Defiantly Disagree! Though it CAN be an opportunity to change our driving methods, design newer and better cars, our History shows us - once the Fear is gone, it’s back to the old ways. I just heard that Henry Ford’s wife drove an electric car!?! Wild? not really, in the 70’s “they” (the Auto makers) said they would improve gas milage - & did, & then came out with an electric car, made a very few, decided “it isn’t popular” (though only the super rich n stars could get one), and DESTROYED every single one of them! And then they came back with these huge trucks, SUV’s, and Hummers??? WHY? - $$$ that’s why!!! Do we really believe this is a case of “supply & demand”? How soon we forget the fat profits made by the oil co’s just after Katrina and the “loss” of their oil production! When we were in AK, after the pipeline was completed, we heard how much those folks at Prudhoe Bay made - it was triple the salary of the “lower 48” of a skilled worker. And, how come despite the fact that in AK the the oil companies pay huge taxes, they still make those huge profits? Those taxes allow the state to still give each person (in a household) $1.000 annually (since 1981)! And thanks to the Oil companies, AK residents pay the lowest taxes in the nation! My daughter is a Honda sales person, July has been her busiest month, all wanting a car with better milage (aka, more efficient). So, what did a US company do? … Advertise a 3 year contract of $2.99 a gallon, if you buy their gas guzzler! Sadly, all of us will suffer, especially those who can least afford it, while Wall Street “futures & commodities” sellers, and the Oil companies will reap in mega profits. Because of our new “consumerism” attitudes, I fear we will be sidetracked by yet another “fear” tactic, and all will be forgotten, like before. I hate to think that we’ll be back at this same place in another thirty years. But I’m not too hopeful that we have the resolve to make the changes we need to, or to demand businesses & government to step up to the plate to act NOW!

I’m not the gaming type, but … You Bet Your Life … Jepardy tops ‘em all, love the categories all that trivia! Atsa nice, ‘cause at home I know the answers, but would fold like much used napkin if I was ON the show! (Loved Groucho - his was a goodie too ;+}

Personally, I agree that IF Caroline decides to go into the political arena, we’d all be blessed! However, until SHE makes that decision, it’s a mute point! She and her whole family have been active in many volunteer organizations, didn’t her aunt (was it Kathleen?) start the Special Olympics? So, attending these conferences could be just that, to foster volunteerism and to support women. As to Vista and volunteerism, I do believe most colleges, and some High Schools today “require” their students to do some form of social service time, as part of their curriculum. I do think it’s a smart idea to begin in High School to require students to serve their community for credit toward graduation. But I agree, our Government has slacked off at fostering it, though the present Admin. talks the talk, it doesn’t fund the walk!

YEA! “Comments” is BACK! - Last time I looked - weeks ago - it was gone with the “revision” of the site. (IF it has been here all along, I missed seeing it!) SO glad it’s here again, for us “normal folk” to speak our minds!

Cynthia, My Mom was also adopted - though not “officially” through the courts. She didn’t even know she was adopted till she needed her Birth Certificate to enter college. She always said, like you, it didn’t matter, she had wonderful parents, and finding her birth parents would only cause them heartache. But - she did search out the Dr. on the certificate, pestered his “caregiver” till he agreed to let Mom see this old Dr. The caretaker had said the Dr wouldn’t remember, it was 18 years ago. Once on his doorstep, she stopped, thought again, and left! 30 years later, her mother told her (she was in her 90s) that Mom’s birthmother sent a message to the adoption agency asking to meet her daughter. Grandmom went instead, and found the mother was” the spitting image” of my Mom! None of us kids could understand that. If it wasn’t important, why pester to see him? And wasn’t she curious about her birth mother at least? And why didn’t my Mom try to find any information about Grandma’s visit to her birth mom? And WHY did she later send for her official Birth Certificate? (the original one was lost.) I have been doing my Genealogy for years now, mostly prompted by my desire to know more about my “Birth Grandmom” - but it was SO long ago, info is hard to find. Even with an “open document”, I have found only one possibility. Somehow, I see this search as one for my heritage, my connection to a woman who loved her daughter so much, she gave her up for a better chance in life. And she loved her enough to try to find her - when she reached adulthood & could decide for herself if she wanted a relationship. I will always wonder about who she was, what she was like. I will continue my impossible search for as long as I can, it’s a hole in my soul.

