TommyO

I am surprised that folks actually still believe in Adam and Eve, I suppose that if Adam and Eve didn't have an umbilical cord they didn't have belly buttons. Wow! now that's an image that's going to make me giggle all day. Do you think Cain an Able worried when they looked at their parents and saw that they were different.

My Doc told me to eat portions the size of my fist, I told him I would be happy to feed him a little lunch. I now have a new doctor, he told me I should do a little research on a something call a laproscopic gastric band. He asked me to do the research and after I did come back and see him, if I thought it was the right tool for me he would set me up with a surgeon who would do the surgery. 105 pounds later and here I am Cheers TommyO

I bet the liberals did all the good chemicals in school, at least they did when I was there, maybe those are what created the liberal vs conservative brain chemicals. If there is a conservative brain chemical I bet it's is similar to lemon juice, execpt it not only makes your mouth pucker it also makes your ass do the same. Just kidding, it's just that the right tends to get really upset when you tease them and it's funny to watch. Thers no reaction like a chemical reaction, Gota go my walls are melting Cheers TommyO

If I disagree then I am evil and have an agenda, If you disagree, yell and call people names you are holy, wonderful and saved, albeit not perfect. Intersting perspective

Jack, I find it interesting that you feel the need to point out that guns are not the issue, that may be a topic for another thread. Mind you I wouldn't want to offend the NRA, I'm trying to avoid the"From my cold hands" insanity stuff. Oh well I was sent an email with these Bush bumper stickers, I thought some of you would find amusing BUSH BUMPER STICKERS That's OK I Wasn't Using My Civil Liberties Anyway Let's Fix Democracy in This Country First If You Want a Nation Ruled By Religion, Move to Iran Bush. Like a Rock. Only Dumber. If You Can Read This, You're Not Our President Hey, Bush Supporters: Embarrassed Yet? George Bush: Creating the Terrorists Our Kids Will Have to Fight Impeachment: It's Not Just for Blowjobs Anymore America: One Nation, Under Surveillance They Call Him "W" So He Can Spell It Whose God Do You Kill For? Cheney/Satan '08 Jail to the Chief No, Seriously, Why Did We Invade Iraq? Bush: God's Way of Proving Intelligent Design is Full of Crap We Need a President Who's Fluent In At Least One Language We're Making Enemies Faster Than We Can Kill Them Is It Vietnam Yet? Where Are We Going? And Why Are We in This Hand-basket? You Elected Him. You Deserve Him.

Stem cell research like most key issues of the day are not addressed directly in the bible and that includes both the old and new testament. That is because the bible was written over time, at a time based on the knowledge of the time. The bible gives very precise advice on how people should live their lives in the time it was written. Makes sense if the information was provided by an omnipotent god figure that this god figure would have known what the future had in store and as such He/She would have been able to provide us with clearer advice on what to do when we learned enough to provide abortions or do stem cell research. That this God did not tells me that it is likely that this information was not provided by a God. This is why I do not follow the bible nor do I beleive it to be devinly inspired. I do believe the stuff about being good and loving thy neighbour as valuable so I don't discount it outright. As a matter of fact I see it as a morall code of a group of people learned over time. It's content does provide great rules that should be followed however some of them have become outdated. (When they talk about giants or ribs being made into Women or Water into wine) I tend to ignore this based on my understanding of the prevailing ingnorance of the day on such topics as the origins of man and vinification. I have no problem with anyone who does believe the bible to be true I just think that they are misguided. So when someone uses the bible to support or refute an argument it holds no sway with me. I do however prefer the Greek and Roman Gods as they seem to have figured out the whole God thing much better and I am relativley certain they would have put the water into wine thing to better use. Does anyone have any idea what Zeus thought about stem cell research?

Just a few comments, people of size need to be able to feel good about themselves as do all people. The truth is I doubt very much that starting a club or support group will cause that to happen but it is important to have a positive self-image. I do worry that these support groups sometimes make us feel good about doing things that are harmful, they is some ways allow the individual to forget the guilt that is caused by doing unhealthy things. I do believe that obesity is not a choice and that we are cursed with an affliction that is almost impossible to overcome. The statistics would tell us that it is almost impossible to overcome obesity without medical intervention and even then the success rate is not 100%. I don't blame anyone for my obesity and I fully accept all responsibility but I would not be beating it without the band. Obesity may not be a disease but it is undeniably a symptom of one. It may be genetic, it may be psychological or it may be physiological, it may be as unique as we are individuals but it is not a choice. We may need to fight it with all our strength but we should also have compassion for those who are, like us, obese. Judging others for being obese, or short or blonde etc, etc. is wrong. One of the things I find most interesting about fat people (Me Included) is we have the uncanny ability of being able to justify our obesity at the same time as we judge other obese people. Lets all agree that it stops here with us and lets start by allowing other obese people to be proud of who they are. TommyO

