Messages

I think it is humorous that some Christians are more concerned with terminology than substance.

Oh by the way, Social Security was brought up, briefly. Truthly no one actually has said anything that will fix Social Security. Bush has a plan but I have heard many problems with that. Like the gap it would leave because the current workers are paying the current retirees. Taking money out of it now would hurt the whole system. Then there are many fees to be paid if money is moved out into other accounts. All anyone can really agree on is that it is going to be a big problem. So it would be wise to find other ways to pay for your retirement years if possible.

One thing is sure about the debates, both candidates have trouble with facts. To get the facts straight look here: http://www.factcheck.org/article281.html

I do not know if Kerry would use his Presidential powers to make money but it would seem that Bush has done so. Bush's family is in oil, and oil prices are up. Oil companies were the most profitable business world wide last year. Bush and Cheney have connections to companies that deal with the military and such companies are always profitable during times of war. Bush gave most of this tax cuts to the rich top 10% of Americans, which happen to include both him and Kerry. That top 10% received 53% of the tax cuts. In the debate Bush said that most of his tax cuts went to the middle and lower classes, which is not true. Kerry on the other hand has voted to raise taxes, but that has been for the upper class. Kerry has voted to lower taxes on the middle and lower class many times, but any claims and number on such things are hard to pin down since so many bills can have so many articles attached to them. Hence Kerry's comment about playing with the votes.

Kerry's comment about Cheney's daughter is not really appropriate but it was hardly distasteful. I am not saying he should have said it, but it was done respectfully in my opinion.  I also think said statement can cut both ways, displaying that Cheney is not a bigot but at least tolerant when having to deal with homosexuality.  But Kerry should not make assumptions about others and their family.

One thing I would have liked to have heard asked but was never mentioned is about oil prices and alternative energy sources.  I have never heard Kerry's views on this subject and I feel it is an important one with the demand for energy growing world wide. Oil is only in limited supply and some day it will run out. What is one's plan to prepare for this and make America more independent again when it comes to energy?

About the flyer, I have no idea on that but I am not saying it does not exist. It sounds more like poor choices of someone local. If Kerry actually said he endorsed said flyer then that would be cause for concern. Each party has foolish, extremist that would do and have done stupid things.

I do not think that either man is all that honorable.  So I choose, because I think it is important to do so, the one I feel I agree with most on issues.

Remember...there are two sets of rules.  One for Democrats, who can say anything they want without scrutiny, and one for Republicans who can't.

That is actually rather laughable considering that after the US invasion of Iraq anyone criticizing the President or his decisions were heavy ostracized and deemed unAmerican and unpatriotic, merely for having different views in the "land of the free".

Both parties do such things. You merely notice the Kerry side doing so because of where you stand.

And issues like Social Security (the fact that it is unlikely I will get any because someone spent the surplus that was suppose to be for my Social Security), Health Care, Taxes, the Economy, and someone who can actually answer a question that is asked of him are more important to me than whether someone sends out doctored photos, which seems unlikely anyone associated with either candidate would actually do.

Might I suggest reading and practicing the book The Power of Now. After practicing the Power of Now I have found my social anxieties are much more manageable, or nonexistent depending on how Now I am. If I do stay in the Now and am aware I have no problems at all. It has been VERY liberating.

I watched the first and last debate. I missed the courthouse style second one. I think they were helpful and made me feel better about my choice. I think some people, ok most Americans, do not make an effort to find out about the candidates so this was a chance for them to hear their stands and ideas. This atleast gives the lazy a chance to learn.

I do agree that the two party system limits choices. I think there are more and more people that do not really fit into one or the other party, but would feel more comfortable with one of the other "lesser" parties. But most people do not know much about them and do see them as lesser parties. One potential I see that might change this is within the Republican party. Bush has put a rift in it with his less than conservative actions. If this rift is big enough to actually split the party then I think the two halves would be big enough to make changes happen to make the system more multi-party friendly. I would really like to see parties that are actually different come in to play, because lets face it the Republicans and Democrats are not all that different.

I think one of the big problems with the US political system is the apathy from the citizens. Most people seem to care little about politics, are not very politically aware, and make little effort to actually find out about the politicians. They just take whatever they say in their propaganda speeches as truth, when in fact it can be filled with inaccuracies. But how is anyone suppose to know if they don't look. And when inaccuracies are pointed out, those people are criticized (mostly for making people feel uncomfortable because Americans are lazy and would rather just trust than think that someone would lie).

By the way, PBS is re-airing a show tonight about Kerry and Bush and their lives. It might be interesting if you want to know more about them. I missed it the first time but want to catch it this time.

Exercise your right and go vote!

