to Van Halen while secretly holding a hidden affection for The Pet Shop Boys).

Tom J, Thanks for showing me that even my small bit of Irish heritage should never be take lightly.

Joe S, I learned that my hair clippers really did in fact get very hot after long periods of use, and that I should take the complaints of those who’s Mohawks I am shaving seriously. Sorry about burning your scalp buddy!

Pi Baker, From you I learned that I don’t know all of the old Offmen as well as I thought I did. I know we met once… but I have no face with the name.

Steve B, I learned during a memorable 2 hour car ride from Phoenix to Flag Staff that I know nothing about the Vampire role playing game scene, and that you carry the most amazing volume of info of any Offmen on fantasy roll playing and D&D.

dad-e~O, That even in this day there are people who can write about politics in an objective and friendly manor. A very noble ability for one of which I am jelous.

CreamyGnocchi, What I learned from you will stay between you and I.

Phil M, I learned that your brother John and I were just a pair of dufus mechanics compared to your ability to understand the drum brakes on my old Dodge Charger. Oh and also that thing about the sock as well.

John K, Alright truth be told I can’t think of any thing I have learned from you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you. Some day we will figure out your computer issues and get you to participate in our fun on the old OMI blog.

Mike Mc, What I learned from you although no big secret, still it best remains left alone back in that corn field in front of the OMI camp site.

Scott L, From you I have learned that my mind is not what it used to be… who the hell were you any ways?

Bob L, From you I learned that honesty and integrity will always prevail… even if it takes a while. It took a long time for you to be fully indoctrinated into the fold, but I always believed in you and was thrilled when it finally happened (although my Idea to involve hot sauce in your induction ceremony was likely a big mistake).

Christian B, From you I learned that the lyrics to any old song could be rewritten and turned into an entirely new one all about John T Miller…and also hold the distinction of some how remaining recognizable.

Rick R, From you I learned that even when your dog Dolly (a large Rottweiler) growled at me it was just her way just saying hello and I like you.

Jason, You taught me that we are all prejudiced. It was a tough pill to swallow back in the day, but I think I finally get it.

Eric, I have learned from you that friendship can endure more than one could imagine. I am quite thankful we are still friends to this day.

Randy G, You taught me how to safely release my anger and rage on inanimate objects destine for the compactor.

Boom Boom, John Lee Hooker

Todays Quote.

Communism is like prohibition, it's a good idea but it won't work.

Will Rogers

Thought for today

Play: Work that you enjoy doing for nothing.
- Evan Esar

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- There was an unusual spectacle in the nation's capital Tuesday, downright rare, in fact: U.S. Senators seeking truth, and justice, and taking action. And they deserve great credit and thanks.

The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, led by Dianne Feinstein, focused on the reasons for the prosecution of two Border Patrol agents now serving long sentences in federal prison. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean were given terms of 11 and 12 years respectively on their convictions for shooting an illegal alien drug smuggler.

Senator Feinstein, and Senators Jeff Sessions, John Cornyn, Jon Kyl and Tom Coburn demanded answers of U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, who chose to prosecute Compean and Ramos and give that illegal alien drug smuggler blanket immunity to testify against the men.

Sutton's decision to prosecute the agents, to file attempted murder charges against them and seek harsh mandatory prison sentences was simply an outrage. Senators Feinstein, Sessions and Cornyn took Sutton to task over what they clearly see now as a blatant abuse of prosecutorial power and strongly questioned the decision to give immunity to a known illegal alien drug smuggler. Sutton's office gave the smuggler immunity in order to prosecute the two agents who had pursued him in a high-speed chase, which ultimately resulted in the wounding of the drug dealer who had ditched his van, loaded with hundreds of pounds of drugs, and ran from the agents.

---Just yet another example of when an illegal scumbag gets more rights.....I dont think these 2 agents should be imprisoned for doing their damn job.---

Today's quote

None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Todays Quote.

Sex is like bridge; if you don't have a good partner, you better have a good hand.

Mae West

---I think this rings very true. How has everyone been as of late? Im doing OK, just trying not to be crabby from the heat. Ive been watching my daughter just about 5 days a week which has been great. Shes 4 and a half now and is just amazing to me. Ive recently discovered a love for the Grease Soundtrack too.

What have you guys been up to?---

The ladies have the power!

By KAMAL MENGHRAJANI
July 16, 2007

Behind every powerful man is a more powerful woman.

