Word of the Day Jul 20, 2009 1:30 pm 1366 Views acquiesce Definition: to accept or consent passively or without objection 0 Comments

Why is Michael Jackson more important than our Soldiers? Jul 19, 2009 12:43 pm 1149 Views This is written by a young soldier serving his third tour of duty in Iraq. Thought you might find his take on the Michael Jackson news interesting and he's right. Okay, I need to rant. I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant. Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing? Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America. Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddence," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?" I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have. Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military; "So that others may live..." Isaac P.S.-"So that other's may live..." was also the creed of the Air Rescue & Recovery Service during Vietnam & is still today. 1 comment

Cats Purrfect at Getting Needs Met, Study Shows Jul 18, 2009 11:44 am 943 Views By E.J. Mundell, HealthDay Reporter MONDAY, July 13 (HealthDay News) -- It's 6 a.m. Your cat has jumped up on the bed and, as he does every morning, lets out a mix of low purr and plaintive cry. The message is irresistible: Get up now and feed me. A new British study -- involving participants with names like Fuzzy, Marbles and Socks -- suggests that smart housecats quickly learn that this particular cry-purr combination is the most effective in getting bleary-eyed humans to do their bidding. "Remember, these cats have years to train up their owners," said study author Karen McComb, a specialist in animal vocal communication in the department of psychology at the University of Sussex. "They learn to dramatically exaggerate this cry embedded within the purr because it proves effective in getting their owner to respond." The study suggests that Felis catus domesticus has a richer vocabulary than the standard "meow," and modulates its vocalizations to express contentment (purr), alarm (shrieking meow) or insistent persuasion (the cry-purr). "They are trying to communicate," said one expert, Dr. Tony Buffington, professor of veterinary clinical services at Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, Columbus. He called the study, "a wonderful idea to follow-up on -- it's going to open up a lot more understanding of cats in general." The idea for the study, published in the July 14 issue of Current Biology, came from McComb's own cat, Pepo. "He consistently woke me up in the morning with a very insistent purr; it was very difficult to ignore. And he continued until he was fed," she said. Although McComb's prior work had centered on animals as exotic as the elephant or lion, it got her to thinking -- why was this particular vocalization so compelling? "I wanted to get to the bottom of it." She quickly found out that domestic cats only emit the cry-purr combo in the presence of a long-time human companion. "It's a behavior cats develop with particular owners," McComb said. So, she had a variety of people interact with their cats and record the morning "solicitation call," as well as other purrs. McComb's team then had strangers listen to, and rate, all those recorded vocalizations. "It turned out that the purrs that were getting the highest score on urgency and unpleasantness were ones that had an embedded cry, given at a higher level," McComb said. "It rises above the energy in the normal purr." In fact, when McComb's team digitally removed the cry from the recorded purr, it lost its sense of urgency for the people who heard it. This was the sound that Pepo used to his advantage to get McComb to fill his dish each morning, and it seems to have caught on throughout the domestic cat world. According to McComb, the cry-purr appears to work better at rousing humans than either a purr alone ("you're more likely to just drop off to sleep again") or the standard meow ("I think that is likely to get the cat ejected from the bedroom"). McComb also speculates that the use of a plaintive cry wrapped inside a purr taps into a deeply human response to another early-morning feeder -- babies. "Parallels have been drawn between the cry of domestic cats and that of human infants," her team notes in the study. Embedding a cry in the purr "could serve as a subtle means of exploitation, tapping into an inherent mammalian sensitivity to such cries," they wrote. Whatever the reason, other experts agree that cats are adept communicators. "We all know as veterinarians that cats are a unique species, with a keen ability to get what they want from people," said Dr. Leilani Alvarez, a veterinary acupuncturist in Bedford Hills, N.Y. "My feline patients guide me much more in choosing the points I needle than my canine patients do. They vocalize in unique ways that clearly communicate when a point doesn't agree with them -- it's not a hiss or a growl, it's hard to describe, but I hear it repeatedly and it's actually quite helpful." For his part, Buffington wonders if McComb has only hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cats' ability to get particular messages out. "One wonders how widespread these behaviors are -- is it specific to food, or do cats use the [vocalizations] for a variety of other things? They may well have a whole variety of signals and behaviors they use to try and get our attention," he said. And why do humans put up with such blatant manipulation? According to McComb, a cat's insistence on getting its needs met, now, might be one of the things that draws humans to them. "Cats are really quite effective in getting humans to do what they want," she said, "and we certainly tolerate it because it goes along with all those independent elements of cats, where they just go along and do their own thing." 0 Comments