Jodie, you certainly seemed to have done a lot of fighting for your form of Government. Seems odd to have had to fight for something that we in Canada have been able to get and maintain so peacfully. Maybe we are just more peace loving by nature. It appears that you don't like to hear opinions from any damm foreigners. I should say as a Canadian and a foreigner I am humbled by your incredible understanding of the US presidency especially in your ability to know what would have happened if Kerry had won. I also would like to thank you for going out of your way to learn Canadian history, your statement "You fought for nothing" highlights just how indepth your knowledge of Canadian history is. Sorry if I seem a little upset, don't take it personally I have had many Americans come to Canada as tourists, spending money and given that both countries represent each others number one trading partner they tend to really piss me off. All that having an opinion stuff starts to bug me. Love always TommyO

The band is a lifetime commitment, I have been banded for just over a year and I keep learning more and more how it works and how I must work with it. I know you are frustrated but sit back relax follow the advice above and begin to take your time to learn how to manage your band. One of the most important things I have learned by participating in this site is how unique the band experience is for each person. What may work for some doesn't work for others but going slowly and learning what works for you will hopefully bring about positive results. You need to find your answers and the good folks on this site will give you great advice along with possible solutions but the band is a tool not the solution. Learn to use your tool. {Don't go there }

Stem cell research is taking place and it will continue to take place. Advances may happen elsewhere but they will happen. I understand your point but the truth is we live in a global economy and there are many modern countries that have the skill and talent to continue to make advances in stem cell research and they are not hindered leadership that holds some fundamentalist idealogy. Remember what Ceasar did when Rome burned, well it appears that the match has been lit and a small fire has been started. Rome may very well be burning and everyone in Rome is looking to the heavens for answers when all they really need is a bucket of Water. (If you know what I mean) It may appear that I have lost my marbles but it seems to me that many of the topics that your raise T_O_M represent further examples of what might be the beggining of a period that will one day be refeered to in History books as the fall of the American Empire. TommyO

Why is it that any time the world moves forward the religious right tries to push back, It's funny how they are always apposed to such matters based on the right to life but at the same time they seem to be leading the charge when it comes to going to war with non christian nations. Any way I am strongly in favor of stem cell research and I am certain that It need not be justified by any biblical reference. For that matter I refuse to argue the issue with any close minded right wing fundementalist Christian who wants me to take them seriously when they advocate that the bible conatins an accurate description of the origins of the universe. Cheers and Happy New Year to all TommyO

Hey Vines, I have been watching your journey through your interaction here in this forum, you have been an insperation to all. I was sadened when you informed us of your Cushings diagnosis but your determination and commitment to yourself and evryone on this board has been amazing. I applaud you and your efforts, thank you for your participation on this board. Tommy

Speaking as a Canadian who was very much interested in the American election I just want to say I feel a little safer now that the Republican power base has been diminished. To many people around the world George Bush is the most dangerous man on the planet and the fact that he has less power today is a good thing. Interestingly enough the Democratic party would be more apt to align with the the Conservative party here in Canada. Our good neighbours to the south tend to be somewhat more conservative then we Canadians but we plan to keep sneaking over the boarder and spreading our Liberal manifesto. At least until you put up the new Berlin wall on your northern boarder Cheers TommyO

Gailannr, there was this crusader who was arguing with a contempory about the crusades and he said you know this just didn't start a few years ago. It would seem he discovered that the conflict had been going on for quitye some time long before you came to your conclusion. Zealots on all sides have been killing each other for thousands of years. But these are the zealots and both sides have them. They are, at best, insane, and they will continue to exist. The average person however gets up in the morning and goes about there daily lives with no desire to kill anyone or destroy any group. Once you allow yourself to believe that the other team is all bad or evil you take the first step into dehumanizing them. It's an important step that must be taken if you are ever going to be able to do the things you will need to do to get rid of them. Ah but the sad truth is to do this you must first become the thing you hate and soon they are holding up your picture as justification for the wrongs they will commit. And so the cycle continues ensuring that ignorance wins out all the time. I live by my rules not theirs or yours, If, like you, others decide to live by a seperate set of rules, then so be it. If I decide that it is okay to change my rules because others have changed their rules then I must answer to me. I cherish life and, as such, I believe it is wrong to take anothers lfe, That belief is not based on how much I like or dislike the other person. To lump others together and characterise them as evil is wrong but it serves a purpose in that it allows us to justify the wrongs we do to them. "I have seen the enemy and He is I"