New research gives this old adage a boost. A study published by a group of researchers from Iowa State University found that women are more likely to flex their figurative muscle during arguments — and men are more likely to give in.

"The surprising finding was that women were exhibiting more power, and men were responding in positive ways," said David Vogel, associate professor of psychology at ISU and lead author of the research study. "It wasn't a power struggle for these couples."

Vogel and his colleagues looked at 72 couples from Iowa who volunteered for the study. The spouses were about 33 years old and had been married, on average, for seven years.

Unlike previous studies, this one measured power at home on three fronts: professional life and finances, attempts to gain control in the relationship, and ultimately getting one's way.

Today's quote

Everything I have ever done in my life has always stayed. I've just added to it...But I will not change. Because when you are successful and you change, you are an idiot.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

You know its bad when......

---Even your own party members are fighting to make change. Ive been thinking a lot about the war lately and what a mess it is. It makes me even wonder how we got to this point. I think the blame goes far deeper than Bush though. In the Middle East, all we have to do is protect Isreal since they are such close allies to us and they are all alone over there. Hussien needed to be ousted from power too, I do believe that, but I just never thought it would be such a mess afterwards.---

2 GOP senators join revolt vs. war policy

Draft measure to narrow troop mission in Iraq

By Shailagh Murray, Washington Post | July 14, 2007

WASHINGTON -- The Republican revolt against President Bush's war strategy accelerated yesterday as two of the party's most respected voices on national security proposed legislation envisioning a major realignment of US troops in Iraq starting as early as Jan. 1.

Defying Bush even as his team fanned out to press Congress for more time, Senators John Warner, Republican of Virginia, and Richard Lugar, Republican of Indiana, unveiled a measure requiring the White House to begin drawing up plans to redeploy US forces from front-line combat to border security and counterterrorism.

But the legislation, at this point, would not force Bush to implement the plans.

The proposal fell short of Democratic demands to set a firm timetable for withdrawal, but underscored the continuing erosion of the president's position among Republicans on Capitol Hill. It could shape the debate as Congress wrestles with its position on the war

creepy info.

The heaviest recorded rat weighed 26.2 pounds, and was found in a sewer in New York City.

---Remind me to stay way from NY. I just came across a rat in the dumpster by my ex's business a couple weeks ago that was about the size of my shoe and it freaked me out. I dont know what Id do if I saw something like this. 26 pounds, thats a small child!!!!!!---

the prison system sucks.

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- The ninth floor of the Miami-Dade pretrial detention facility is dubbed the "forgotten floor." Here, inmates with the most severe mental illnesses are incarcerated until they're ready to appear in court.

Most often, they face drug charges or charges of assaulting an officer --charges that Judge Steven Leifman says are usually "avoidable felonies." He says the arrests often result from confrontations with police. Mentally ill people often won't do what they're told when police arrive on the scene -- confrontation seems to exacerbate their illness and they become more paranoid, delusional, and less likely to follow directions, according to Leifman.

So, they end up on the ninth floor severely mentally disturbed, but not getting any real help because they're in jail.

We toured the jail with Leifman. He is well known in Miami as an advocate for justice and the mentally ill. Even though we were not exactly welcomed with open arms by the guards, we were given permission to shoot videotape and tour the floor. Go inside the 'forgotten floor' »

At first, it's hard to determine where the people are. The prisoners are wearing sleeveless robes. Imagine cutting holes for arms and feet in a heavy wool sleeping bag -- that's kind of what they look like. They're designed to keep the mentally ill patients from injuring themselves. That's also why they have no shoes, laces or mattresses.

Leifman says about one-third of all people in Miami-Dade county jails are mentally ill. So, he says, the sheer volume is overwhelming the system, and the result is what we see on the ninth floor.

Of course, it is a jail, so it's not supposed to be warm and comforting, but the lights glare, the cells are tiny and it's loud. We see two, sometimes three men -- sometimes in the robes, sometimes naked, lying or sitting in their cells.

"I am the son of the president. You need to get me out of here!" one man shouts at me.

He is absolutely serious, convinced that help is on the way -- if only he could reach the White House

---This just a small tidbit of the entire article I was reading and it made me so sad. I am mentally ill and I can relate to how some of these inmates must feel without the proper treatment or medication. Sure if you do commit a crime, you do have to face the judge, or jury, but I think the system just passes people like this up and forgets about them. I feel for them.---

the kid.

