betsy

If tapping a foot in a public restroom is considered lewd conduct, then definitely a lot of gay pride parade participants more than fit the bill and should all be facing charges and convictions! The parade should be given some guidelines to follow to adhere to public decency standards! At least the foot-tapping happened in a restroom....and although it may be a public restroom, it still afforded some privacy. Whereas the lewd acts and heavily sex-oriented innuendoes of some gay participants in their parade (that could well be likened to the perversity of exhibitionism) - happen on floats or in plain view of the general public....including children and minors!

It's the first time for me too to hear about ex-gays. And from reading this topic, there is a group with their own supporters. Mind you, if you'd recall the Republican guy who was in the news sometime last year about soliciting a page working at the White House, there was something mentioned about the hostility of gays towards him, I can't recall what it was exactly. Was he "outed" or reported by gays? If I'm not mistaken the gays were angry because of this Republican guy's hypocrisy. And if I'm not mistaken, actor Tom Cruise had at one time faced the same ire by some gays. One thing strikingly curious is the seemingly adamant desire or tenacious determination by some gay activists to "out" somebody....especially if he's a prominent figure or celebrity. In my opinion, the individual should have the sole decision whether he wants to publicly come out or stay in his closet. He has that right. His sex life is his own business....provided he is not breaking any laws nor is it interfering with his job or responsibility, and clouding his good judgement.

Thank you for pointing that out. I missed that. I stand corrected.

Why would we expect this incident to be plastered on other newspapers? Especially when there were no charges filed. And even if there was, so? In everyday reality, this is just a minor incident. Why should and why would a minor altercation be having a lot of news coverage? Drunk revellers celebrating the county's special day had a fist-fight altercation - it wasn't on any major newspapers that I know of, other than our local county paper. I didn't see it in any web news site either! That didn't mean it didn't happen....and that we should suspect our local county paper of just imagining it all and making it up. So why should this incident be any different? Just because they're gays and ex-gays? Whooopee! But even though it is a minor incident, the original poster of this topic is asking a question about tolerance. Trying to bury the question posted through skepticism by questioning the lack of news coverage is only a ploy to distract from the issue. If this incident was all made up, like it seems to be implied, then why isn't it being challenged? Why doesn't anyone from the gay activists members who were present in the fairground deny this? Or at least, give their own version of the incident?

I've been watching the news on CTV....including the short live telecast following the convoy of police cars. They've explained about the bomb letters and that it seemed the victims were not random targets (that's what the police said), and that it may be personal. This is not a terrorist issue on the same scale as the terrorists we expect. This might just be simle wacko case...or revenge....but as geoffrey said, I think it is best to wait and see until proper investigation is done. Now...whether he is motivated by religious ideology, or whatever...one thing is very clear while I was watching the news: the name of the suspect was not given at all. Now, that is what I'm questioning. In this regard, I would agree with Mike that somehow this suspect seems to be either being given some sort of preferential treatment by not having his identity divulged (if compared to other suspects of other serious crimes). At first I suspected that the culprit might be a minor that's why they didn't give out his name. Why is CTV Newsnet keeping his name out of news reporting?

I am not following you. Where was the "assumed insult" to say someone is gay? There are heterosexual pedophiles as well. However, there is a different term used for those male sexual predators who target boys ages ranging from 12 to 14. I can't recall what it is....but then, that definition can be argued. It would make another good topic though. I don't know if the predator who'd violate an elderly is called a pedophile.