Dryer Lint Jul 13, 2009 2:54 pm 868 Views Do you suffer from dryer lint? Well, we all do. But have you ever wondered how is it that you have anything left in the dryer? I mean, look at all the lint in the trap! And at times the trap is over full! Am I right? So how is it the clothes and towels and what not are still in one piece? I am astounded at times, when the lint trap is over full with lint (this happens mainly with towels) and the towels are all still in one piece. One of these days I going to put my clothes in the dryer and when I go to take them out, all I'll find is lint. 0 Comments

Words of the Day Jul 9, 2009 12:12 pm 999 Views flagitious Definition: grossly wicked pernicious Definition: deadly; destructive draconian Definition: excessively harsh gaucherie Definition: a socially awkward or tactless act fop Definition: a man who is vain about his dress and appearance sui generis Definition: unique rebarbative Definition: repellent cum Definition: with; along with; combined with doula Definition: a woman who assists in childbirth 1 comment

Cat in China grows a pair of wings May 30, 2009 4:14 pm 832 Views Cat in China grows a pair of wings Wed., May 27, 2009 Cat in China grows a pair of wings It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a … cat? A kitty in Chongqing, China, is getting some extra-special attention these days: The furry feline has developed wings! Though born looking completely normal, once the cat hit the age of 1, he began growing wing-shaped appendages on either side of his spine, the U.K.'s Daily Mail reports. While some think the bony limbs may be a mutation of some kind — or even a Siamese twin growing inside the cat — others speculate it's a genetic change perhaps caused by chemicals ingested by the kitty's mother while she was pregnant. According to the cat's owners, he doesn't seem to mind his new wings — and he’s loving the attention he's received because of them! Strange as the case may sound, winged felines are not unheard of. Back in August 2008, the U.K. Telegraph reported that tomcats in China's Sichuan province developed wing-like growths on their backs. Veterinary experts said then that despite the hard inner core, the "wings" don't harm cats' quality of life or safety. According to the Telegraph's report, scientists believe the appendages developed due to grooming habits, a genetic defect or a hereditary skin condition. 0 Comments

Words of the Day May 26, 2009 1:54 pm 729 Views obtrude Definition:to thrust out; to impose on others timorous Definition:full of apprehensiveness; fearful pari passu Definition:at an equal pace or rate interlard Definition:to insert between; to mix paladin Definition:a champion of a cause vade mecum Definition:a book or other thing that one regularly carries about leitmotif Definition:a dominant and recurring theme polymath Definition:a person of great or varied learning purblind Definition:having greatly reduced vision toothsome Definition:delicious; attractive; luscious atelier Definition:a workshop dubiety Definition:the condition or quality of being doubtful paterfamilias Definition:the male head of a household latitudinarian Definition:having or expressing broad and tolerant views 0 Comments

Roh Moo Hyun May 25, 2009 3:12 pm 747 Views I've been watching The Iron Empress on my local KBS station (lucky for me it is subtitled). Just before it comes on, the news is finishing up (it is not subtitled). On Saturday, there was a story of a man's death. Then on Sunday, they did a Special Report of the man's funeral just before Iron Empress started. I could gather he must have been an important man. I figured his story would have to be in the online newspaper The Korea Herald. (I subscribe to this.) Sure enough, there it was...3 stories actually, Roh Moo Hyun, former president. I am sorry to hear about his death. He must have been well liked for the out pour of emotion I saw from the people. 1 comment

