VoyForums: The USB Coffee Clutch Cafe

[ VoyUser Login optional ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, [4], 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ]

If you have any additions, changes or deletions to these lists, please e-mail Stacey here

Pageant Information Sites	State Message Board Links	Links for the USB Community	Links for your posting needs

Visit our sister boards

Subject: All this "Anti" Happy Holiday talk made me think...
Author: lovingthis06 [Edit]	Date Posted: 12:14:16 12/10/09 Thu When one demonstrates close minded attitudes, like the ones a lot of you have on this matter, others accept such attitudes as true for all Americans. People of other cultures inevitably associate Americans with ignorance, ethnocentricity, and egotism. What makes me laugh is when we get all worked when people BOO us at sporting events (beauty pageants), throw shoes at our presidents, and deem us the void of culture. I know that a few do not a majority make, but a few can ruin the party for the rest of us. Be considerate and respectful of others, isn't that what the holidays are all about anyways? HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYBODY! :) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Honestly, I say Happy Holidays a lot, because many people do not celebrate anything, but that does not mean I don't want them to have a safe, lovely holiday nonetheless. Good post Lovingthis! (NT) -- SFG, 12:40:35 12/10/09 Thu When its Christmas Day...its christmas day!!!! How is it wrong to be insulted if companies refuse to aknowledge the Holiday? Its not closed mindedness...Its Christmas!! Just like on February 14th its Valentines day etc. Im an atheist but I still wish others Merry Christmas on december 25th. And the owrlds view on america is a different story. Everyone wants to boo big bad america but they are the first to line up for an American "aid check" (NT) -- Fannie Pack, 12:52:19 12/10/09 Thu Right on TARGET Fannie Pack....MERRY CHRISTMAS. And no..we are not closed minded for wanting companies to say MERRY CHRISTMAS...the MAJORITY OF AMERICANS celebrate CHRISTMAS...These companies have no issue taking our CHRISTMAS MONEY FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS...that is the problem I have...majority rules in a fair minded society...I have no problem wishing people a happy or merry( whatever they celebrate)...but since the majority in this Nation celebrate Christmas so it goes. I"am not a closed minded person and do not lump us all into that kinda category.Like I said in a earlier post..political correctness is neither CORRECT or POLITICAL..just a way for a bunch of left wing people to make people adhear to what they belive. (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 13:09:19 12/10/09 Thu Thanks for proving my point Lion Boy... ;) "I have no problem wishing people happy or merry (whatever they celebrate)...But since the majority in this Nation celebrate christmas so it goes." That my friend is what I consider being close minded. (NT) -- lovingthis06, 13:43:36 12/10/09 Thu All of my Christmas ( NOT XMAS) cards say Merry Christmas. I am so sick and tired of the Happy Holidays brigade. I saw every public high school should have a Christmas tree, the kids should decorate it, and go for it. MERRY CHRISTMAS! (NT) -- merry christmas to all, 13:52:56 12/10/09 Thu I agree that Christmas IS Christmas...so it's perfectly fine to say Merry Christmas. I also disagree with booing all Americans based on your preception of some. That's just ignorant. I will say that I do cringe when someone says "This is a Christian nation!!"....what exactly does that mean? and what exactly do you want to come out of that? Middle Eastern countries scream "This is a MUSLIM nation!" and we all know what happens when religion is taken literal in societal aspects. Each person should be able to live and say what they please and if that's happy holidays for some, and Merry Christmas for others (as I say) then so be it. (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 14:21:36 12/10/09 Thu You're my hero Cookie Dough! <3 (NT) -- SFG, 14:39:45 12/10/09 Thu Well Cookie Dough you did it again......This is a Christian Nation because the MAJORITY of people who live here are Practioneers of a CHRISTIAN FAITH. SO dont cringe about it..in fact live in a Muslum nation and see what Freedoms you have there and see how you may GRINGE THERE! (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 14:55:05 12/10/09 Thu Having a majority of anything does not define our entire national identity. From 2008-2008, we were not a "Republican" nation. And right now, we don't necessarily have an Obama/Democratic nation. Just because Adam Lambert lost American Idol does not mean we are a Kris Allen nation. The idea that "majority rules" is the defining ideal of America is really off-base. In fact, our Founding Fathers (who were generally NOT Christian) were fearful of the whims of the majority. This is why our entire national and federal system of government is based around checks and balances. For example, the judicial branch of the federal government is unelected, so there are certain Congressional checks on judicial power, because Congress is a politically-chosen branch. The judiciary is not an elected branch, (NT) -- and federal and Supreme Court judges are chosen for life, because it is believed that their separation from the political process is what prevents their decisions from being "bought" or affected by the political process., 15:06:18 12/10/09 Thu America is not and never has been about the idea that the "majority rules," in the strictest sense of the phrase. It is based on the ideal that everyone is equally entitled to their constitutional rights. You want to say Merry Christmas, PLEASE DO! I personally celebrate Christmas. (NT) -- But I think the day everyone has to be forced to practice a certain religion would be just as bad as the day when no one would be allowed to practice any religion at all., 15:07:54 12/10/09 Thu I understand what you are saying...I dont think any one is understanding what I"am trying to say.... :o( (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 15:11:52 12/10/09 Thu Also, I think part of the problem on this issue is that people express their rights differently. I think the people who are so anti-Happy Holidays feel offended by it, because they think it means people are so scared of being non-PC that they are scared to use their right to say Merry Christmas. But I don't think it's always that the "PC" people are scared to use their rights to say Merry Christmas; it's just that they enjoy the idea of being all-inclusive. I love my religion, and it doesn't bother me to not see crosses and Christmas trees in public courthouses. (NT) -- I like it that way...because it means that if the "majority" religion were to change one day, I wouldn't have to look at someone else's religious icons., 15:17:32 12/10/09 Thu And as far a Best Buy, or any other company goes, they do everything they do to make MONEY. It is in their INTEREST to be all-inclusive. You are fooling yourself if you think they have any sort of political anti-Christian agenda or something. They're appealing to the broadest customer base possible. I would suggest to anyone who feels like big business is "ruining" Christmas that RETAIL is not where you should looking for the true meaning of the holiday anyway. (NT) -- No one is forcing ANY company to say Happy Holidays. You want to see Christmas greetings/decorations in retail, start your own store. No one has any power to stop you, except maybe the almighty dollar., 15:31:02 12/10/09 Thu I def. do not let "Retail and the all might Dollar" ruin the CHRISTMAS Spirt for me. Dont have any Dollars for that to happen. LOL. But I do get your point wasnt trying to be ignorant or anything like that. (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 15:39:08 12/10/09 Thu Lion Boy, take this in the nicest way (or don't).....but having observed your commentary, I REALLY couldn't care what you think about what I have to say. You're there with another poster who shall remain nameless who I just don't care to engage with....at all. P.S~ You can't denounce political correctness in one breath then demand everyone practice the ideology of the majority in the other. Think about that one for a sec. (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 16:19:12 12/10/09 Thu CD I havent demanded any thing from the Majority...what I"am saying is that since most of us in the USA are Christian and that we celebrate CHRISTMAS..I find it odd that the all inclusive crowd refuse to include any mention of CHRISTMAS in adds...schools ect...a CHRISTMAS TREE IS A CHRISTMAS TREE not a HOLIDAY BUSH/TREE ect....that is offensive to me and most people who celebrate CHRISTMAS...most people think the not using the traditional CHRISTMAS greetings ect is ridiculious..at least from what I have read or heard on talk shows. Any way this is the last responce on this subject matter from me..and if you do not want to engage with me when we dissagree that is fine with me..but let me assure you I have no ilk toward you and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR. :o) (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 16:52:08 12/10/09 Thu I'm trying to be patient here. Businesses like to be all-inclusive and PC because they are in it to make MONEY. Schools are PUBLIC and supported by the GOVERNMENT. There shouldn't be Christmas trees, or ANY OTHER religious stuff there. If you want your kids to have Christmas trees and prayers in school, send them to Catholic school like my parents did. It's hard for me to believe that someone in 2009 will say in one breath that there should be no separation of church and state, but in another breath you're saying (NT) -- we should go to a Muslim country and check out their "freedoms." State-sponsored religion is state-sponsored religion is state-sponsored religion. But as long as it's YOUR religion, you don't care., 17:06:50 12/10/09 Thu I think we should all fight for separation of church and state, because you never know if 200 years down the line things will change and your great great great grandchildren will be the minority. (NT) -- You never know how or when things will change; that, 17:08:48 12/10/09 Thu Want to get in a bump war? (NT) -- I don't have any plans tonight., 17:19:38 12/10/09 Thu Me either darling...but you know what???? I have a life. Bump off!!!!! LOL just kidding. (NT) -- Me, 17:26:41 12/10/09 Thu When I grew up, in public school, we celebrated Christmas and usually had a Christmas play..........with wise men, Mary, a baby Jesus, and all that. We didn't have a bunch of nutts screaming that they had been traumatized by the experience. We have since kicked God out of our schools, and our government..............and just look at the results today. There is an epidemic of teenage pregnancies, abortions, drug abuse, gang viloence, divorces, adultry (it is on the news every night that some sap has been unfaithful to his wife), and a long list of other ills. Is celebrating Christmas in school or at government facility/office really all that bad? It may be the only dose of "faiith" that some of these kids will ever get. Just like darkness is the absense of light, evil is the absense of God. Merry Christmas to you all. (NT) -- ZZZ, 17:57:52 12/10/09 Thu Hear! Hear! KUDOS! We always had a CHRISTMAS PAGEANT and PLAY... CHORUS..and my how BAD we all turned out!!!!!!!! (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 18:10:12 12/10/09 Thu That's a really big inference you're making there. There's a serious causation problem in your logic. I'm not sure how you can prove that the lack of state-sponsored religion CAUSED the problems you state? There's definitely room for argument there, sure, but there are lots of other possibilites. I personally think that a lot of our societal problems are the result of the breakdown of the family due to our busy, mobile society. Too many people being too busy living too far apart. I don't think having a Christmas tree in a public school clasroom as a dose of "faith" will do anything to fix the life of an underparented, overindulged child. Without strong families, school prayer doesn't change much. (NT) -- I went to an excellent Catholic school, and there were still teenage pregnancies, drinking, and drugs., 18:13:09 12/10/09 Thu Prayer can change anything (NT) -- ZZZ, 22:44:57 12/10/09 Thu When you do it of your own volition. (NT) -- ., 22:51:23 12/10/09 Thu Yes (NT) -- ZZZ, 23:22:25 12/10/09 Thu Damn... Some of you are freaking CRAZY... STRAIGHT UP... man... shit... (NT) -- lovingthis06, 00:26:49 12/11/09 Fri Your response is incredibley insulting and really scary. Religious extremism -- NEVER a good thing. (NT) -- pageantrella, 10:28:54 12/11/09 Fri Lion Boy, hope you have a great Christmas. It's great to see you posting more regularly. (NT) -- Duration & Convexity, 11:17:44 12/11/09 Fri Thank you I appreciate that. :o) (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 11:37:38 12/11/09 Fri Re: I can't believe people get into such a wad over this. Seasonal greetings are a kind gesture, no matter whether they are expressed as (NT) -- BamaMan, 01:43:44 12/11/09 Fri Re: (sorry...keyboard issues!).. "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" or "Happy Hannukah" or whatever. I just take those greetings with the best intentions. I tell people "Merry Christmas," because that's my tradition and the traditional holiday greeting in my neck of the woods. If I say, "Merry Christmas," it's just that. I'm not saying, "Merry Christmas and fu&* whatever alternative messed up holiday tradition you have if it's not the same as mine." It's just an expression of well wishes. (NT) -- BamaMan, 01:55:16 12/11/09 Fri Bama Man that is it in a nut shell...part of what I was trying to say...dont take away my tradition of saying "Merry Christmas" by making the season a generic phrase of saying "Happy Holidays" Thanks for expressing this a lot more clearly than I could. (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 11:44:08 12/11/09 Fri I think Whoopi said it best, and I am paraphrasing, but it went something like this: When someone says something to you, it is the intent of the person addressing you, and not the addressee that gives it meaning. When someone wishes Happy Holidays, I just take it in good faith. If they wish me Merry Christmas, I take that in good faith too. Holidays mean different things to different people, so why not just be happy they address you specifically at all. :) (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 11:56:18 12/11/09 Fri I agree whole heartedly! (NT) -- pageantrella, 12:09:04 12/11/09 Fri .....and with Bama too. (NT) -- pageantrella, 12:12:55 12/11/09 Fri I agree SFand Bama... I was just pointing out the Nutcases who are crazy... :) (NT) -- lovingthis06, 12:09:17 12/11/09 Fri I hope you are not referring to me as a "Nut Case" (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 12:41:11 12/11/09 Fri Last I checked, I didn't say anything "crazy" or anything that suggested that I was a "nutcase." I made a cogent argument which responded to what someone else said. How am I supposed to know what someone else "really meant," if that's not what they express? The only thing other posters know is what you actually SAY... (NT) -- But thanks for making fun of me for actually being able to express a complete thought and express it in an intellectual manner., 13:20:05 12/11/09 Fri There's no way for anyone to know who you are or what you've said because you have NO HANDLE. So how could anyone be directing anything toward you when no one even knows who "you" are? (NT) -- TXgal, 13:55:13 12/11/09 Fri The statement about being a "nutcase" was underneath what I wrote, so I know it was directed at me? Why would I have a handle when I'm still deciding if this is a board I want to participate in on a daily basis? I was trying to jump in the conversation and participate instead of lurk and see how it went. (NT) -- But if I'm just going to be called a "crazy nutcase....STRAIGHT UP...man...shit," why would I want to pick a handle and participate regularly?, 14:13:40 12/11/09 Fri I wasn't referring to anybody specifically. I was referring to the situation in General.. Geez. lol (NT) -- lovingthis06, 14:43:36 12/11/09 Fri