For me, George, naturally. His passing is the end of an era. I didn’t realize he had had several other heart attacks. He was the ultimate thinking person’s comedian. First he got you thinking, then a painful belly laugh, then back to ponder his wisdoms long after the event was over. I also was stunned by Tim - didn’t realize he was so young! I figured he was about my age (same as Candice B, I think;). I didn’t watch his show often, my time for church, but I did see him in other venues. He was Class, as well as brilliant - how he’d get to the issues strait up, yet not demeaning his guests one bit. Tim & George came a bit too close to my home, though. My hubby had a heart attack 2 years ago, his dad died at 42 (which we’re thankfully well beyond). Their two deaths get you thinking, scary reminders of how fast things can happen. Every one of those in the list will be missed by some of us. Thanks to whomsoever from “my era” for remembering Doty, Cyd & all those other celebs who’ve touched us. Thing is, we’re just never ready for those we know dying – no matter whether they’ve been ill or not. My hubby’s Aunt Vina was ill for a while and died just last week. I couldn’t visit her in the hospital, nor go to her funeral since I’m in CA with our daughter. So, it just isn’t real to me. But the same thing happened when my Dad suddenly died, I couldn’t get there either, for months afterwards. Only when I saw his gravestone did I believe, still, for a long time I couldn’t process that he wasn’t going to be there.

What an appropriate question! I just got off a plane from East coast to West, and love to fly!!! (‘cept for the take off & landing :>{ I remember those “good old days” too. From the late 60s to the 80s, we had real full hot meals on real plates with real flatware! I’d bet more of the latter was probably stolen than went back the airline kitchens ;+} And yes, most stewardesses were nice, especially to young new mothers - BUT not all! There were the “old school - follow the rules” gals, and the “it’s just a JOB!” (AKA get me outa here) ones, & a few “flirty time” chicks - a very rude thing when directed at your hubby caring for your cranky baby, & right in front of you! When I fly, I like to pick the window seat. But today, I got the middle one. I came in & the young fella in the window seat was first to say hi to me. The young gal to my left came on, sat, & plugged her ears with her iPod for the whole trip! The guy & I, each read our books for a while, then we talked a little. But we also “shared” those mile high magnificent views as we flew over the country, trying to figure out which state we were over. These attendants were as helpful, nice, and courteous to us in “coach” as they were to the big dudes in first class! I aught to know, I was only 1 seat away! In all the flying I’ve done, I can’t really remember sitting near a cranky passenger, or had a really nasty stewerd / ess! Course, I AM old, grey, & a bit forgetful, but it’s OK, I’ll keep that memory ;+} Thing is, I don’t think “they’ve” changed, I think “we’ve” changed! I talk to folks in line at the bank, grocery store, any line & place I find myself with other people. ‘S just in my nature. I don’t mind if “they” don’t want to talk - I can always read, meditate, hum a quiet tune, whatever. But at least, I’ll always try to be friendly, especially so if we’ll be together for several hours! I don’t see other folks as strangers, just a fellow “travelers.” See ya after my next flight home!

beverly - Yes, it’s sad that man has always used any excuse to lambast and conquer others, including religion. And sadly, every religion has done so throughout history. Fortunately, those who did get their “reward” for their misuse of religion (many in THIS world). It isn’t the religion that’s dangerous, but the “leaders” who twist the teachings of their great “profits” and writings. We had a preacher down the street, calling us (as Catholics, Italians, and having 4 (OH what a SIN that was) children - followers of Satin. I lived it, only 4 children in the area were allowed to play with us, then there were none. Now this area is loaded with people of all faiths, cultures, races … makes me feel good to see that. But that never made me angry at those of that denomination, nor against religion. In fact, it made me see how fallible and cruel man can be, and that I need to show the opposite - to show my love in action to all I meet, no matter who, what or where. As the old man who kissed the cow said, “Each to his own!”

Hi there Mugsy - I seem to respond to you a lot(?) In the Catholic & other traditions, all a Saint is - is a person who whole heartedly lived their lives doing good, helping others (Mother Theresa, et all), AND did it in God’s name! Thing about “saints” is, 1) all of us are called to be one, 2) those so named by the Church - are just to be as examples to the rest of us. SO many others are saints, like my Mom & Pop, but “not officially” named as such. I was brought up Catholic, parent’s were the Dorothy Day type (she “converted” to Catholicism). They met in a Catholic “activist” organization, the ACTU (American Catholic Trade Unionists), helping those in “the here & now” and they continued that activity all their lives. No brochures, speeches, knocks on doors, just helping others, esp. the less fortunate. Tolerance for all was another aspect, even for the non-believer, like my atheist uncle & aunt! That was my religion & still is. Fortunately, I was taught that anyone of any faith who lived the life of caring for others in God’s name were saints. That Jesus (as Son of God) came to be WITH sinners - not to condemn them. AND that in ANY organization, religious or otherwise, people don’t always do “God’s work” - which helped me retain my Catholic faith - in Jesus, human kind’s inherent goodness. My faith gives me hope that we will treat all persons as “children of God” - eventually.