---Just another recent picture of the kid having fun in the Lake up in Northern Iowa.---

Poor Bushie...

Friday, July 13, 2007

WASHINGTON NEWS

Defiant Bush Holds Firm On Surge

As the White House delivered what it termed a "mixed" progress report to Congress on the Iraq war, President Bush held a press conference to make his case for continuing the surge strategy until September. Media reports portray him as holding his ground, and note Bush and members of his Administration sought to stress that the report contained only interim findings. In what is a common refrain, ABC World News said the Bush team was attempting to "buy time," though on Capitol Hill many Democrats "made clear they have no intention of waiting." USA Today also reports the President "is seeking more time for the Iraq security strategy" to succeed.

Most analysts believe the President gained little ground yesterday. NBC Nightly News said Bush's "resolve has failed to quell a Republican rebellion and bipartisan calls to impose a withdrawal timeline." The Wall Street Journal observes that Thursday's report "seemed certain to complicate White House efforts to maintain congressional support for its handling of Iraq." The Christian Science Monitor also says that "an assessment that basically calls for more patience on Iraq may end up having a limited impact in part because it emphasizes military achievements at a point in the Iraq effort when everyone from military commanders to analysts agree that political progress is now the crucial determining factor."

The Washington Post describes Bush as "a weakened president [who] is desperately playing for time while a Democratic opposition mounts its case against him and Republican lawmakers agonize over how long to stick with him." The New York Times says Bush's Iraq strategy "now boils down to this: He is trying to buy time for a surge that is living on borrowed time," and "even some of" his "aides acknowledge that the" surge "the president so ardently defended...was already in its final phases. From the White House to the Pentagon to the military headquarters in Iraq, the focus of behind-the-scenes planning is already on what follows."

The San Francisco Chronicle says that given his low poll numbers, Bush "has little to lose politically in using the last 18 months of his presidency to try to prove critics of his war policy wrong." But "the rest of his Republican Party...is looking at something entirely different: elections for the House, Senate and the presidency that, absent a miraculous turnaround in Iraq or a suicidal stumble by Democrats, are headed for a debacle."

---I dunno what this troop surge will do, do you? Im sure it will get more of our boys killed, thats for sure. I just think that this new Iraqi Govt. is a like a big baby and wont learn to walk on its own until we leave. They bitch and moan that were are there, yet as soon as something diplomatic comes up they run to us for advice. I say we get out of the middle east all together, let them all kill one another. ---

random thoughts

hello guys, i was watching the history channel the other day and they had a program on the roman empire. while they were running through the different emperors i began to think about emperor bush and what he was looking for in a legacy. the thought struck me that everybody remebers the name of nero, but trajan was a much better emperor and only history buffs know of him. bush is aiming to be another nero because he wants to be remembered. nero fiddled while rome burned. bush piddled while wtc fell. not right but we can work on it.


crickets chirping, mother nature

Again with the Pesos thing....

DALLAS — Dallas-based chain Value Giant announced in a press release Thursday that their retail stores will begin accepting Mexican pesos as payment, according to MyFOXDFW.com.

The Value Giant store at Southwest Center Mall will be hosting a promotional event on Saturday to introduce the new policy.

Value Giant is a regional discount retailer offering groceries, clothes, electronics and general merchandise.

In January, another Dallas-based business, Pizza Patron, created controversy with its announcement that it would accept the Mexican currency.

Pizza Patron has reported increased profits since the decision was made.

---Man am I ever, ever so glad I dont live down there, Id be protesting shit everydamnday.I still think its wrong, good business or not.---

Barson Life

July 9 was the 13th anniversary of Tiffany and My wedding. Who would have thought that a 19 year old girl and 20 year old boy getting married would make it this long. And to celebrate we deicided to get a sitter and have dinner, then stay at a hotel down town. Well since I get a pretty good deal at my hotel, and a really good deal at my restaurant, the choice seemed pretty natural. this was the first time I had actaully eaten there as a guest and it was very nice, I highly recomend it.
We decided to ride our bikes down in order to make an event of it, we took the long way around, from Arlington Heights, over to the Botanic Gardens, then down the path into the city, zig zag through town to a bike bar, then to the hotel. Total milage in was 53 miles, 4 hours of saddle time.
The weather was pretty hot, in the 90's most of the way. We managed to not get rained on (by about 8 minutes). I rode my Fixed Gear bike, Tiff rode her pretty speacialized 27 gear.
We took the train home....
A lovely time was had by us both.