I certainly don't eat the perfect diet but I am slowing changing how I eat. I would definately suggest stop drinking cokes, which have no nutritional value what so ever, and start drinking more water. Water should be the main fluid you take in every day. Even just doing this alone will make you feel a lot better. You will probably be surprised, though it might take some getting use to since you are use to those sweet drinks. I do not think that caffeine is all that bad if taken in moderation and from more healthy sources like tea and coffee as opposed to cokes. I have to have a cup or two of coffee most mornings and a mocha every now and then.

Next I would suggest cutting out sugar. If you need to sweeten something use honey, which is much better for you. Sugar is not very good for you and if you are like most people in the USA you are eating way too much of it.

Cutting out meats from your diet and eating only fruits and vegetables will make you feel like a new person. I have done this and was impressed. Note the past tense there as I found it a difficult diet to maintain. But cutting back on your meating and eating more fruits and vegetables is easier and helps a lot. One of the main things about eating meat I have found is to try to cut out as much fat and greace as possible. That is a major part that will make you feel bad and disrupt your energy work.

As for diet effecting energy work, I do not think it is neccessary to have a good diet to do energy work, but I do think it does help to eat light and healthy. Eating a lot of heavy and unhealthy foods seem to decrease your ability to concentrate on your energy body.

There is a section for book recommendations and discussions   but this book is great for energy work.

I must agree that this is a really good book and recommend it to anyone, not just men. I do find some of it not very useful, namely the Million Dollar Point. But maybe that is helpful for some people. I never used it nor saw much use for it but most if not everything else is worth reading and practicing.

Does anyone know of a good site for finding those hard to find out of print books reasonably priced? Used is fine. I bought three books in a series a few months back. At the time I did not realize that there was a fourth book in the series. I went to Amazon.com to get the fourth book only to find that it has apparently gone out of print just recently. I can special order it through Amazon.com for $40! But $40 is way too much to pay for a small 200 page paperback novel. I have tried the other big name bookstores (Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Books-a-Million) but they don't even have it and ebay turned up nothing. These books are by a British author so they are kind of hard to find in the US anyway, but maybe I might get lucky with some kind of used book store site. Any ideas?

Looking to get away for a little bit but want something with meaning? My local newspaper had this link in it yesterday and I thought I would share it here.

//www.findthedivine.com

It lists religious and spiritual retreats throughout the US and Cananda. I found it to be a helpful site so I thought I would share.

There is a poll on CNN.com that asks "Is torture ever justified during interrogation?" I was completely shocked by the results. At the time I viewed the poll 47% voted yes!

http://www.cnn.com/POLLSERVER/results/10612.content.html

A good laugh is sunshine in a house. -- William Makepeace Thackeray
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. -- Bible (Prov. 17:22)
A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs, jolted by every pebble in the road. -- Henry Ward Beecher
At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities. -- Jean Houston
A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life. -- William Arthur Ward
God cannot be solemn, or he would not have blessed man with the incalculable gift of laughter. -- Sydney Harris
Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. -- Grenville Kleiser
He who laughs, lasts. -- Author Unknown
Humor has a way of bringing people together. It unites people. In fact, I'm rather serious when I suggest that someone should plant a few whoopee cushions in the United Nations. -- Ron Dentinger
Humor is a rubber sword - it allows you to make a point without drawing blood. -- Mary Hirsch
Humor is man's survival kit. -- Gene Mora
If somebody makes me laugh, I'm his slave forever. -- Bette Midler
I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform tears into something bearable, even hopeful. -- Bob Hope
It is a profitable thing, if one is wise, to seem foolish. -- Aeschylus
Laughter is an instant vacation. -- Milton Berle
Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects. -- Arnold Glasow
Laughter is the jam on the toast of life. It adds flavor, keeps it from being too dry and makes it easier to swallow. -- Diane Johnson
If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor. -- Jennifer Jones
If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all. -- A Grandmother
It better befits a man to laugh at life than to lament over it. -- Seneca
Life is not a laughing matter - but can you imagine having to live without laughing? -- Leonid Sukhorukov
Nobody ever died of laughter. -- Max Beerbohm
People who don't laugh are the ones who crack up. -- William Wilson
What really scares me most, more than nukes or cancer, is a man or woman without a sense of humor. -- Jonathan Winters
When humor goes, there goes civilization. -- Erma Bombeck
When you lose your laugh you lose your footing. -- Ken Kesey

Could you please, please, pretty please ditch the audio notification when you get a private message. It seems to really slow down page loading, atleast for me on dial-up. Plus it is really annoying, especially if I don't want to check my private messages right away. I think the big flashing red box that says Private Message is enough notice. []

Thank you []

Greetings all!

Yesterday my upper chest started feeling heavy and tight and I have developed a cough, though the cough is not really bad but the chest pressure kind of is. I do not feel sick, but this pressure and cough is kind of annoying. I was wondering if anyone has any home remedies for this they would like to share?