Subject: MERRY CHRISTMAS
Author: Phil [Edit]	Date Posted: 13:59:28 12/10/09 Thu [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Re: MERRY CHRISTMAS (NT) -- exactly, 12:29:15 12/11/09 Fri

Subject: Why I hate people sometimes
Author: Secular Slut [Edit]	Date Posted: 09:14:48 12/11/09 Fri http://www.liveleak.com/item?a=view&token=f04_1258418085 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
OK. I can't watch videos like that. The subject header made my stomach turn (lol a warning would be appreciated :) For those with a heart, it's a video of some Latvian douchebags throwing a dog over a bridge while laughing. Of course humans suck far more than animals. We live for greed, they live for love. Secular, did these douchenozzles face any consequences for this video that you know of? (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 10:09:14 12/11/09 Fri Hey, CD. I did write to PETA and told them about it. They encourage everyone to report cruelty on the Internet (http://www.peta.org/about/hottopic009.asp). I hope this douchebag someday gets thrown off the bridge or get run over by a Mac truck. (NT) -- Secular Slut, 10:21:37 12/11/09 Fri Actually Lithuanian, not Latvian. 8 months in prison is the penalty. Other, not related, charges are pending. (NT) -- Ugnis, 10:33:53 12/11/09 Fri So I'm following the comments section (not watching the video) and many agree it's one of the most disturbing things they've seen (again, hence me not watching it) but the monsters have been caught, the article I read says 10 months in jail (which is nothing more than a slap on the wrist) but the most amusing thing is many of the comments want to go after this guy and his family and they're posting his home address, face book, name, email. I can't help but smile and relish the fact that it's no big thing to "send your guys" out to serve him a new asshole for doing this. I'm all for it. We should practice more "citizen arrests" here. :) (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 10:47:06 12/11/09 Fri I can't watch it, but..... If I am not mistaken (if this is the same video) - the video itselft led to the arrest of at least one. (NT) -- pageantrella, 10:30:38 12/11/09 Fri Yes, absolutely right pageantrella. There's been MANY cases of asshats posting videos of beating someone, stealing, or animal cruelty posted on various viral sites for the viewing which resulted in their arrest. That's why I really, really appreciate video sites (like you tube)...they've done a lot in helping law enforcement with facts, and posters seeing a video that just didn't sit right with them and reporting it to authorities. Imagine if this video wasn't out there, and we didn't know of it. Also, God bless phone cameras! (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 10:51:01 12/11/09 Fri i hope those freakin' bastards get thrown of a bridge themselves!! (NT) -- dink, 10:52:14 12/11/09 Fri Does anyone know what happened to the poor dog? In the video, the dog landed legs first, but it's hard to tell whether it yelped or not, though I am sure it suffered great pain. Despite the cruel thing the guy did to the dog, it still managed to wag its tail, thinking perhaps it was a game. I just hope the dog is well and adopted by a loving home. (NT) -- Secular Slut, 10:52:52 12/11/09 Fri Died. Bones were not broken but internal organs were damaged (NT) -- Ugnis, 10:55:14 12/11/09 Fri I am so sorry to say - I think the dog did not make it. When this story was first reported I cryed for sometime. I truely believe that anyone capable of such cruelty is not fit to live in society. I would prefer someone like this be dispatched from this world permanatly, but I understand others can't agree on that course of action for any crime. So I propose lifetime incarsaration in a facility in a remote part of the world. They should have basic comforts, but no luxaries (a la "Fortress"). (NT) -- pageantrella, 11:02:23 12/11/09 Fri .....sorry about the mis-spellings. (NT) -- pageantrella, 11:04:23 12/11/09 Fri Yes, one of the articles I read say it was clear the dog was in pain and crying for help and the guys I guess were spitting on him and saying "You should have learned how to fly"...the dog was on the corner of the street for 2 days (in pain and alive) finally found, survived for a week then died. Again, animals> humans. And don't EVERRRRRRRRRRRR trust someone who says "I'm not much of an animal person".....trust me. Those are the worst types of people on this planet. Know from experience. (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 11:16:14 12/11/09 Fri

Subject: what do you prefer happy hollidays or merry Christmas
Author: catalina [Edit]	Date Posted: 15:59:03 12/07/09 Mon i prefer merry Christmass [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I always wish people a "happy and healthy holiday season". Everyone is not of the christian faith and does not celebrate Christmas. It's not that big of a deal, but for me it's just more P.C. to use my greeting as it is all inclusive. (NT) -- M Back, 16:27:35 12/07/09 Mon I prefer happy winter season....it's so much easier than saying happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Cjristmas, Winter Solstice, or Jehovah Witness non-celebration. Really, I don't care but in a public setting "Happy Holidays" is more generic as there are a few other celebrations than Christmas going on, but among friends who KNOW what they are celebrating, might as well be specific. (NT) -- Tiki Java, Mr. USB 2010, 16:30:21 12/07/09 Mon LMAO Happy Jehovah Witness non-celebration day. I have never heard that one before. Too funny. I always felt bad for this little boy in our class when we had our parties for the holidays. He wasn't allowed to participate so I'd steal a few cookies and take them to where he was seated behind the piano in the classroom drawing and give them to him. Poor little guy his parents should have picked him up at a certain time when the party started so he could avoid all that. (NT) -- USBModLadyChatterly, 22:15:17 12/07/09 Mon Merry Christmas and here in the deep south, you will rarely hear a happy holiday. Sorry PC or not, I can't change what to me is an American tradition, celebrabed by many. (NT) -- Dreamboat Annie, 18:34:46 12/07/09 Mon In this country we have called it Christmas for a couple hundred years, so it is hard to make the change to this new godless event that is now becoming so PC. (NT) -- ZZZ, 18:50:34 12/07/09 Mon My thing is, December 25th IS Christmas. Why is it wrong to call it Christmas when that's what it is! When it's Hannukkah, call it Hannukkah. When it's Kwanzaa, call it Kwanzaa. There's nothing offensive about wishing someone a Merry Christmas when it IS Christmas. (NT) -- TXgal, 20:00:31 12/07/09 Mon I agree! Sometimes I will use the all-encomapssing "Happy Holidays" on cards or what not, but for the most part (unless I know that a persons faith is different than my own) I will wish people a Merry Christmas. (NT) -- CC-P, 07:47:33 12/08/09 Tue Re: Like Dreamboats said, down here in the South, we just say, "Merry Christmas" and don't get all antsy about who's getting offended. The vast majority of people here celebrate Christmas, plus Christmas has plenty of meaning in a secular way as well as a Christian way. I didn't grow up in a religious family, yet we always celebrated Christmas as a traditional family holiday. OTOH, I'm not offended by "Happy Holidays" or anything... but it doesn't roll off the tongue. (NT) -- BamaMan, 21:42:25 12/07/09 Mon I grew up hearing and saying Merry Christmas so thats what I stick with. (NT) -- USBModLadyChatterly, 22:17:20 12/07/09 Mon We usually wish "Linksmų �venčių", which is an equivalent of "happy holidays". We use this particular phrase because thus we can wish both merry Christmas and happy new year at once. This phrase is also used for any other holiday, be it our Independence Day or Easter or the Feast of St. John. (NT) -- Ugnis, 05:00:38 12/08/09 Tue Christmas is a real thign on a real day...as well as Hannukha. I always say Merry Christmas an Happy Hannukha..its right and respectful to aknowledge something that is meaningful to many (NT) -- Fannie Pack, 06:10:47 12/08/09 Tue i understand the Happy Holidays thing but the reasoning behind people saying it is what turns me off. yes there are all kinds of Holidays this time of year but so many people, ACLU included, have made such a big stink out of Merry Christmas that i say Merry Christmas when i can! In America, Christmas is celebrated by the majority! (NT) -- Pageant Mistress, 12:38:05 12/08/09 Tue In honor of this post, CLICK IN!! PART1 -- PageantGrl, 16:36:25 12/08/09 Tue CLICK IN!! PART2 -- PageantGrl, 16:38:02 12/08/09 Tue -- visitor, 16:48:38 12/08/09 Tue That video is hysterical (NT) -- pageantrella, 16:58:05 12/08/09 Tue This is a CHRISTIAN NATION..until it isnt it is MERRY CHRISTMAS..unless I know you celebrate another holiday (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 17:00:41 12/08/09 Tue This is a CHRISTIAN NATION....it is MERRY CHRISTMAS untill other wise. (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 17:01:47 12/08/09 Tue No, it's not a Christian nation, it is a nation founded to allow people their religious freedoms. And it is a secular state. Nations that associate themselves with a specific religion are non-secular states, such as Israel, Iran, etc.... (NT) -- Fred (), 09:39:51 12/09/09 Wed "Secular" means 1) relating to the worldly or temporal 2) not overtly or specifically religious 3) not ecclesiastical or clerical 4) not bound by monastic laws or rules. A secular state is a concept of secularism, whereby a state or country purports to be officially neutral in matters of religion, supporting neither religion nor irreligion. Thus, the U.S. is a secular state (First Amendment). Same can be said with Israel (the only true democracy in the Middle East. Israeli laws do not give preference to Judaism over other religions, but they make sure that Israel retains a strong Jewish identity). Iran is definitely not a secular state, otherwise it's official name wouldn't be the Islamic Republic of Iran. There is absolutely no separation of religionand state in Islamic countries. (NT) -- Secular Slut, 10:30:51 12/09/09 Wed Most people in the USA are Christian..so I consider us a Christian nation Fred. :o) (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 14:28:36 12/09/09 Wed The United States is a nation in which Christians, Jews, Muslims and the rest live next to each other. Religion should not play a part in how people deal with each other. When religion enters the political sphere, all hell breaks loose. Separation of Church and State is of utmost importance! (NT) -- Fred, 14:41:29 12/09/09 Wed I'am not arguing with you Fred...I"am just saying dont say Happy Holidays to me...I celebrate Christmas not x-mas not holidays I do not think well of ' Holiday Tree" either.Plus this has nothing to do with Seperation of Church and State..it is a day we have celebrated for many moons with no problems until the crazy politically correct nuts came out of the closet.When stores and schools start banning"Christmas Trees" and have to call them "Holiday Trees" and the expression of saying" Merry Christmas" to it customers ect you better start looking behind your back..cause the time may be coming when we wont even be able to celebrate "Christmas" and may be bowing down on a rug 6 times a day. Leave our "Christian" celebration alone! (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 15:29:45 12/09/09 Wed I don't say Hapy Holidays to anyone, I day Merry Christmas, unless I know the person is Jewish, then I day nothing. (NT) -- Fred, 00:08:11 12/10/09 Thu I will say Happy Hanuakka if I know someone is Jewish also Fred...other wise like you I say nothing. (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 11:22:30 12/10/09 Thu I just learned an interesting fact, Lion Boy... A woman on our local radio station (104 KRBE) is Greek, and she was explaining to the listeners that the "X" in Xmas is from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of Χριστός, or Christ in Greek. Some people believe that the term Xmas is part of an effort to "take Christ out of Christmas" or to literally "cross out Christ", others simply use the "X" as a short-hand way to write/say "Chris" as in Xtina (Agulara). I hear what you are saying though...and I'm not Greek, so I say Christmas. (NT) -- CC-P, 07:32:59 12/10/09 Thu Thanks for sharing that CC-P...I always thought the old wives tale also about the X in X-Mas..it is true that u learn some thing new every day. :o) (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 11:20:55 12/10/09 Thu Both, The Holiday Season is upon us, for all to celebrate:) (NT) -- chexmex, 17:31:45 12/08/09 Tue Merry Christmas! (NT) -- nbiap, 17:12:24 12/09/09 Wed Re: I just think that sense this nation was found by Christians and Christians done all the work to build it up that we should ONLY say Merry Christmas in this country as a show of respect. If people get offended by that then they are not really true Americans. Everyone needs to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season and just tell all of these Happy Kwanzoo people to fuck off. Just my 2 cents. HUGS (NT) -- Sunshine Girl, 18:30:10 12/09/09 Wed As much as your comment sounds absurd and really stupid, I guess people who are born in America and who do not believe in God must not be true Americans. If you're diligent enough to study the history of your country - assuming you're a real American - then you'll realize that the majority of the Founder Fathers were deists, not necessarily Christians. (NT) -- Connie Lingus, 18:41:10 12/09/09 Wed Maybe this is the apprpriate post to vent this...what irritates me about Christmas season is the endless assaulting of my ears with Christmas music everywhere in shops (like where I work). If we're all so "pc", which I'm cool with, WHY don't these music service incorporate some Hannukah, Kwanzaa, etc music in the mix??!! I'd LOVE to hear something other than 1,000 versions of "I'll be home for Christmas." I mean, secular or religious, it's ALL Christmas music but there is Hannukah, Kwanzaa, some New Agey Winter Solstice music that these services could incorporate SOME of..PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE! (BTW I do LOVE Christmas music, but not for 8 hours, 5 days week, ok?) (NT) -- Tiki Java, 18:52:56 12/09/09 Wed MERRY CHRISTMAS..........................SCREW MERRY XMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HAPPY KWANZAI, WHATEVER. WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. (NT) -- MERRY CHRISTMAS, 08:39:52 12/10/09 Thu Re: what do you prefer happy hollidays or merry Christmas (NT) -- BUMP, 17:15:32 12/10/09 Thu