Tuesday night (at midnight) we all went and saw the latest install ment of the Harry potter phenominon, a fun little movie if you into that sort of thing. I would say it was the best of the bunch.

quote for today...

No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness.

Aristotle

OK what the hell does he mean here???

"People say, how can I help on this war against terror? How can I fight evil? You can do so by mentoring a child; by going into a shut-in's house and say I love you."
--George w. Bush

Washington, DC

---Some of these quotes have to be taken out of context. Maybe this is truly the secret weapon against terror, hhaha.


I still havent seen any reports as to how your lives are going guys. I know you can take a minute out to let others know whats going down. Does your new home kick ass Scott? My life has been alright I guess, not much to report. The kid is growing by leaps and bounds and she has learned how to push our buttons and push things as far as she can. Shes at that age I guess.---

Here we go again...more race card sruff...

Black Shoppers Sue Toys 'R' Us for Racial Discrimination

NEW YORK — Two black shoppers have sued Toys "R" Us saying they were subjected to racial discrimination and unjustified scrutiny at a store in New York.

Patricia Drayton and Valerie Kirk said in the lawsuit that the store in The Bronx, a borough of New York City, discriminated against them by asking them to show their sales receipts. The suit was filed in Manhattan Federal Court Tuesday.

Drayton said in the lawsuit that she was stopped by a security guard at the door of the store and asked to show her receipt. After refusing to do so, she was made to wait while the employee checked with a cashier to see if she had purchased the merchandise, the lawsuit said.

According to court documents, Kirk was told by a man working at the story that Toys "R" Us's policy required that she show her receipt to him prior to leaving the store. Kirk said in the suit that she refused to comply and was banned from shopping there.

The lawsuit said black shoppers are subjected to compulsory inspection of their sales receipts while White shoppers are not.

The women are asking the court to give the suit class action status to represent all black shoppers who have been subjected to the same procedures by Toys "R" Us.

Representatives for Toys "R" Us and Metro One were not available for comment.

Metro One, which provides loss prevention services to retail stores, and several people employed by the two companies are also being sued by the women.They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages of at least $200 million each on behalf of the class.

---I used to get the same bullshit story when I was a screener at the airport. Someone of color would always say "oh you are doing this because im such and such". I felt like looking at them and saying "No sir/ma'am Im doing this because youre an asshole, but in reality it was because we found something suspicious looking in their bag. The next time something shitty happens to me at a retail store,like waiting in line for more than 5 minutes, or having my bags checked because I have slicked back hair and some tattoos. im gonna blame it on the color of my skin too, deal?---

---My little slice of perfection, last week, while on vacation with Mommy.---

Gullible info.

Coffee made from previously frozen coffee beans has 15 percent less caffeine than coffee made from freshly roasted beans.

---I dont drink coffee in the summer months, too damn hot. I wake up and go right for the iced tea.---

Can someone be born evil?

Are evil people born or made?

Ulysses Handy was 24 when he walked into a friend's home in Tacoma, Wash., looking to steal money he knew was there.

He shot Darren Christian and Daniel Varo at point-blank range, and then turned his gun on a total stranger, unarmed and defenseless 21-year-old Lindy Cochran. When questioned about her reaction and asked whether she had begged for her life, Handy said, "She didn't say a damn word. She was shellshocked."

He explained that her terror didn't set him back at all.

Watch Bill Weir's interview with Ulysses Handy, Friday on "20/20's" special "Hell: Our Fear and Fascination," at 10 p.m. EDT

He continued, "I feel there are two kinds of people in the world — us and them. Predator and prey. Well, I'm damn sure not no prey."

No Remorse

Handy was arrested and pleaded guilty. At his sentencing, he spoke to the victims' families. "I know there's people here hurt. Yeah, well, pain is a part of life. Deal with it. Get over it."

---Pretty sick guy. Do you think people can be born evil?---

Words to live by.

Sometimes I like you and sometimes I don't,
I feel like I'm gonna and then I won't.
Sometimes I wanna live to see a hundred,
other times I wanna lay down and die.

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't

Sometimes I'm weak and sometimes I'm strong,
You know that I've loved all along.
Sometimes I'm rich and sometimes I'm poor,
nothing really matters when you're dead on the floor.

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't

Sometimes I'm hot and sometimes I'm cold,
other times I feel like I'm getting old.
Sometimes I'm fast and sometimes I'm slow,
other times I don't even want to go.