Thanks []

5 Reasons Sex is Good For You!
Print this out and share it with your lover!
By Laura Snyder

Better sleep. A sexier physique. Stronger immunity. Sound like the effects of the latest wonder drug? Nope, it's just the many physical benefits of having a satisfying sexual relationship.

And all this time you were just making love because it was fun! If you're looking for more reasons to get romantic, consider the following:

1. You're getting a good workout. Would you rather run 75 miles or have sex three times a week for one year? While both burn the same number of calories (about 7,500), one is decidedly more pleasurable than the other. Regular sex - which burns approximately 150 calories in a half-hour -- is regular exercise. You'll have all the same benefits of spending that time in the gym, including improved circulation, lower cholesterol and the release of feel-good endorphins.

2. You won't get sick. According to research by Dr. Carl Charnetski, professor of psychology at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa and co-author of Feeling Good is Good For You, people who reported one or two sexual episodes per week enjoyed higher levels of Immunoglobin A, the antibody that helps fend of illness.

3. You'll feel happier. In addition to the obvious boost in satisfaction, feeling secure in your relationship leads to a greater sense of well-being. Women in particular may see even more benefits. Researchers at the State University of New York at Albany found that women who regularly came into contact with semen were significantly less depressed than those who didn't get a dose of those potent sex hormones and naturally occurring opiates.

4. You'll reduce stress. People who get it on regularly report that they handle stress better. The release of climax will get even the most anxious lover totally relaxed, and you know you'll sleep better.

5. You'll live longer (and look younger!). A British study of 1,000 men found that those who had at least two orgasms per week had half the death rate of those who indulged less than once a month. Sex can make you look younger, too, according to neuropsychologist David Weeks, who found that men and women who reported having sex an average of four times per week looked approximately 10 years younger than they really were.

Copyright 2002 Fun Online Corporation.

http://channels.netscape.com/ns/love/content.jsp?file=love/fun/lovetonight.jsp

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/science/12/01/cambodia.catfish.ap/index.html

[:O]

Now that is one big fish.

Today is my birthday. Whoo hoo! [8D]

With the recent situation over the Pledge and 'under God' of coarse this has been a topic on many message boards and polls. Something that I found interesting that a few people have brought up is not about religion or God at all. One is, why in a free nation does the government want school children to recite a pledge of allegiance to it every day? That seems more dictatorshipish than democratic. Second, why are we pledging to a piece of cloth anyway? Why are we pledging to a flag?

Since this board is international, I am wondering something. Do/did those of you who live in other countries have to pledge to your nation/government/flag etc.?

Concerning automobils, can anyone tell me the difference between a moon roof and a sun roof??

I am wondering if there is any logic behind the way the new posts icons are displayed. Some posts will remain "new" all day while others only remain "new" a few minutes, atleast for me. Viewing them has no bearing on this. Is it my computer, or does the forum just have a random setting for this?

Anyone know when and why the Sabbath was changed from the last day of the week to the first?

Anyone know anything about Unitarian Universalism, or been associated with it or anyone who has been involved? I took the test on the site that Adrian posted and it said that my views are most inline with this. I have read a little about it and it seems interesting. From what I gather so far, they are the "heretics" that dare to ask spiritual questions and seek out the answers and do not conform to any one set religious idea but explore them all (or several anyway), or so the site says. True?

Anyone else a Resident Evil fan and want another movie?

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/residentevilapocalypse/

I am growing tired of the male stereotype that is practically accepted as a norm. What I am talking about is the idea that all men are basicly horn dogs that would shag any woman that they could given the chance reguardless of being single, in a relationship, or married. This is pushed on us, or from what I see, on tv shows, news, magazine articles, and "science studies" all suggesting that it is only natural for males to be unfaithful and want to "sow their oats" everywhere.

First, most men I know are not like this. Most I know would never consider cheating on their partners nor would they want to. They don't size up every women or go out on the hunt. I personally do not want a different woman every night. I want just one partner. From what I have seen, males are faithful and can commit.

Second, the stereotype of women is that they are faithful and do not cheat. They only desire their male partner and do not consider other males as possibilities. Now while most women I know are like this, I have met and talked with a lot more females who fit the male stereotype than males who fit it.

I guess my point is it is so foolish for society to stereotype this to all males or even most and then also to not consider that females can be just as such. It seems to be a behavior that is in both reguardless of sex.

Maybe I am just in the minority.

The idea to us today of the birth to a virgin is fantasic. But before and during the time of Jesus the Roman and Greek gods were getting their freak on all over the place with the human hotties. Thus virgin birth was not an uncommon idea and seemed to have "happened" often.

Do you think that this influenced the idea of Jesus being born to a virgin? If Jesus was truly born to a virgin, why would God conform to human ideas of the time? If Jesus was not born to a virgin would it matter to you at all?