docoflove1974

At 10ish this morning, my phone beeped at me...another news bite from the Associate Press. Thank God I was just walking, and not driving or chopping vegetables when I read this: Paulson states that the economic crisis is "embarrassing to the United States of America." The full quote is here (click here for the full article), with the emphasis being mine: It was an interesting reaction that sprung forth from me as I read that initial news blurb, and then later the article. Fury and laughter at once. The laughter came quicker...emerging from the audacity of such a statement. Seriously...the economic crisis is embarrassing??? Or that Paulson and his boys are embarrassed for having fouled up the entire situation, and they make it seem like it's other people's fault. To be fair, they didn't personally sign over the loan money to millions of Americans. Nor did they personally extend credit to people who perhaps were not the greatest of candidates. Nor did they personally cut the golden parachutes to the CEOs who bailed out of their floundering companies. No, no they didn't. But what did they do? They allowed the wheels to go into motion. They allowed such lending practices to be in place and, more importantly, turned a blind eye when the various financial institutions hawked ARMs and other such lending programs to people as if it's nothing but cotton candy and kettle corn. The housing market is just like a carnival...it's fun! Everyone wants to go! You want to have a home, right? So let's get you set up! No money down, or very little anyway! Oh, that small print? Nevermind...here's a toaster. Like a flash of lightning, the laughter at the ridiculousness of the statement turned into fury. I'm sitting there, reading the article and praying that one of my older students comes into class--this way, I can talk to someone who has seen as much, if not more, of life than I have. All I could think about was how "embarrassing" our current state of affairs is. Embarrassing??? Seriously??? Embarrassing is the fact that many college students can't afford textbooks, and rely on state and federal programs to pay for them...just to be able to study, to earn a degree and complete their dreams. Embarrassing is the fact that because of both good and bad loans, the average American has payments through the nose, and in many cases are going without. Embarrassing is the fact that the student council at my campus is putting together a food drive...to help out fellow students who have no money for food. Embarrassing is the number of Americans who cannot afford health insurance; they make too much to qualify for Cal-Med (or the equivalent of their state), but not enough to afford even the most basic of plans. Embarrassing is the number of people in my STATE who are losing their homes, their jobs, and their lives simply because the cost of living is rising, they are wallowing in debt, and have no hope or confidence. That, Secretary Paulson, is embarrassing. And F U for making that statement. _________________________________________________________________________________ Ok, taking a step aside, I will admit that most of the people I talk to don't really know their credit scores, don't honestly have a clue what a budget looks like, let alone how one works. I get that, really. But the damned financial institutions that allowed so many of these irresponsible loans to go out should have also known this, forseen the chaos that potentially arises from this, and done something about it. Instead, the overzealous wolves went after the yummy sheep--the money--hoping that all would work out. Uh, yeah. A bit too risky, doncha think? The buck used to stop here, so to speak. Where is it going to stop now?

Yeah, we have plenty of those over here...just not hosted by jocks who are most famous for their insta-red cards. I can just see the Python take on the genre...perhaps hosted by an Aussie named Bruce...that, or a Cockney bloke.

I understand that concept...just that a proverbial instigator and tough guy who has a tendency to play gangsters in movies doesn't seem to be the type to have a show on cops. Unless, of course, it was to see how many times he could be hauled into the drunk tank or holding cell. Eh, what do I know. I'm sure Vinnie's a nice enough bloke who has been misunderstood and misled.

And mind-mending!!!

There's just something about "Vinnie Jones" and "presenter of cop show" that just doesn't make sense...lol

The question is: what is your planet like, Caldrail? Is it an enjoyable one? If it's the one you've been portraying in your blog, I rather think it'd be a pleasant place to inhabit. As for other life...as you say, there's no reason to think that there is life...on the other hand, there's no reason to think that there isn't. Personally, I'm of the opinion that there is an indescribable amount that we don't know about our own planet and those in our solar system, let alone the rest of space, that I don't think one can say that there isn't life out there elsewhere. Now, whether or not we'll get along with the Vulcans and fight the Romulans, well, that's a different story all together, and I hold no opinions on that.

Or just the context; I could use one set in responding to someone (say, my students in the classroom) and another set within a given phrase.

Oooooooooh...a t-shirt! That could be awesome! No man in my life, and I don't wish for hair on my chest...but do you by chance have any endorsements for hiking boots or walking shoes? I know a guy who could hook you up.

By the power of Jupiter, may you be richly rewarded in all that you wish, Neph. We love having you here!

Save Jeremy Clarkson! The world needs more of him. Or, at least more Top Gear. I'm on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next installment of Planet Alleyway. What wonderful expeditions will be shown?

Only 200? Sheesh...lol I've seen Ann in the locker room before, so we must hit the gym at about the same time. Now I think I have a compadre, so to speak!

