I just posted, then memories came barging in:

My foster brother, who I am still close with, stole from my parent's house. He took things he thought had resale value. I don't think he had anything against my parents, but he was broken and was incapable of thinking about how it would affect them.

I still feel bad for everyone involved. I remember my Mother crying and I can hear my Father slamming the back door in the middle of the night, leaving to bail him out after he took cigarettes from a supermarket where he worked.

Now he is better, but he is more ashamed of this than anything in his history because he didn't just steal, but he lied too. He hides from people and has these terrible regrets.

It is never worth whatever it is. Kenny Lay could probably tell you that. Although....maybe he just changed his face and still lives, drifting on some tropical...

OK, now I am just making jokes about conspiracy theories, but you get the idea.

Everyone in my family is a public school teacher. For three generations and with few gaps, they span five states and teach grades K-12. My Father was a reading specialist and will appreciate seeing this because he retired wondering if he had made much of a difference, and looking at the system now is discouraging for him.

I listen to Mr. Keillor's voice on Writer's Almanac every day. What a way to begin a day, one of my favorite indulgences.

Someone actually listened to this?

"I hear Societe Generale has an opening for a trader...

Seriously, if you are going to steal, steal billions not twenties. At least you'll be a folk hero."-anon

Haha! I was thinking this same thing! That guy stole 7 Billion.

Billion. What the bleep is a Billion and was SG's system of checks and balances on sabbatical? Now that is a compulsion... or is there another word? So LW, he "moved" maybe 500,000 daily instead of 20 bucks. I say the 20's will haunt you as much, sans notoriety, unless you quit.

That Salon.com, they are so thoughtful! They've provided you with a new image for your dart boards!

I like her even more knowing she cares as much about the environment as she does about image. This interview is further proof she is a woman of substance and much more than just a rock star. Using her talents for greater good is inspiring and exemplifies the evolution of the human spirit. Sheryl rocks.

Obama could be talking about car parts and he'd still have my ear. He's a remarkable person, someone I would like to get to know better. Reading the candidate's books and listening to speeches isn't enough. They all have ideas that are good, but who is the brightest? Who has the best cabinet and VP, staff and backing?

I didn't notice that his mother was white in that ad. I sought out the ad first, then read and listened to JW's piece. I must be out of touch, because while so many in the US seem busy debating gender and color, I plan to vote by issues, not by someone's appearance. Researching what each proposes and noting how they voted in the past.

I am not voting for someone because of gender or color because that would be an emotional decision. There is too much at stake and they are not messiahs. The winner will be taking on a gigantic mess and will need more than passionate support to fix anything. What I am saying is that I believe this issue is divisive and ultimately, just a distraction.

There is no denying that there are racial issues in this country, but I suggest that you take a little tour of your local prison(s) before throwing out the segregation analogy regarding the CA prison system.

Xrandadu Hutman posted:

"It is tiring to have every little thing analyzed in terms of whether somebody is playing a race card, or throwing race dice, or using a black chess piece instead of a white chess piece. It's tiring and unenlightening. Please, unless there's really something there, move on."

I just wanted to second that thought!

"If all you know about Obama is what you have seen in 30-second commercials and in televised victory speeches (which are intended to thank and energize supporters, not inform about substantive policy issues), then blame yourselves."

Absolutely. It doesn't take long to peruse, and if I can find it, anyone can. If you want to see each candidate's ideas, policies, voting record and facts that really matter rather than opinion and gossip, it's just a few clicks away. Why waste time on random mini-dramas from people who don't even bother to check the facts? The candidates have some good ideas, see which ones you agree with and get behind them.