One of our posters is concerned upon knowing he's been drinking from coffee mugs made in China. That got me worried. Lo and behold, our dinner sets are made in China. I've yet to find out about the mugs which I got from Canadian Tire (the cheap ones)...they've got no labels. Then I thought about those parboiled rice like Uncle Ben's and Dainty rice etc., Back home, I remember my mother's strict instructions to wash the raw rice at least 3 times before cooking. I never asked her why....but now it makes me wonder if even then, there was already some concern about how rice was being produced and handled. It also makes me wonder if these producers of rice that gets parboiled before being packaged ever wash the rice at all? I looked up where Dainty Rice is made, but it says packaged in Canada. At the front, it says US Rice...do I assume that the rice was grown in the USA? I intend to call companies with those 1-800 numbers to bluntly ask where their products really come from. Perhaps if consumers starts flooding them with calls, these companies will realize that consumers are really seriously concerned, and will prompt them to do a conscientious quality control. "Made in Canada" is good enough for me....provided that our own system does a good and conscientious job to ensure that we are not being lulled into false security by the label: made in Canada. The high standards/reputation of being MADE IN CANADA should be protected and maintained. And yes, definitely call the MP. The government needs to do something. Not only are the citizens' health being jeopardized....but who ends up footing the bill healthcare-wise?

Unless the person named Stephen had explained that he prefers to be called Stephen, not Steve. Proper ettiquette dictates that the wish of the person be respected. In response to an interview about Bush's familiar "Steve" reference to our PM, Harper mentioned something about his mother not being happy about him being called Steve. Besides, some detractors of Harper - who definitely cannot be called his friends - call him "Steve" with the intent at sarcastic dis-respect pertaining to his amiable association with Bush.

Blah-blah-blah...and a whole kaboodle of more blah. It's the side-stepping circular mumbo-jumbo! Conveniently ignoring to answer this: Translation: you can't explain what you mean. Anyway, whatever.

I don't want to assume that we're both on the right page. I know I am. So explain to me what exactly do you think we both know what I mean by that post. Semantics! Well, if a word changed the whole meaning and has an important bearing on a statement...why shouldn't I point it out? Your logic suggests that the statement "I hope they don't talk to me" is the same as saying "They shouldn't talk to me." I only pointed out the difference. You know that you've made a negligent mistake with your comment...a comment that backfired on you. I may find a little humor in it, but I don't think there's any shame about it, after all everyone makes a mistake once in a while. HOWEVER...(and this is a very big HOWEVER).... instead of just shrugging your shoulders and move on, you try to wiggle-waggle out of it and still stubbornly insists to cling to your same foolish and very-obviously flawed interpretation. Now, that's not only funny. That's also being ridiculous!

Wow, the way you're really taking this discussion, it seems to have gotten down to a level that is becoming personal. Did I step on a nerve? Are you gay by any chance? I'm just curious...because your response seems to be driven more by emotion rather than reason. Perhaps re-reading the whole flow of duscussion will help you understand where I'm coming from.

You are right! An update about my neighbor. That third "interview" it turned out was not an interview anymore. It was a job offer!

And who said they do not have the right to be upset? Here is what I said, which you highlighted: I hope I don't hear them shrieking about gay-bashing! What's wrong about expressing a hope? Or a wish? Now, who's being foolish? Pay attention and understand before you castigate.....so it wouldn't be like you spitting in the wind.

No doubt I could easily find hundreds of sites online that deal with the whole gamut of bashing and mocking Christ. But since it's online, (and only if I search for such), the only way I can express my disapproval and outrage is through writing my opinion through their forum (if they do have it)...or by e-mail. I wonder if anyone had tried to torch their computer as a reaction to what they deemed so offensive. All they could so is fume. That's the beauty of the net. I repeat what I've said before: I do not support violence. But not all people think or react as I do. In this day and age of road rage and hot heads (just about anything could be the wrong button)...anyone putting up a public display of something that is obviously offensive to a particular group or to anyone....is sort of taking a risk these days. You never know what reaction you might get. But I was not referring to criticisms. I am talking about free expression. The freedom to express an opinion...whether it be through art form or verbal. Saying that "gays are immoral" is one example of an opinion....anything could've prompted such an opinion about gays to be formed. You make yourself a good example somehow. I expressed my opinion regarding this topic. That the way I expressed it you obviously found offensive. And here is your reaction. You are chafing. And you seem to be lashing out towards Jefferiah...short of getting personal. Over what? A simple opinion about being able to stomach what one dishes out - being able to handle the dose of the same medicine. What more if you are faced with giant posters showing exactly the possible art poses I'd only made up above?