Subject: UGH!!!! SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and RYAN HAVE RUINED MY LIFE!!!!!!!
Author: CURLYDEWD [Edit]	Date Posted: 22:29:55 12/09/09 Wed How in the world did that closeted ball room dancing fruit loop make it to the finals of SYTYCD?!?!?!?! I know America voted him in, but seriously??? Out of all those thousands...T-H-O-U-S-A-N-D-S of fabulous dancers that auditioned this season, your going to tell me that dancing queen is one of the top 3 best? No freakin way!! America got it totally wrong when they let Victor and Nathan and just about every guy this season go before him!! That douchetard should have been given the boot 4 episodes ago!! He is proof...No matter how many bulging muscles you may have, no amount of muscles makes ball room dancing look masculine or less cheesey! I hate him, he has ruined my Christmas and quite possibly my New Years!! LOL Ok, i'm now gingerly stepping off my soap box! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Let the public vote and most of the time they will vote for personality and NOT talent. I.E. Dancing with the Stars, America's Got Talent, American Idol.....you get the picture. (NT) -- Rex, 23:06:13 12/09/09 Wed The biggest fuck up of all was Legacy leaving tonight. That kid is walking inspiration. Ryan should have left at least by tonight. As far as the girls went, as much as I've not been a fan of Mollee's again America got it wrong. I love Ashleigh and the way she's performed but the truth of the matter is, she was injured this week and should've not been able to continue. That was completely unfair. I know she's had a rough road being in a wheelchair and ill for years but she had a dance injury and Mollee got robbed. Now if Ashleigh HAD danced I'd say the right girl went home tonight because I love Kathryn and Ellenore. I also love Jakob and Russell. They should have a bottom two every week but the judges should decide who goes home until the finale. Otherwise you get this headscratching shit and the whole season is tainted. (NT) -- M Back, 23:31:01 12/09/09 Wed Rex's comment is right on as usual. (NT) -- Derrick, 06:59:45 12/10/09 Thu I have stopped watching this show. Most of my favorites have left and Noelle leaving last week was the straw that broke the camels back. I can't believe some of the people that are left in the comp. It shouldn't be called So you think you can dance it should be called America's Favorite Dancer based on personality. Are most Americans blind? (NT) -- IHP, 10:49:56 12/10/09 Thu