We all need a smile once in awhile. May 23, 2009 1:16 pm 655 Views LIFE AFTER DEATH : "DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER DEATH?" THE BOSS ASKED ONE OF HIS EMPLOYEES. "YES, SIR," THE NEW EMPLOYEE REPLIED. "WELL, THEN, THAT MAKES EVERYTHING JUST FINE," THE BOSS WENT ON. "AFTER YOU LEFT EARLY YESTERDAY TO GO TO YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL,SHE STOPPED IN TO SEE YOU! PALM SUNDAY: IT WAS PALM SUNDAY AND, BECAUSE OF A SORE THROAT, FIVE-YEAR-OLD JOHNNY STAYED HOME FROM CHURCH WITH A SITTER. WHEN THE FAMILY RETURNED HOME, THEY WERE CARRYING SEVERAL PALM BRANCHES. THE BOY ASKED WHAT THEY WERE FOR. "PEOPLE HELD THEM OVER JESUS' HEAD AS HE WALKED BY." "WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT," THE BOY FUMED, "THE ONE SUNDAY I DON'T GO, HE SHOWS UP!" CHILDREN'S SERMON: ONE EASTER SUNDAY MORNING AS THE MINISTER WAS PREACHING THE CHILDREN'S SERMON, HE REACHED INTO HIS BAG OF PROPS AND PULLED OUT AN EGG. HE POINTED AT THE EGG AND ASKED THE CHILDREN, "WHAT'S IN HERE?" "I KNOW!" A LITTLE BOY EXCLAIMED. "PANTYHOSE!! " SUPPORT A FAMILY : THE PROSPECTIVE FATHER-IN-LAW ASKED, "YOUNG MAN, CAN YOU SUPPORT A FAMILY?" THE SURPRISED GROOM-TO-BE REPLIED, "WELL, NO. I WAS JUST PLANNING TO SUPPORT YOUR DAUGHTER. THE REST OF YOU WILL HAVE TO FEND FOR YOURSELVES." FIRST TIME USHERS ! : A LITTLE BOY IN CHURCH FOR THE FIRST TIME WATCHED AS THE USHERS PASSED AROUND THE OFFERING PLATES. WHEN THEY CAME NEAR HIS PEW, THE BOY SAID LOUDLY, "DON'T PAY FOR ME DADDY. I'M UNDER FIVE." CLIMB THE WALLS : "OH, I SURE AM HAPPY TO SEE YOU," THE LITTLE BOY SAID TO HIS GRANDMOTHER ON HIS MOTHER'S SIDE. "NOW MAYBE DADDY WILL DO THE TRICK HE HAS BEEN PROMISING US." THE GRANDMOTHER WAS CURIOUS. "WHAT TRICK IS THAT?" SHE ASKED. "I HEARD HIM TELL MOMMY THAT HE WOULD CLIMB THE WALLS IF YOU CAME TO VISIT," THE LITTLE BOY ANSWERED. THE WATER PISTOL: WHEN MY THREE-YEAR-OLD SON OPENED THE BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER, HE DISCOVERED A WATER PISTOL.. HE SQUEALED WITH DELIGHT AND HEADED FOR THE NEAREST SINK. I WAS NOT SO PLEASED. I TURNED TO MOM AND SAID, "I'M SURPRISED AT YOU. DON'T YOU REMEMBER HOW WE USED TO DRIVE YOU CRAZY WITH WATER GUNS?" GRANDMOTHER SMILED AND THEN REPLIED.... "I REMEMBER!!" GRANDMA'S AGE : LITTLE JOHNNY ASKED HIS GRANDMA! HOW OLD SHE WAS. GRANDMA ANSWERED, "39 AND HOLDING." JOHNNY THOUGHT FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN SAID, "AND HOW OLD WOULD YOU BE IF YOU LET GO?" 0 Comments

This is my kind of doctor !!! May 23, 2009 1:11 pm 655 Views Here is a straight up answer to all of our medical questions. love this Doctor ! Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap. Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables? A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products. Q:How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies your ratio is two to one, etc. Q:What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good! Q:Aren't fried foods bad for you? A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you? Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle? A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach. Q: Is chocolate bad for me? A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around! Q: Is swimming good for your figure? A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me. Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle? A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape! Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember: 'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride' AND...... For those of you who watch what you eat , here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies. 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. CONCLUSION Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you. 0 Comments

 Ilsaeng

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