Mikedavidoo, The wedding celebration went on because the bride's mother is sick with cancer, and a lot of the guests had come from far away places. The reception however, was cancelled. The parading party was supposed to have a vehicle escort with lights flashing, but for some reason before the vehicle could proceed to do its job, the truck came plowing. I don't think this group of people walking down the street is any different from a group of people doing a walkathon (regardless of race or gender)....posing danger not only to themselves, but also to the vehicles using the street. Some cars would give a wide berth (avoiding hitting people) and yet actually go beyond the median line risking head-on collision with on-coming cars. As for talking about it, some people want their privacy. Who knows what could be the reason why. It might be cultural difference, or maybe not...but one thing I've noticed on shows like Judge Judy (or any other judges' shows) or Dr Phil show, I don't think a lot of Asian people go airing their problems in those shows. So it might be really a matter of privacy issues. As for your people at work talking about it...I guess something so tragic is usually talked about. It is a way of reacting to a tragedy. I talked about the hot air balloon tragedy in BC with my husband yesterday...telling him in details what I've seen on the news.

Well I do hope this free speech and free expression applies to all! Right now, thanks to gay Sven Robinson....you can't say anything against gays! I'd like to see some artist do this kind of artistic interpretation on gays....if only to see how the gays will handle that. They should be able to tolerate what they dish out. I know one of their sore point is being associated with pedophilia and NAMBLA. As an artist, that would be my theme. It could be as tasteless as posible....anyway, it should still be considered as art! I hope I don't hear them shrieking about gay-bashing!

I thought they are (just like doctors), but now I'm not sure. Years ago in the news, there was a lawsuit against a vet. The plaintiff had given up her cat to the vet to be euthanized. The plaintiff was parked at the back of the building. On her way to her car, she happened to see the vet through the window. The vet was holding her sick cat by its hindlegs and he slammed the cat's head I think against the wall or a table. I guess it was a quick death and no need for the vet to shell out the medicine for euthanasia. Needless to say, the plaintiff was traumatised.

Maybe I'm not as attentive to the news like before. But I was expecting her to second the press conference of Dion. Issue the same challenge and threat. What with the UN meeting next month. She should be foaming along with her Liberal side-kick. Vive la Environment! What's the latest on Elizabeth May? She seemed to have fizzled out....what happened?

That was surprising to know, especially from a company that's been alleged that "nobody wants to work for." For a business supposedly having a hard time finding employees....one would think they wouldn't be selective as to engage in three interviews.

Thanks for telling us about Kirkland. There's bound to be more Canadian products that are trying to compete price-wise with cheap imports. Our government should do something to let the Canadian consumers know about the existence of these products....since I'd bet a lot of these are small businesses who don't have enough capital to spare to heavily advertise. An aggressive media ad informing us about EXCLUSIVELY made-in-Canada products would be good for us all. If Sharkman didn't mention Kirkland, I wouldn't even guess that there is such a brand lowly-priced as this made in Canada!

I am looking for sites that offer practical home remedies. If you know of any, please give the link. Several years ago, the secretary of a vet gave me this helpful home remedy to save on vet bills. One of our cats is a real tomboy, and nasty and often gets into fights. Needless to say, she usually ends up with infected cuts...you don't notice until they swell up and start having pus. The secretary told me to wash the wound with proxide with equal parts water twice a day ...and keep the wound open so the pus will drain out. Do this until it's drained out and only then do you clean it well and let the wound close up on its own. Bless her heart, she saved us a bundle!