Subject: Help me find my next destination
Author: M Back [Edit]	Date Posted: 18:13:13 12/08/09 Tue Contrary to the post about my mom, I have been wanting a change of scenery for some time. I'm not in a rut, I just want to live somewhere that is at minimum gay friendly, where I can rent (or rent to own) a home with a yard for a reasonably priced amount. The only kind of weather I don't do well in is really humid, hot weather and really dry, hot weather. I love snow. I love the ocean too but I am beginning to think that with my budget my only little slice of heaven will not be near an ocean. Lake possibly? That would work. College town? That could work. Good food and good sports teams. Yes and Yes. I know everyone on here knows how much I love San Francisco but I am never going to be in a house out here. It's way too expensive. I've been thinking about this for awhile; been in SF 20 years. So given the above criterion, where would you valued posters think I would enjoy living since you know me a little bit and got a little description of what my needs are? Come on my little realtors. Hook me up! Suggestions? Anything's possible. I'd love to hear what you guys think. FINAL THOUGHT: I am not with family or making dinner or doing anything festive today so I apologize for my total monopolization of the board today. FINAL FINAL THOUGHT: If there are any USB mods on here, please remove this very same duplicate post I put on USB by accident, before they put bullets in me with the rude comments sure to ensue. THANKS! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
A couple of my friends have moved to Colorado and they adore it over there. They both travel tons so they could live anywhere, but they chose Colorado. If I wasn't with the Englishman I'd probably head down there too. The weather is splendid, the jobs exist, and the houses are cheap. (NT) -- PageantGrl, 18:32:49 12/08/09 Tue Hmm? craigslist - denver here I come. I'll go poke around. Thanks. (NT) -- M Back, 18:42:17 12/08/09 Tue I've only lived in Hawaii and Vegas, and both seem to miss on some of your criteria (Hawaii is humid and expensive and Vegas is super hot). May I suggest watching shows like House Hunters on HGTV. They feature different cities across the US and you get a good sense of how expensive/inexpensive the housing is there. Many shows on the Travel Channel and even the Food Network really showcases American cities and towns too. (NT) -- Jake, 19:44:14 12/08/09 Tue Great suggestions! I watch those shows and have subconsciously sized them up for a possible move. Now I will have to pay more serious attention to them. Thanks. (NT) -- M Back, 01:12:55 12/09/09 Wed Me, I love Missouri. Many people here live in rural areas, but comute to big cities like KC, St. Louis, Springfield, Branson. The cost of living is cheap, and housing prices are very cheap too. If you want to be by a lake, we have Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Taneycomo, Lake Wappello, and there are Lakes up by KC. As far as I know missouri is pretty much a gay friendly state. In my town there is a gay couple that is out, and they are doing wonderful things for my community. (NT) -- IHP, 05:06:02 12/09/09 Wed It also depends on what type of career you have, If you are in the entertainment business, then Branson is the place for you. Are you in industry or manufactoring then KC or Stl. U can go pretty much anywhere if you have a business degree or work in office type jobs. (NT) -- IHP, 05:09:41 12/09/09 Wed Anywhere is better than Indiana, I have lived here all my life and I hate it. We have bitter cold winters, hot humid summers. Scenery is not much but cornfields and soybean fields. Not the best place if you want good scenery and good weather. (NT) -- RJ, 09:10:43 12/09/09 Wed What about Santa Fe? Santa Fe has a really large gay community and there is a lot of fun cultural stuff to do. Plus it's BEAUTIFUL. While the rest of New Mexico does get dry and hot, Santa Fe is pretty mild year-round and they do get snow frequently in the winter. Might be worth looking into. (NT) -- BeckyLeeman, 10:25:04 12/09/09 Wed What about outside of Boston? I know Boston is super expensive, but I recall Provincetown, MA having a large gay population. Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard are awesome (but expensive) but would be near by for fun trips. (NT) -- Telly, 10:30:58 12/09/09 Wed All of Massachusetts is gay friendly (thinks me) but a lot of what you're looking for depends on what you do for work or if you are retired. If you are retired or not in a specific field, you might consider someplace away from Boston, but reachable by train. NH has some great towns, low cost. Are you over 55? There are some kickass communities with easy access to trains and the ocean. (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 11:21:59 12/09/09 Wed come on M Back, you should know the answer to that one.... Grand Rapids :-) (NT) -- USBModStacey, 11:24:07 12/09/09 Wed I was just in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hmmmm! That was an odd coincidence. (NT) -- SFG, 11:36:05 12/09/09 Wed These are all great suggestions. I am going to look into them all. Never been to Santa Fe; always wanted to go. Never considered MO but sounds nice. Been to Grand Rapids; have a brother in Detroit, friends in Traverse City; know the state well. Thanks all! (NT) -- M Back, 12:08:32 12/09/09 Wed Mback, I would suggest you look into Asheville, NC. The weather is great. UNC Asheville is very pretty with lots of artsy shops nearby. Housing is affordable compared to the west coast. Overall, just a great town. (NT) -- nbiap, 12:15:41 12/09/09 Wed Ashville is one of my favorite stomping grounds. You can't beat mountain ranges around Mt. Mitchell. Plus I have relatives there. Great suggestion for M Back. (NT) -- Dreamboat Annie, 12:29:59 12/09/09 Wed Thanks Annie. Have a niece in Atlanta that is moving to Lincoln, NE over the summer who raves about Charlotte AND Asheville. My other niece is in Birmingham and she loves it there so I'd still have a relative close. Or maybe I will do a swap. My SF apt for someone's place for a test drive. Thanks for the suggestion. (NT) -- M Back, 13:30:10 12/09/09 Wed You don't like hot and humid, but you'd consider Birmingham???? Anywhere in the Southeast you'd be sweating your balls off most of the year! Try Anchorage.... it's temperate, has great scenery and is actually a pretty interesting city, if you're not afraid of grizzlies. (NT) -- Fred, 13:46:37 12/09/09 Wed No. I said one of my niece's lives in B-ham and would be close if I were in Charleston or Asheville for visiting purposes. I prefer being within an hour of an ocean personally. I love a breeze. (NT) -- M Back, 14:09:04 12/09/09 Wed Then check out Anchorage.... it's very much on the water and a "popular" poster here would probably love to show you around town. (NT) -- Fred, 14:20:51 12/09/09 Wed I'll check it out but there are no gay men up there whatsoever, and with my insomnia I doubt as beautiful as it is up there that I could ever sleep in the summer there. But I will check out housing. Which poster? Someone cute? LOL (NT) -- M Back, 14:25:38 12/09/09 Wed Actually, there is a gay community in Anchorage, and with the sun's energy in the summer, you don't need to sleep as much. As for the popular poster, I am not going to say, that's an option I will leave up to him. (NT) -- Fred, 14:29:53 12/09/09 Wed Asheville looks very NICE!!! Home rentals are cheap, the fall colors are beautiful, there is a large enough gay subculture, the weather seems idyllic. How far is it from the ocean? Nevermind I'll go look that last part up myself. I like it! (NT) -- M Back, 13:46:41 12/09/09 Wed Maybe I should send you all a current picture of me? Maybe I should have you all play matchmaker? Find me a man. LOL. Or at least a cute housemate. Make the move worthwhile. Shit! LOL. (NT) -- M Back, 14:10:56 12/09/09 Wed Re: I love the Asheville area. It's beautiful and milder during the Summer than most of the Southeast because of the elevation. Probably about 4 hours from there to Charleston and the beaches of South Carolina. I haven't been there in years, but a very conservative boss of mine was highly offended by all the liberal hippies in the area, coffee shops, etc... So probably safe to say that it is not as regressive as most of the rest of the South. Still going to be warmer and stickier there during the Summer than San Francisco, though... and the Winters will feature some cold weather and snow. As far as whether I would choose Asheville over any other place in the country??? Probably not. I'd likely prefer some nice place out West in the Rockies. (NT) -- BamaMan, 18:35:49 12/09/09 Wed M Back, we need to talk. I can hook you up with friends/family of mine in Birmingham, Charlotte, some of the NC beaches and most of the SC coast. Columbia SC is great, but hot as hell in the summer. Aiken, SC is a huge destination for northerners and others from around the country. Very much known for it's horse farms, polo games, and steeplechase races. It was once voted an all American City. It is one hour west of Columbia. North Augusta, SC/Augusta, GA is another interesting place(s). Both are about 25 minutes from Aiken. Atlanta, GA is 2 hours west of Augusta. I live near Madison, GA. If you can't stand to leave the SF victorian homes, you will find plenty in this fabulous town. I am also fond of Camden, SC. Oh well, should I think of more, I will let you know. (NT) -- Dreamboat Annie, 18:28:28 12/09/09 Wed Two other places of interest. Athens, GA, home of REM and UGA. Nearby, Anderson, SC is another all American City and is in a much cooler part of SC. Close to the mountains and not too far away from the beaches. I really like Anderson. OK, that's all folks. (NT) -- Dreamboat Annie, 18:30:57 12/09/09 Wed Thanks Dreamboat Annie. I always question myself as to whether or not to post. Work is so crazy right now that I try to spend any free time I have catching up on all the girls competing this year. By the time I finish reading all the post I really don't have time to carry on a conversation because I need to get back to work. Just so everyone knows, I enjoy reading all the posts on this and the bubble board. (NT) -- nbiap (never been in a pageant), 16:46:22 12/09/09 Wed Hi nbiap and welcome to USB. There is absolutely no need to be shy, now that you no longer questioned yourself and posted this great message. Conversations are great and the cluth has been a terrific for for such. However, if you have a chance, take a moment every once and again by making a post on the Bubble Board about all the delegates competing for the 2010 titles. They will love it. Make sure you don't stay anon again. I like the handle. (NT) -- Dreamboat Annie (Welcome Wagon Lady), 18:18:11 12/09/09 Wed I mean one of the first things you revealed in your criteria is gay friendly locations, and lol although well intended, some of these places listed (a few) I know are not the middle east, but WOULD make a gay guy very home sick (not to mention culture shocked). And one can argue there's a gay community in every single town in this country, it's not the attitudes of the members of the community newbies are concerned about, it's the attitudes of the non members that is curious. San Fran is about as inviting, welcoming and embracing as you could get in a city, really not only accepting diversity but celebrating it. Not every corner in our country is like that, and if I moved out of San Fran (or LA, or NYC) my first rule would be a city that mirrors that mentality of accepting diversity. I've lived a long while and in over 20 different cities so this comes with plenty of experience. (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 23:57:06 12/09/09 Wed With all that said, stay the hell away from Texas (it is hell for a homo, at least for MANY friends I've known) and look into Palm Springs, which I'm almost certain is the perfect destination for you. (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 23:59:27 12/09/09 Wed Hi M Back, Have you looked into Delaware. Down state is the best. You are close to Rehoboth Beach which is the gay summer capital. Houses are fairly cheap in the surrounding areas and we do get snow from time to time. Delaware has very low taxes that's why many retirees move here and tax free shopping!!!! (NT) -- We would love to have you!!!, 05:33:23 12/10/09 Thu I will check it out. I have a 20 year friend close by in Jersey. Thanks for the suggestion!! (NT) -- M Back, 08:44:44 12/10/09 Thu