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't

Sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cry,
other times I sit and wonder why.
Sometimes I'm up and sometimes I'm down,
other times I wanna blow this town.

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't

---I really take these lyrics to heart. Sometimes you just wanna do something and sometimes you dont. Hell, sometimes you dont wanna do something but you have to do it anyways....Just words that I live by....sometimes I do and sometimes I dont....---

home please....

d Matti)

The Associated Press

By BUSHRA JUHI Associated Press Writer

A flurry of bombings in Baghdad killed 26 people Sunday, and officials said the death toll from a giant suicide truck blast that devastated the market of a Shiite town north of the capital a day earlier could be more than 130.

Officials earlier had said Saturday's bombing in the town of Armili killed 115 people, one of the deadliest attacks in Iraq in months. The blast suggested Sunni insurgents are moving further north to strike in less protected regions beyond the U.S. security crackdown in Baghdad and on the capital's northern doorstep.

The string of attacks Sunday morning in Baghdad made clear that extremists can still unleash organized strikes in the capital despite a relative lull in violence there in past weeks amid the U.S. offensives.

Two car bombs detonated nearly simultaneously in Baghdad's mostly Shiite Karrada district, killing eight people. The first hit at 10:30 a.m., near a closed restaurant, destroying stalls and soft drink stands. Two passers-by were killed and eight wounded, a police official said.

---yet one of the many reasons we just need to call it a loss and come the hell home!!!! This shit just isnt working anymore...too many of our soldiers are coming up dead and I dont even wanna begin to mention the political ramifications of all of this, but what were we to do?---

Bush vs. Carter, whos worst?

Lonely and lame, Bush agonises over legacy

· President avoids limelight after Libby backlash
· Republican ally withdraws support over Iraq

Ewen MacAskill in Washington
Saturday July 7, 2007
The Guardian

President George Bush turned 61 yesterday but he had little to celebrate at the end of a week in which his isolation has been exposed as never before.

Laura Bush held an early family party for him on Wednesday, to which a few professional golfers were also invited, and on Thursday the president made a rare outing to watch a baseball game. But these few birthday celebrations apart, it has been a relentless week for the US president.

A backlash against his decision on Monday to commute the jail sentence of the former White House aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby was followed on Thursday by the withdrawal of support for his Iraq strategy by Pete Domenici, a Republican senator for 35 years. The loss of such a loyal senator is ominous for Mr Bush's war plans.

More defections are expected, and Mr Bush cuts a lonely figure, holed up in the White House fretting over his legacy.

Professor Robert Dallek, author of several books about the presidency, said that while it was not unusual for a president to limp to the end of his term as a lame duck, he saw Mr Bush as a particularly pronounced case. "If you are looking at defeat, no one wants to be associated with the person responsible. This is the case with Bush. You do not see his party rally round. He has united opinion against him and it makes for a lonely, isolated position," Prof Dallek said. "Once a president loses trust, he cannot govern effectively."

Although he has 18 months left in office, Mr Bush's options are limited. Last week, he lost his last chance for snatching a lasting domestic legacy when his immigration reform bill was destroyed in Congress. On foreign policy, there is little optimism of a late breakthrough on Israel-Palestine, Iran or Iraq

---OK, to this very day a lot of serious Republicans still hold true that Jimmy Carter will and still does go down and this Nation's worst President so I ask you this, Does W. top him? People seem to forget about W's first term, it wasnt that bad. He did an outstanding job in the wake of 9/11 as far as keeping this country together and united. Sure, sure, some can bitch that he helped put the dreaded "Patriot Act" into play, but whatever, im not talking about that.....
So, what do think, Carter vs. Bush, whos worse? Granted, most of us were all to young to remember him, hell I think we were all too young to remember Carter really besides just kinda remembering him as President or something.....---

As seen in Mexico?

We saw this guy at a stop light in Tlaquepaque, every one in our cab found his air fresheners message to be rather humorous. I could easily have imagined this as a popular slogan amongst our old group back in the day.

The concert that will save the planet, NOT!

The Associated Press

By ROHAN SULLIVAN Associated Press Writer
SYDNEY, Australia Jul 7, 2007 (AP)

Live Earth started in Asia with an ancient Aboriginal instrument, toured through rehashed 1970s rock, 1980s pop and laid-back surfer music, and touched the future with a holographic appearance by Al Gore.