Interesting idea … “a summer without tomatoes?” … NEVER! That’s because we grow our own, NJ style - Beefsteak, Big Boy, Cherry. 8 plants is never enough for my hubby who eats them right off the plant! They do taste SO good - right out of the garden. We do our own “Organic” composting too. Maybe those tomatoes with salmonella - are a by product of “outsourcing” our farming industry to other countries, big “non-family” farms, and lessening the funding for inspectors in DC? 100 years ago, our Italian ancestors were told to stop eating so many vegetables, especially tomato’s thought to be “poison”!!! Now, we know, veggies & tomatoes are highly valued for their health benefits!

My best job was working as a teacher, well, a substitute teacher! Frank’s got it, right. The salary may not be so great, but the rewards of seeing a kid “get” the idea of some subject matter, can’t be beat! I only wish I’d been able to get my degree earlier than I did and taught more years! Second best job, was working for a commercial photographer, being able to select and send out transparancies and slides to magazines was a blast. Putting them back wasn’t! ;) Here too, pay was lousy, but job was fun.

Not only “No”, but HELL NO! I’m with everything that Carol L, Elizabeth Flynn & Bennett, M L Staats, and Maggi D have said. (’s why we need more women making government policy!) Too many of the poor and minorities - who can’t afford a big shot lawyer, mentally handicapped, and innocent people are in jail and particularly on Death Row as it is! This is especially true in some of our “set in their ways” states, like Texas (who have more people on Death Row than all other 49 states combined, and have executed more minorities & mentally handicapped than “property owners”!) It takes years for some innocent folks to get out, even with DNA proof! I especially like the idea of prison with no “perks” or torture. It should be “self sustaining” - meaning the prisoners grow their own foods, make their own clothing, and make things (used to be license plates) to earn their keep. Sadly many prisons today are like everything else - for profit big businesses - where we foot the bill! But I’d rather pay for a lifetime of deprivation, where a prisoner might see their “sin” - than pay the state or a private business to murder someone. I agree with Maggi, how can a person claim to be against abortion but for the Death penalty? And how can you NOT call executing someone by it’s true name - State funded murder?!? And how can we say it’s illegal to murder someone, then go ahead with murdering them? Last, a proven fact, execution does NOT bring “closure” to the family of the victim! So what’s the point? Simple, a holier than thou revenge!

PS Bonnie - I must have been a lucky kid. My Mom & Dad never lied to me. When I came home from school after our first air raid drill and “scared to death” about the bomb, I felt safe that the right precautions were taken to protect us. Pop quickly set me strait! First, due to our proximity to NYC, DC, Philly, and 3 military installations, he said we wouldn’t know what hit us, we’d be dead in minutes! Second, he doubted either side would “press the button” since it would mean total annihilation for both sides! Somehow, those thoughts set me at ease!? But I never again believed that hiding under a desk or in the hallway would protect anyone.

Wendy - I too was raised Catholic and in fact as a kid in a Catholic Elementary school, doubted my faith. (Maybe due to some Twilight Zone episode? ;) Any-ole-who, one of our Priests helped me come back strong by saying, “It HAS TO BE YOUR faith, no one else’s, no priest, nun, parent, etc.” And I’ve grown much since then, in my faith, ethics & ideals. But I was lucky, Sisters of Charity & later Mercy’s - addressed our youthful concerns with openness, honesty, and a lot of “realism” - very “Judeo - Christian” like attitudes taught. That said, I too have a problem with some of our “male” leaders. Some of our Priests have the audacity to say - “If you vote this or that way, you’ll go to hell!” Others claim that the God showed in the bible & traditions show males only should hold the office of Priest. One of these days, I’ll send off an email & letter to our present Pope, who says he want’s discussion & to hear from the people of our Church. What they do not recognize is, God is neither male nor female, and yet is both. Did God not “create them, male and female in “his” image? And, do they think God is so dumb, not to recognize that the men created have such an over inflated ego, they can’t see the value of women’s contributions to society? Why don’t they see that male dominance in any sphere is due to “cultural attitudes” and NOT of God??? There are a number of things I’m not happy with in our & other churches. But we have to remember - two things, 1. No one person or group holds the whole truth! 2. and all will come to pass “In God’s time.”

Donna, Maurene, Peg, n Mugsy -I DID IT! ‘n it was a snap, just as you said! milli grazzi, danka, gracias, merci, kiitos, bedankt, tak, tack, takk, ありがとうございます, And thank you one and all!