Subject: MERRY CHRISTMAS
Author: Rex [Edit]	Date Posted: 23:09:32 12/09/09 Wed I was watching "So you think you can dance " tonight. The lovely young lady wished everyone Happy Holidays. What is is the 4th of July? It's Christmas! I suppose when it's Honakah we can say Happy Honakau, but damn it what happened to CHRISTMAS? I am so sick and tired of everybody being politically correct. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. So the next time someone says to you Happy Holidays, say Merry Christmas! I know I will. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Damn Homie G Gangsta. Take a Chill Pill. Lol. Since when does is your belife more important than mine. Damn superiority complex... That's why we have so much hate in the world... FUCKEN SUPERIORITY COMPLEXES!!!!! (NT) -- lovingthis06, 23:13:56 12/09/09 Wed Retail stores have Christmas in July sales. They try to cash in early. Retail tends to blow the whole season, if a person allows it to do so. (NT) -- Dreamboat Annie, 23:41:39 12/09/09 Wed Maybe if you didn't have head up your ass you'd know that Hannukah begins this Friday. Maybe she wanted to be inclusive. Have a happy Kwanzza, Rex. (NT) -- Tiki Java, Mr. USB 2010, 01:02:45 12/10/09 Thu Merry Christmas Tiki. (NT) -- Rex, 06:58:18 12/10/09 Thu in school we can't even call that evergreen trees that people decorate with ornaments and lights a christmas tree.... we had to call it a "holiday bush"!!!! -- carrie postdenim, 07:03:42 12/10/09 Thu That's just stupid. The holiday is Christmas. Merry Christmas! I refuse to say Happy Holidays. Might as well be George Washington's Birthday! (NT) -- Rick, 08:38:48 12/10/09 Thu

Subject: Glee Season Finale

Author:
M Back
[Edit]

Date Posted: 23:33:46 12/09/09 Wed

I couldn't help thinking when watching the judging at
sectionals that this must've been how some of our
judging panels went )behind the scenes at some of
our USA state pageants this season.

One judge who was a former (and an airhead).
One judge who was a sleazy newscaster.
One judge who was an auditer that was
tricked into going there and was "bored".

Scary!

Great season finale!

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: HATING ON SKINNY MEN
Author: RR [Edit]	Date Posted: 15:46:54 12/08/09 Tue No, I am not fat. I am also not thin. I just can't stand skinny men. Skinny legs, skiiny face, no chest. Looks like a warm breeze could knock them over. They get a bad cold they could die. No meat to live off of. Skinny men are obnoxious. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Taking lemons and turning them into lemonade......skinny men generally have very large members. (generally) (NT) -- M Back, 15:49:28 12/08/09 Tue lol.. that's optical illusion. Lol. They're so damn skinny it just looks big in comparison to their bodies. lol. I'll take a beefy dude over somebody whose chest looks like my 17 year old brother's. lol (NT) -- lovingthis06, 15:53:50 12/08/09 Tue Trust me, it's no optical illusion. LOL. But your point is duly noted. I actually would prefer a skinny man, an average man, a slightly chubby man....over a bodybuilder ANY DAY. It's so unnatural looking. And speaking of optical illusions (mixed with steroids or human growth hormone) THEIR members you need a magnifying glass to locate! (NT) -- M Back, 15:57:43 12/08/09 Tue Lol, I've never been with a bodybuilder, but I'll pass. I don't like the meathead look. lol. I've been with skinny guy before, and well, i felt like I was going to break the poor dude. lol (NT) -- lovingthis06, 10:01:25 12/09/09 Wed I guess we need a definition of skinny. Thin is not generally my type, but I do see (or have been with..if I dare say) some guys where were very thin. I think it depends on the look/vibe/energy that person puts out. (NT) -- Tiki Java, Mr. USB 2010, 16:09:08 12/08/09 Tue oh i love me a skinny white boy!!!!!! no hatin here! (NT) -- Pageant Mistress, 00:07:37 12/09/09 Wed I don't like little skinny guys. My good friend put it best "Its like the horse riding the jockey"....... (NT) -- Fannie Pack, 06:16:37 12/09/09 Wed Bwaaaaahhhhhh!!! (NT) -- pageantrella, 14:15:49 12/09/09 Wed Re: OMG I fucking HATE skinny guys and will not even date one much less do anything with one. I'm just like WHY don't you EAT something. Also they is usually nerdy and a lot of times they just seem gayish to me. So I totally do NOT even talk to them. I just hate people who are too fat or too skinny and don't understand why they don't eat properly and DO something about their fat or skinny selfs. I do pray for them though as my Lord commands but I just wish they would get their acts together and stop disgusting us all. (NT) -- Sunshine Girl, 12:45:23 12/09/09 Wed Hate Skinny Boys... Not really into the meat-head muscle look. But I'll take a man with a little chub over a skinny dude ANY DAY! (NT) -- Merann, 13:13:49 12/09/09 Wed Skinny men have big Dicks..I will have you know! (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 13:32:18 12/09/09 Wed Uhm...at the risk of coming across like an asshole. You DO sound fat. When people bash on others for being skinny....they are almost always fat. When woman bash on men for being skinny, it's because they have a lard ass. We can't ever say anything to offend fat people because it's not sensitive, but skinny bashing....it's comedy, let's all join in on the fun of speculating who has an eating disorder. (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 17:15:34 12/09/09 Wed and people need to mind their own business. Who cares if guys are skinny (or fat)....if you "HATE" them for it, professional help is always an option and a phone call away. (NT) -- Cookie Dough, 17:17:27 12/09/09 Wed Lol.. I'm a fat ass... you got some beef cookie dough? you wanna step outside? You wanna throw it down? Lol j/k. :) (NT) -- lovingthis06, 18:30:03 12/09/09 Wed

Subject: Can anyone tell me where and when most small stores go to market to purchase their clothes. I am looking at opening a small clothing store in a year and am having trouble finding the best times and places to go.
Author: OKI [Edit]	Date Posted: 09:48:06 12/09/09 Wed [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
You need to go to the Atlanta Apparel Market in August (NT) -- USA Watcher, 17:00:21 12/09/09 Wed