It moved on to London, where Madonna flaunted her eco-friendly side as the headliner for an eclectic show that began with a battery of percussion set to flashing images of wildlife, pollution, alternative energy sources and the Earth seen from space.

Concerts in Sydney, Tokyo and Shanghai kicked off 24 hours of music by more than 150 artists in a round-the-globe series of shows designed to raise awareness of climate change.

Metallica, the Police and Kanye West were among the top-billed acts listed for the biggest concerts, in London and New Jersey.

Lineups in seven other cities were more modest, with mostly local or regional acts.

Gore, whose campaign to force global warming onto the international political stage inspired the event, made a live video appearance from Washington to open the first show on the other side of the world in Sydney.

The former vice president took the technology a step further a few hours later, appearing on stage in Tokyo as a hologram to deliver his message.

"Global warming is the greatest challenge facing our planet, and the gravest we've ever faced," said Gore the only person in sight wearing a suit.

---OK, the "greatest" and "gravest" challenge we've ever faced? C'mon Al, get a grip. Not that I give a rip about this damn concert and any of the bands involved, but I thought it would bring up some discussion here.

How is everyone doing? Whats going on? Hows school Mike M? Hows the cycle shop planning coming PJ? Hows the new pad Scott?

Im doing OK. My daughter has been on vacation with her Mom for the past several days up in Northern Iowa so I miss her. It has been super hot here as of late which has made me ultra crabby, I am definitely not cut out for this summer weather anymore. I have decided that fall is for me...---

Um, what?

What I'm suggesting to you is, if you can't name the foreign minister of Mexico, therefore, you know, you're not capable of what you do. But the truth of the matter is you are, whether you can or not.
--George w. Bush

11/06/1999
as quoted in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Al Gore's kid busted

LAGUNA NIGUEL, California (AP) - Al Gore's son was pulled over for speeding on a California freeway early Wednesday and arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana and prescription drugs, authorities said. Al Gore III, 24, was driving a blue Toyota Prius about 100 mph south on the San Diego Freeway when he was pulled over by sheriff's deputies who said they smelled marijuana, said Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino. The deputies searched the car and found less than an ounce of marijuana along with Xanax, Valium, Vicodin and Adderall, which is used for attention deficit disorder, Amormino said. "He does not have a prescription for any of those drugs," Amormino said. Gore was being held in the men's central jail in Santa Ana on $20,000 bail. ---So, I wanna hear what ya think?---

Todays Quote.

I don't need a baby growing inside me for nine months. For one thing, there's morning sickness. If I'm going to feel nauseous and achy when I wake up, I want to acheive that state the old fashioned way: getting good and drunk the night before.
- Ellen DeGeneres

Odd quote, but from a true mans man.

That man can't sing - he's the only nigger in the world ain't got rhythm.

Muhammad Ali

---In this prime, this man was unstoppable. I still have a ton of respect and admiration for him. I am fascinated by his life story. Muhammad Ali is a true bad ass. Im pretty sure this quote was in reference to Joe Frazier, a fellow boxer who he did not appreciate very much.---

Happy Birthday America.

---I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the greatest nation on the face of the Earth and that I hope all Offmen have a safe and Happy 4th.

Does anyone have any special plans? Gonna watch any firework displays? Go for a bike ride? Anything?---

Here comes Obama

Barack Obama has overcome his position in the opinion polls to win the latest test in his battle against Hillary Clinton for the 2008 Democratic nomination by storming ahead in the fund raising campaign.

The Illinois senator said yesterday that in the past three months he had raised at least $32.5m (£16m) for his presidential campaign - almost all of it earmarked for the primary race for the Democratic nomination. The sum sets a new party record and is expected to beat Mrs Clinton who has indicated she will raise about $27m for the April to June period.

Mr Obama's aides were last night hailing the figures as an indication that the senator's relatively poor ratings in the opinion polls behind Mrs Clinton should be treated with scepticism.

In the first six months of this year he has raised $55.7m. They also highlight that 258,000 individuals have contributed, pointing to a groundswell of support.

Mr Obama said the figures were evidence of an entire movement: "Together, we have built the largest grassroots campaign in history for this stage of a presidential race. We have hundreds of thousands of Americans who are ready to demand healthcare for all, energy independence and an end to this war in Iraq."

---Do you think all this money helps boost his chances to win the White House?---

Homer and beer...

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.

Homer Simpson

---Do you prefer beer over other drinks?---