First, an eye-opener for all you men out there: we women talk a ton of trash. About our significant others (both temporary and permanent). About others. And honestly, I can't tell you who's worse, men or women. The scene: I'm in the changing room of my gym, getting dressed to go home, and I overhear a conversation in the next row of benches. It's two women, both lesbians, talking about their conquests from the previous night, and the hopes for the weekend. On and on for quite a few minutes about these women they slept with the night before, every bit as detailed as a *or* film. Now, personally, I could give a rat's ass which gender you fancy...really. But I've never been one to like conversations of how the latest notch was put in the proverbial bedpost, no matter the gender of the story-teller or of the participant(s). It was just how I was raised...your private life is just that: private. So, I'm getting dressed, and there's another woman in my row doing the same. I don't know her from Eve. We both overhear the 'nightly activities' of the ladies next door, and look at each other. So this other woman whispered to me, "What is your name?" I told her, and then she uttered the following retort: "Ya know, Sarah, my husband was so damned horny last night...gawd, we went on and on and on and on. It's amazing, cuz, you know, he's lost all this weight and is in fighting form again. We're humping like rabbits!" Before I could continue the charade, the lesbians leave the locker room, glaring at us like we just seriously popped their balloon. The entire area started busting up in laughter. Ann did well!!! ______________________________________________________________________ (not to copy Caldrail, but...) Amazing compliment of the day: As I leave the gym, I hold the door open for the guy behind me. He's probably late 50s or early 60s, and perhaps looked a little grouchy. When I hold the door open, he genuinely says, "Thanks!" "No problem," I reply, as usual. We get outside, the fog has lifted, and the aquamarine sky was glowing...a drastic difference than what it was like 1 1/2 hours beforehand. I couldn't help myself but to comment. "Wow, the fog's gone! How gorgeous!" The guy looks at me. "What a breath of fresh air you are! Everyone's moping around, and you're commenting on a beautiful day! Outstanding!" Very cool guy...and it's Friday. Ya damned right that I'm going to enjoy the day.

Front page of the San Francisco Chronicle (link to article): A car-burglary suspect fell to his death early today after he climbed over a wall on San Francisco's Telegraph Hill while trying to flee from police, authorities said. The incident began at 12:30 a.m. when police received reports of a someone breaking into a car on the unit block of Alta Street near Montgomery Street, east of Coit Tower. Officers set up surveillance in the area and spotted the man getting out of car. Police tried to stop him, but he took off running. At one point, he stumbled, and a screwdriver fell out of his pocket, police said. The man jumped over a 3-foot wall to the west of Sansome Street near the Filbert Street Steps, apparently not realizing that there was a 200-foot drop, police. He fell and was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was not immediately released. I really find it hard to have compassion for such people. First, the dude's trying to steal...big no-no. Second, he's a bit of an eejit...if you know San Francisco decently well, you know that Telegraph Hill in particular has a ton of huge drop-offs. Actually, it's common in many areas of the city. Regardless, I just can't think anything other than, "Darwin strikes again!"

Heh oh the fun with turtles. I also could have given it to Bella as a 'toy'...she likes those toys. Hours of fun for that funny feline of mine!

In the figurative sense: Tuesdays are my long days at one campus: 11am class, follwed by office hours in the afternoon, followed by a 6pm class...get home about 9:30ish. Anyway, I usually eat at the school canteen for lunch, since it's easier to bring one meal instead of two, and after 3pm the pickings are rather slim. Anyway, I'm at a table in the common area, really only paying attention to my Turkey Ciabatta sandwich, when I hear the following conversation: Dude: Wow, I could murder that sandwich...I'm so starving! Chick: So go get one...ugh...whatever. [time lapses] Dude: Uh, yeah, I'm gonna go get that sandwich. This is followed by the biggest, most snot-filled snort I've heard in forever. And mind you, it's 75'F outside, sunny, breezy...maybe allergies are at play, but this sounded more like the dead-of-winter cold-induced snort. Needless to say, I was put off my lunch. In the literal sense: This past Sunday at the Farmer's Market there were these awesome varigated nectarines. They don't really get soft and juicy, so they crunch like an apple, but they get quite sweet. So I finally am able to dive into one today...and see a small worm enjoying life. Needless to say, I was put off my dinner.

Well, if you're suspicious about cows, don't come here to California.

Hey, there's always room for at least one more conspiracy...have at it, m'dear. I'm sure I can create one of my own, if I dare try.

To keep the damp out? Or to keep on-lookers from peeking in and noticing that they're just pulling a few tiles and then stopping for tea? We get our weather second-hand from either Canada or Mexico...sometimes straight from South Pacific. It's all second-hand weather, really. Never really created from a single local. Nothing you can be proud of and call your own. How sad.

From BBC News: The spread of the Roman Empire through Europe could help explain why those living in its former colonies are more vulnerable to HIV. The claim, by French researchers, is that people once ruled by Rome are less likely to have a gene variant which protects against HIV. This includes England, France, Greece and Spain, New Scientist reports. Others argue the difference is linked to a far larger event, such as the spread of bubonic plague or smallpox. The idea that something carried by the occupying Romans could have a widespread influence on the genes of modern Europeans comes from researchers at the University of Provence. ...

Wonder what would have happened if these two ladies had run into the great dane???

That's what I thought, DC...and I know there are several instructors and students of Latin and Greek on here, so I figured it might be useful. I know I'm always looking for such sites which are really useful for Spanish!

I think in a later life you will be known as...."Baldrick"...many times over...

Very cool...like I said, I'm just overly skeptical at times. But it is amazing to know that small amounts of help can make a world of difference. Good on you!

It might have been posted already, but in case it hasn't... In the August 08 edition of ACTFL's newsletter, they posted a link which might garner some interest here. AbelMedia's Classics Technology Center has all sorts of links which seem to be helpful to both instructors and students. There's a Latin-English dictionary, teaching material regarding such classic literature pieces as Oedipus the King, the Illiad and the Odyssey...plus other interesting posts and points of public interest to get people into Ancient Greek and Latin texts, culture and history.

Cheeky devil One never knows...*wink*