Subject: Out of the blue - the never ending wonder that is GRIEF
Author: M Back [Edit]	Date Posted: 17:06:30 12/08/09 Tue I just called my dad to see how he was doing. And he said he had a nice surprise for me and handed the phone over to the couple my parents were best friends with for 40 years. As soon as the wife picked up the phone, I said "hi second mommy" and she got all choked up. (I was ALREADY crying.) I told her I cry happy tears whenever I speak to her or her husband because they are such good people and were so close to my mom and dad, and I can instantly be transported back to very happy childhood memories. (They live in Michigan, where I grew up and my dad and his 2nd wife are in Florida so they see each other maybe once a year.) She asked about my health and I told her some of the things that are going on with me, (they were at dinner afterall, and I didn't want to ruin her meal, so I gave her the Reader's Digest version) as not to ruin her meal entirely. I told her that after 20 years of my mom being gone that you would think it would get easier but that I pretty much have been trying to block her passing out of my mind a lot, and in fact, with my health on the decline the loss seems even greater now than it did 10 years ago. She related a story to me about her middle son, (he was a handsome boy about 3 years older than me) and how he always remembers a story of his childhood and what MY mother meant to HIM. He was the shortest kid in his class and was always teased about it. My mother sat him down on our front porch and said to him that when he hit 12 years old he would have a huge growth spurt, and how she was always encouraging him and what that meant to him as a kid. He's now a very successful doctor and STILL talks about that story. I miss you mom, and clearly so many others do too. Gone too soon, without question. I am sorry I had to get this out on here, but you people are so accepting of stuff like this that I figured, much like a fart...."better out than in!!" and I can move on with my day now with a slightly less heavy heart. Thanks for tolerating/reading/putting up with/or scrolling past this. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
M Back, I can't even imagine. I am at my mom's house putting up Christmas lights, also dealing with a lot of personal saddness. In the end, we both have to feel blessed with our lives, I know we both do! (NT) -- chexmex, 17:28:23 12/08/09 Tue I hear ya chexmex, but losing her at 55 when with a proper diagnosis early and she's still around, is a bitter pill to swallow. I am coming up on the age very quickly that she was when she passed and more saddening is that same year will be more years without her than WITH her. (From Glee: "Smile tho your heart is breaking" etc. Go kiss your mom right now for me, and tell her I said mom's rule! xoxo (NT) -- M Back, 17:35:55 12/08/09 Tue I hope I get it sooner or later, about having my mom and dad with me. Really, when do you truly appreciate your parents? I hope I do. You tend to take it for granted :( When she gets home from dinner with her friends, I will. Again, stay strong my brother, crissy would be pissed otherwise! (NT) -- chexmex, 17:44:11 12/08/09 Tue I was the youngest of three. I "got it" early on regarding my mother. My dad....it took longer with and then when we made some headway he remarried and we regressed a bit, but for my one-of-a-kind mom, it was easy to learn those spiritual, unconditional love lessons from her at a very early age. She was just incredible to anyone that called upon her. I'm good. Thanks for being so sweet. I hope you have a sumptuous feast tonight! smooches. (And of course hugz to Crissy. You better talk her into USA in April.) (NT) -- M Back, 17:49:53 12/08/09 Tue Just gave her a kiss. My parents just celebrated their 50th. How lucky am I. Maybe that is why I wonder how to appreciate it. Your words of advice make me think. I sooo want to meet all my USB friends at Miss USA. I just wish my girl would get it TOGEHTER! You are gold M Back, so is crissy. Maybe that is why you like her so much:) (NT) -- chexmex, 18:09:14 12/08/09 Tue Oh yeah, I am the youngest of three, crissy is in the middle. (NT) -- chexmex, 18:10:16 12/08/09 Tue I think we HAVE to all meet in Vegas this year. I have a tattoo on me that says "and if not now when?" (it's actually a three-lined quote) but the message is clear. Now is the time to do what we want. Yesterday's gone. Tomorrow we'll find another excuse to not do it. Let's just all meet in Vegas. It's not like we're trying to solve global warming. We need to save some bucks, help each other out, and do the darn thing! That's just my philosophy. Anyone with me on this? (NT) -- M Back, 18:18:11 12/08/09 Tue What's another couple of bucks. In the end, we can't take it with us. Not that I feel it is the end, but your are right, why not now. I just wish Miss Florida would get it together. I will just root for being with all of you, and maybe CA! She is beautiful. (NT) -- chexmex, 18:30:03 12/08/09 Tue Other than meeting everyone, I think the real cool thing will be seeing how our lists change when we get to see all the girls in person, at the events, prelims etc. I picture us all going to whose got the most luxurious hotel digs and comparing notes while devouring pizzas and chinese food, in the largest pageant slumber party of all time. (NT) -- M Back, 18:34:53 12/08/09 Tue My other vision is: We all get tickets in the same section of the theater and have a sign that says "USB'ers love Miss USA", getting the crowd all fired up and dancing to the music.....not being beligerent or drunk just revving everyone up and mad cheering from our section, then Trump himself offers us those seats next year gratis, as we did an awesome job pumping up the crowd. Some of our more gregarious members even get invited to be judges in 2011. I know...stop smokin' crack...but I can dream can't I? (NT) -- M Back, 18:40:52 12/08/09 Tue Oh yes, but I will have a drink, not to get crazy, just to take the edge off if my GIRLS don't make it. (NT) -- chexmex, 13:16:10 12/09/09 Wed Well duh! We're ALL gonna head to the bar after top 15 is announced I have a feeling! LOL (NT) -- M Back, 13:26:46 12/09/09 Wed My Dad passed away on July 1, 1999. I kept getting phone calls in the night, and thought it was someone trying to get through to a cab (we had similar numbers), that I turned off the phone. I woke at 5 am, and got the messages and was literally in a state of shock. I walked arounf SF, weird at 5:30 in the morning. I remember what I ate, wore, everything, until I boarded the plane. The first Christmas was amazingly hard, and I thought my Mom would collapse. I wrote a poem about it afterwards. It was so unexpected. I am so grateful that my Mom did not give up and hanged in there. Nothing will change that point in time. (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 20:25:35 12/08/09 Tue I know how it feels to lose someone so close... I suddenly lost my Dad early October to a heart attack, night after my 21st bday in fact. I think no matter what, you HAVE to think about it so that you can feel better about going on with your life. So long as you have them in your thoughts, all you can do is smile and move on. =) (NT) -- Ry, 07:42:00 12/09/09 Wed You made me sad M Back. :o( I hate death..I never get over the passing of people or pets. (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 14:25:57 12/09/09 Wed I am a very "get my problems out in the open" but if there's one time I navigate away from that philosophy it's death. I block that shit out until I am forced to deal with it. Especially re: my mom. And don't even get me started how I'd be if god forbid I lost either or both of my dogs. Didn't mean to make you sad, Lion Boy. (NT) -- M Back, 15:53:42 12/09/09 Wed Death is just a hard concept for me..always has been..when my Shadow was murdered from the pet food recall i was devestated..he was part of my life for 21 years..I still miss him terribally and have to shut out the terrible way he died..all his trust in me and I fed him his death warrant...and I cant even go into my Moms death when she died on my birthday...I still have trouble with that also..even though it has gotten better in the last few years...but I do miss her especially on that day and on "Christmas" she was almost the only family I had and person who truely truely loved me un-conditionally...a love that you never get back once your Mom is gone. :o( (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 16:19:03 12/09/09 Wed Neither of those deaths were your fault. That is the PRIME thing to remember. Bad timing (your mom's death) absolutely. Shadow's death (also not your fault as you were doing the best you could as a parent. You didn't know the food was tainted.) Listen Lion Boy....my housemate left a bag of BBQ chips out and Bella (my rat terrier ate the entire bag because she is a total garbage gut.) Happened when I wasn't looking for a split second. Now if there is blame is it on my housemate but I felt like shit as she lay in the hospital on machines for 3 days. I have to now watch her like a hawk because she has pancreatitis and she's smart. She can hear a crumb fall in the next block. All her food and treats is for senior dogs; no more than 5% fat. I felt horrid but that wasn't my fault either. We just do the best we can babe. (NT) -- M Back, 16:36:47 12/09/09 Wed My 'Morgan" is a glutton also and she can hear a crumd drop also..LOL..I have to watch her also constantly cause she will eat anything she can get into her mouth. Leaves dirt nuts( From the squirrels) any kind of disguarded food...I dropped an anti - acid pill one day and she scarfed it up...called poison control on that one. LOL. I know in my heart that the death of Shadow was not my fault tecnically...it was a brand I had never bought before though...I just hate death it is sad hurtfull lonely and unexplainable to me..have never been able to deal with it..even as a child..just dont get it! And I have prayed on it for sure to try and understand it. (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 16:52:37 12/09/09 Wed