Gosh...the vets must be attending some workshops on UP-SELLING arm-twisting techniques. Btw, I notice that this clinic does not give receipts regularly. It's a good thing they gave one when my cat got her first itchy shot...and the bill was broken down and everything was stated there. I'll just use that recipt when I find another vet. My neighbor goes to the same RO vet and hesitant to move because he had to pay $70. to get his hands on his dog's file. They can keep my pets' files! So far everyone's healthy except for this itchy problem. Anyway, for those seeking other info on pets, I find this site helpful. http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dogindex.html

So Dion gave a live press conference a few days ago to talk about the Environment. But the very first question asked was about the war in Afghanistan! Craig Oliver had accurately predicted that journalists don't want to talk about the Environment. The latest Van Doos soldiers killed, plus the two reporters from Radio Canada injured in the bombing is what they are keen about. Oliver wondered out loud why Dion would choose to talk of the Environment at such a time. Dion said Harper needs some credibility if he's going to go to the UN meeting next month. I say Harper is going to give some credibility to the UN by merely attending that meeting! Dion I think is trying hard to keep the Environment isue alive....since it's the only thing that may give him ammunition in the next election, or perhaps to even stay as leader of the Opposition. Unfortunately....this latest stunt seemed to have back-fired.

RIP-OFF Veterinarian. Last year, one of our cats suddenly developed this itchy skin syndrome...she went nuts scratching and licking to the point of having bald spots from too much licking. I tried those anti-itch oatmeal shampoos (which only relieved her for a couple of days), and anti-itch lotion. I checked out the web and apparently some cats develop this syndrome, and no one could explain exactly why. It could be from allergies or cancer or psychological. Anyway I took her to a clinic we normally go to. The vet on-duty was saying it could be from fleas...which I said, nope she definitely has no fleas. She checked her out anyway and concluded, yes, she has no fleas. Then she admitted that she doesn't really know what exactly it is and gave me some pills. The bill came out to almost $100.00 for the pills and her "counsel." The next day, the clinic called asking how was my cat doing? I told the secretary that she seemed okay. The secretary says she'll pass that message to the vet. I was actually touched that they'd called to ask about her well-being (BUT NOW, I suspect the call was not exactly part of their service, but more probably the vet prescribed something she was not sure of. There were no more follow-up calls after that.). A couple of weeks later, I had to take her back because of the same problem. This time, she was given a shot by another vet from the same place, with a warning that the itchiness could recurr and the cat might need this shot for life. She said to just bring her in for the shots. The shot was reasonably priced so we don't mind if she'll need it regularly. I checked the web again for info on the shots...and it says usually cats will need it again after about 6 to 10 weeks. Three months later, the itchiness came again but at least it came longer than the usual time frame (which is a consolation). They gave the shot and it was the same price. Sometime during this period, our dog got sick...and to make a long story short, we ended up paying $400.00 MORE than what they quoted us! And the dog died anyway of cancer. The next itchy period came about 6 months after (looks like the period between is getting longer, which is good). So we took her for the shot. A different vet looked at her...told us the same thing we already knew....then proceeded to charge us $35.00 more for "talking to us." Hubby said "no, we're only paying for the shot! Gouging is one thing...but this is ridiculous!" They have files of all our pets! What are those files for if not to read to know the history of their patients! I don't trust those gougers with my pets anymore....they are greedy to milk you...I don't put it above them to do something to my pets just so to make sure they keep coming back! So we're looking for another clinic. Do you have any awful stories? Some of these new vets are in it for a quick-rich scheme. I don't mind paying vets' fees....but I do mind being taken for a ride. They're getting too brazen about it too!

Whoa Jeff....lean and healthy. My fave cuts of beef are rib cuts for steaks and roasts and, blade or rump for stews ! The more marbling, the better! Hubby said he ate buffalo and he liked it. I won't have a problem trying it...but it'll be hard for me to really get into it. I couldn't get into bunny or even lamb. I couldn't bring myself to eat venison...