Carlene, I recommend you speak with a tax expert regarding the 400K. As a Canadian I no little about US tax laws but I would find out how to pay as little tax on that 400K as possible. In Canada estate taxes are high and any money or assets willed to individuals are taxed at 50%. This money has alraedy been taxed once so I don't see moving that money so taxes are avoided as morally wrong. My MIL lives with me and hopefully will until she dies, she is 77 years old so that should be for a long time. She drives me crazy but she is my wifes mother and my kids grandmother and becuase of that she is given a free pass to drive me crazy. I believe that the social safety net is there for those in need and those who are not in need should not be manipulating the system. I have worked hard so I can live a nice life and I am not only proud of that I am also proud that I am able to hlep support those who have less. Taxes, in many ways redistribute wealth, and this creates a kinder society for all of us. My wife and I will continue to pay for my MIL because we can and that is the good news. I like the way you, your hubby and your BIL think on this, your other relative may be upset with your BIL because she is feeling a tinge of guilt

GS, if you listen closely to your screen you may hear my applause :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Cheers TommyO

How can having an opinion be considerred back seat driving? I don't think that the country with all the bombs has as much to fear as the rest of the world. It's somewhat humorous that the choice of the those on the right is to respond by blowing things up. I read an atricle in the paper this week that they estimate that One Hundred and fifty thousand civilians have now been killed in Iraq. It would appear that death isn't that big an issue to some folks as long as it happens "over there". I am curiouse why anyone in the U.S. should be as afraid as the people living in Iraq. Maybe it's the folks in the rest of the world who feel a little safer. As long as conservative Americans believe they are safer when they are blowing people up the rest of the world will sleep more peacefully when the American public votes in liberals. In some ways I resent the implication that having a differing opinion constitutes crowing and that expressing that opinion constitutes back seat driving. I too live in a democracy and I am entitled to demand that my elected government representative represent me. The system does not work if there is no oposition.

Sorry I am not as able to participate as much lately so please forgive my tardiness on responding. I would like to respond however and here goes, When you look at the conflicts in the world today it's often hard to tell the bad guys from the good guys. As Americans you don't see it because you see yourselves as the good guys and that's understandable. To the folks on the other side you are the bad guys and to the rest of the world US foreign policy appears to positions the US as the school bully. Look, the US is the most powerfull country in the world and they choose to go around beating up on all of the little kids who want to play. Why not try and make freinds, it's not like the US hasn't made allies with some of the worlds biggest despots in the past. As a matter of fact the enemy was once your freind. I don't know but as an observer I would say that it might have something to do with oil and arms manufacturing. Keep in mind If we manage to blow up the world it is more likely that the US will be the one with the finger on the button. Cheers TommyO

FYI defending oneself from a bully often does not work, some kids are more agressive than others and telling a kid that they should defend themselves often just frightens them more. Tell your kid to run to safety, preferebly to and adult, make sure that you let them know that there is no shame in running. Telling your kid to defend themselves often causes them to intepret that as a requirement to defend themselves. This causes great anxiety especially when they know that acting in self defence will only result in an ass whooping. If you are waiting for the school to resolve the issue you will wait a long time, they will not be able to reslove the issue to your satisfaction. That is no condemnation on the school system but rather a statement of fact. Good luck but remember run as fast as you can to safety is the advice that you would give to an adult in a dangerous situation so give the same to your child. Cheers TommyO

I am able to drink anything although my preference is wine or beer. Each person is different and I suggest that you try a beer at home first, that way you will know if you might have a problem while out with a group.

Advice to Peggy, Picture first!!

Yes, Oui, Sì, Ναι, Ja, Да, Sim, はい, Cheers TommyO

I do not despise anything and when someone disagrees with me I listen to their argument because it may in fact hold merit. Many times however I find it only reinforces my beliefs. This is especially true when the premise put forward is that the individual is prepared to engage in battle to backup their beliefs. It never ceases to amaze me when the politically incorrect can't figure out why the people they are blowing up don't like them. Cheers TommyO

Where to begin, first point the Iraqi and the American soldier spoke different langauges, I don't know if you are sugesting that we speak one language the world over or that the American soldier should learn to speak Iraqi. I recognize there is a race isssue in the U.S. and that complicates things but I can't imagine why that would allow anyone to police language. Finally if you are implying that I am full of hot air, well you may be correct, time will tell. I just can't imagine what that has to do with diversity in language. Or for that matter what the number of people I know who have donated money to Ebonics has to do with linguistics.

I am debating how we speak not what we say, When you include content as part of the issue you are changing the argument. I am not anti-feminine I am not a racist but I can be somewhat anti-authoritarian. I am comfortable in my belief that speaking variations of the language will do little if any harm. If you chose to not listen to my words then it does not matter if I use proper English. Suggesting that by allowing the language to evolve we create 3 mile Islands, Airline disasters, anti-feminism, pro-violence or the end of civilization is just silly. Bill Cosby may be more than a comedian but the reason you quote him is because he validates your argument. All of those great things that he has done in his life that are held up by you as reasons that his opinions are more significant don't mean a hill of Beans. I disagree, so do I need to find some benevolent celebrity to back my argument for my opinion to count? I think not. Happy Thanksgiving TommyO