Subject: Sarah Palin,the uneducated moron,talking about changing the layout of words on U.S. coins
Author: too stupid for words [Edit]	Date Posted: 11:51:52 12/09/09 Wed "It's a disturbing trend. Who calls a shot like that? Who makes a decision like that?" � Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, during a closed press speech to a Wisconsin right-to-life group, implying that President Obama was responsible for attempting to move the phrase "In God We Trust" from the center to the edge of the dollar coin (Nov. 6) Palin should know by now that shutting out the media doesn't mean they will stay away. Despite the event's being closed to the press, reporters found a way to buy tickets to it � and made sure not to let her get away with the gaffe of the evening. The most peculiar thing about Palin's rant on the government's attempt to no longer prominently display "In God We Trust" on national currency, which echoed similar gripes circulating among conservatives, was that Obama had nothing to do with it. The new coins were commissioned by the 2005 Republican Congress and approved by President George W. Bush. Read more: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945379_1944338_1944334,00.html#ixzz0ZDsu9gSh [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
St. Sarah is holier than thou to many on this board. You shouldn't attempt to touch this subject with a 10-foot pole.... they'll get ya, you betchya. (NT) -- Fred, 13:06:46 12/09/09 Wed WINK, WINK! (NT) -- CC-P, 14:35:05 12/09/09 Wed

Subject: In the spirit of Mod Stacey's request --- moving on......The story of the twelve spoons
Author: pageantrella [Edit]	Date Posted: 14:09:28 12/04/09 Fri I dedicate this story to mback, lionboy and all the others that suffer from chronic pain: (the author requests that only the link be posted) http://butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I cant read it it is too small.. will get some one here at work to print it out for me!.I really dont have chronic pain....I have Cancer...but that is okay pageantrella...it is painful sometimes. :o( (NT) -- Lion Boy :o), 14:15:52 12/04/09 Fri Yes -- I am sorry -- I know Lionboy. But....I watched two people close to me fight that horrible disease. I also watched the people around them -- who didn't quite get that they had limitations -- even when they were feeling really good. I know it is not the same as chronic pain, but I thought the story was still relevant. No insult intended. (NT) -- pageantrella, 18:42:53 12/04/09 Fri Re: Yes -- I am sorry -- I know Lionboy. But....I watched two people close to me fight that horrible disease. I also watched the people around them -- who didn't quite get that they had limitations -- even when they were feeling really good. I know it is not the same as chronic pain, but I thought the story was still relevant. No insult intended. -- Lion Boy :o), 19:07:11 12/04/09 Fri Thanks very much! :) (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 14:21:31 12/04/09 Fri Pageantrella. The dedication of your post touched me immensely as did the story. The two major things I gleaned from it that rang extremely true for me were the parts about your illnesses being a blessing because you really DO have to think about what you do and what you are capable of doing on a minute by minute basis as opposed to just blindly going through life without any real thought about what you do. (It gives you a much deeper and profound appreciation for the good days, that you wouldn't have, if you were otherwise healthy.) The other thing that I found to be spot on was the part about feeling a sense of loss, because although I fight like hell daily (with humor and positive visualization) there is a bit of mourning for a life you no longer can lead. Thank you so much for posting this. It was a really sweet thing to do. Happy and healthy holidays to you and yours. (NT) -- M Back, 23:31:14 12/04/09 Fri mback - I couldn't have said it better. I forget myself sometimes - I will be having a great day - and then I go overboard with the activities and crush myself. The other point that stays with me Tiki alluded too in his post --- it's other people's understanding. This story really helped me not take it so personally when others couldn't understand that I had limits. I remember thinking why are these people putting so much pressure on me -- it was really hurtful. But as I read this young woman's story I realized that most of those pressuring me to do more, work 70 hrs a week, or stay out late -- just didn't get it. Like you mback, I try to just blast through it (albeit with handfuls of Advil and doses annaprox). So, I understand it know - I appear fine, so they assume I am fine. This woman's story really touched and helped me. Here's to thinking positive thoughts, breathing in the good and out the bad, and powering through when necessary. (NT) -- pageantrella, 22:25:26 12/05/09 Sat Absolutely! I meant to add (and you just jogged my memory) that because I look good physically, people (and oft times my FAMILY members) will shrug off my illnesses because "you don't LOOK sick". One of my health problems (as I've reported on here numerous times) are chronic migraines and what helped me with that whole "no one understands" thing was to remember BEFORE I had migraines when someone told me, "I have a migraine" and I remember thinking to myself.....drama queen, it's JUST a HEADACHE. I would KILL to JUST have a regular headache these days. I always say that another person with the EXACT same illnesses/problems you have STILL can't understand what you're going through because EVERYONE handles and processes things in their own way and everyone has their own pain tolerance levels. We all need to try to be more sympathetic toward one another and reserve the judging for ... pageants. (NT) -- M Back, 09:34:50 12/06/09 Sun I like this spoon analogy. I have ms (multiple sclerosis) which in my case is not visible to people, so, unless you tell people, they don't understand you only have "so much energy." I'm always careful about rationing out both my activities and the people I spend time with. (NT) -- Tiki Java, Mr. USB 2010, 23:52:13 12/04/09 Fri God Bless you, Tiki. (NT) -- M Back, 00:47:11 12/05/09 Sat Speaking on this subject, anyone know where TxPageantFans is? He hasn't posted in while. (NT) -- Fred (), 10:05:14 12/05/09 Sat I have spoken to him offline. There is a lot going on for him right now. (NT) -- SFG, 12:24:48 12/07/09 Mon Please give him my best... we've shared a similar aftermath and I hope he's doing ok. (NT) -- Fred, 12:43:49 12/07/09 Mon Re: In the spirit of Mod Stacey's request --- moving on......The story of the twelve spoons -- homie, 07:08:46 12/09/09 Wed

Subject: I'm taking the LSAT TOMORROW!!!! Anybody else take? Did anybody have to re-take it? My Diagos are semi-decent; I'm consistently getting a 165-168, but I've heard horror stories on actual test date. Just incase, I registered for the test in Feb. :)
Author: lovingthis06 [Edit]	Date Posted: 18:25:11 12/04/09 Fri [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Yes, a friend took it. Was the highest top 2% in her graduating class, was prepared and ready yet somehow on the day of the test as soon as you start and get the test and all the vast information and it's possible to just go blank. Nerves. Anticipation. Stress. It happens, and sadly can effect the test results. (NT) -- Sadly, sometimes even when fully prepared, if your brain decides to shut off, well...., 18:35:11 12/04/09 Fri How did you do Baby? (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 05:58:30 12/05/09 Sat I did well. I feel good about how I did. However, I'm going to retake it in Feb so I can get a higher school. A higher school didn't hurt anybody. lol. (NT) -- lovingthis06, 00:39:35 12/06/09 Sun Did you consistently test at 165-168 or was it a result of studying. I know some people considering KAPLAN but have heard its a ripoff (NT) -- curiouszz, 16:59:46 12/06/09 Sun It was a result of studying. I took a Test Masters weekend course in late October. My first diago, before the course was a 155. I definitely recommend Test Masters, Idk about Kaplan. (NT) -- lovingthis06, 18:14:37 12/06/09 Sun More questions for you. How long did you study before you took the test? Did you do do a lot of practice tests? How did you tackle the logic games? (NT) -- curiouszz, 09:11:01 12/07/09 Mon I did not know anything about the LSAT until after my prep course in Late October. I studied about 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. I took 2 -3 practice tests a week. At first the logic games were so intimidating; however, after a lot of practice they became quite easy. With Logic games, I read the question critically, as sometimes you will find the word usage to be confusing, thus affecting the entire outcome. I read the restrictions, and write them out (at test masters, they taught us how to use symbols such as >,<,=, etc). The trick to the lsat is practice, practice, practice, and more practice. :) Are you considering taking the lsat? Where do you want to go to school? (NT) -- lovingthis06, 23:38:24 12/08/09 Tue LOL wow. Maybe I shouldn't go to law school. lol. I meant Score, and not SCHOOL. (NT) -- lovingthis06, 18:15:49 12/06/09 Sun

Visit our sister boards

[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT-8
VF Version: 2.94, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums^(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2008 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.