Honestly don't know. I just would imagine based on history that it's not a hugely popular endeavor, and that there would be plenty of opposition to its marketing. It's hard to find people willing to invest time and money without a guarantee of return.

The sending of the bill was rude and tacky. But I see it as a culmination of the ongoing rudeness of people either not responding to RSVPs or responding and then not showing up. A co-worker recently married had a full 1/3 of her RSVPs for a sit down dinner not show up. I am sure some of them had legitimate reasons, like illness, etc. But no way the full 1/3. As this becomes more common, we will see more rancor on the receiving end. I currently know more than a few people I would consider otherwise kind and decent who think it is okay to not show up for something they committed to "because I'm just tired out tonight" or "because my throat's a little scratchy" or "because I've got some things that I need to take care of" It is becoming more and more accepted, and I don't really understand why, as it is hugely disrespectful to people who are planning things. But no, as someone else stated, two rudes don't make a right.

The problem is decent and effective technology being developed when *right now* no one will sell it. Capitalism, baby!

Why biometric guns will never happen to any useful degree as long as extreme anti-gun control activists keep getting their way.. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/threats-against-maryland-gun-dealer-raise-doubts-about-future-of-smart-guns/2014/05/02/8a4f7482-d227-11e3-9e25-188ebe1fa93b_story.html Gun shops that *support* gun ownership are being pressured not to sell certain guns that can be made safer. The basic argument is, "If guns are made safer, then the government will want everyone to have them and stop using other guns. So, we can't make guns any safer." Talk about an example of no logical discussion being possible...

I don't think home invasions are "commonplace" anywhere, but they strike a certain visceral fear, because it's such a violation, that your place of safety and comfort could become a place where you are held hostage, tortured or murdered. When I hear about one, I get a gut wrenching reaction, and I think most people do.

If you are opposed to mental competency requirements to own a gun, what are your suggestions to keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill? Also, really, I wish people would stop bringing up crime rates for *cities* with gun control. In the US, gun control that is not enforced nationally is close to useless. It's like asking how people in a "dry" city are still getting alcohol. Those stats add nothing to the discussion.

For any regulation to be effective at all, it would have to be enforced on a federal level, and not just a city, county, or state level. If you can just drive a bit to get around a regulation, it's useless. I also think that mental illness should be part of the background and verification criteria. I agree with requiring guns to be removed when there is a mentally ill person in the home. That might even prevent a fair bit of suicides. Is it sad that *some* mentally ill might do just fine with a gun, but won't be allowed to own one? Sure. Sorry. History has shown that mental illness plus firearms can have horrendous consequences. Yes, I know not all mentally ill seek treatment, blah, blah, but it's a start. Doing something to start is better than doing nothing.

It will be interesting to see if anything was reported. The comments about FBI seemed to me like "theoretically the FBI monitors things like this". It didn't sound like someone knew specifically. Regardless, I was questioning why the initial response wouldn't be "report this to somebody" rather than "engage him in casual banter and/or encourage him."

No one from that thread contacted the police? No one??? They should be hunted down and prosecuted.

I had a doctor awhile back that never had any same day appointments, no matter how early you called or how sick. This happened three times, and I was done. Switched to a new practice that can always get you in if you are really sick.

We had to force-feed a kitty when she stopped eating after an illness. But it was wet food with a tongue depressor. It was NOT PRETTY. But we only had to do it for a day before she started eating again.

Shelter. If it has gone on this long, having to go to the shelter might be the only thing that makes them take it seriously.

:grouphug: So sorry, Faith...

I am like others that did not have an easy/fun baby time. When she was a year old, I literally fell on my knees and cried with gratitude that we all made it through that first year. Don't miss it at all. In fact, when she was growing out of it, I felt such a sense of happiness. I enjoyed her *so much* more the older she got, especially when we could have real conversation together and I could see how cool it was the way she was thinking and growing. I know there are plenty that just love the babies and would stay there forever. Not one of them! ;)

These two posts were right together, and I read the second one in sequence without realizing she was quoting another poster! :lol: :lol: :lol: I was thinking, dang girl... just come on out and ask... Carry on!

I agree with others that I have seen that when options are offered (color/size), but never when there was no option that would affect the price. Weird.

I would love to have more energy. I have always been low energy though, from the time I was a teen. I've had thyroid checked, tried B vitamins, been in good physical shape, been on healthy diets. None of it made a lick of difference in my energy level, no matter how long I kept it up. I confess I've given up hoping it will ever get better.

We're coming up on 30, and whenever people ask how long we've been married and we tell them, they *always* express admiration with a little surprise in the background. ;) It's just rare these days.

What a haul! That's awesome!

I think it's sad that it's become so uncommon to stay with a spouse through sickness and health that people feel compelled to comment and praise it. It should not be something exceptional, but it has sadly turned into that. Maybe you just give hope to people that there is still decency in the world, and they are trying to communicate that!

That's a powerful article.

That's what I'm saying though, the drug is being shipped directly to me from UK, or other places. It doesn't even get shipped from Canada. Basically, the Canada pharmacy is just acting as a billing and ordering center. That sounds different that the way Canadians usually get their own drugs.

I like dogs also but they are so much work - to train properly, to care for. We could never have a dog with our busy lifestyle right now. I always think maybe I will get a dog when DD is gone and we are retired. Love my kitties though!

You are right. I have spent the last 5 years dealing with a similar situation that has hurt DD very deeply. For five years we have reached out, hosted events, invited people over, etc. It has not made a lick of difference. And similarly, some of these girls behaving the worst in this way are the most "exemplary" in the church, and are often put up on a pedestal for their evangelizing activities. In our case, we have talked to the church elders who really didn't respond past "so sorry, just try to make some new friends". It is sad, because in our case, our church does not hesitate to give counsel about living a Christian life. But in this area, it's "oh well". I have watched sadly this group and situation push my daughter away from God and from the congregation. If you think there is any chance for your pastor to respond, then take action. :grouphug:

This is valid about people not paying attention because of insurance companies just paying for it. But I don't think it's the mandate per se as it is just the general insurance company system we have developed with a lack of transparency. The entire country (or a large portion of it) would be having to "make a fuss" for it to have any impact. Previously the uninsured were such a small portion of the whole anyway, that it didn't make any difference if they complained or not, everyone was still making their money. Everyone knew there were people out there who couldn't afford prescriptions or doctor visits. And that there still are. It just never made any difference because the group wasn't large enough to cause an economic impact. The moral impact is not sufficient under our system.