Wow!

Real biology is just amazing. I don't understand why some people find it so frightening. I think it's incredible.

No Love Compares ... to a Mothers Love ... at any stage ...

to my mother ... Aileen ... I love you ... and will see you again ... on the other side ... not one day goes by that I do not miss you terribly ...your strength carries me ... through this life ...

Gross yet cool.

Life is so friggin amazing!

Incredible. Amazing how mother nature has figured all this out.

Wow! And beautiful too. I agree, biology, as you understand more of it, makes life even more mysterious, even magical. This world is simply amazing! Thanks for the link (and all the others too!).

re: #6 NJDhockeyfan

Incredible. Amazing how mother nature has figured all this out.

Life finds a way.

re: #3 JacksonTn

No Love Compares ... to a Mothers Love ... at any stage ...

to my mother ... Aileen ... I love you ... and will see you again ... on the other side ... not one day goes by that I do not miss you terribly ...your strength carries me ... through this life ...

You were attached to her for 9 months. It is an attachment that is so hard to explain.

That proves it. There must be a God that designed the universe. And he's a big penguin.

Evening y'all - Thanks for this Charles - we've been watching the promos for this for - it seems like -3 or 4 weeks now, same promos all the time and I really didn't know what to make of some of it.
But I'm gonna strongly suggest to mom that we watch it (it IS gonna be Mother's Day so she gets to choose what we watch).
From the video you put up - which was NOT one of the promos, I can tell that it's going to be fascinating.

re: #10 HelloDare

That proves it. There must be a God that designed the universe. And he's a big penguin.

Good one!

Awesome - just awesome.

Best part of a tele/computer conference at work Thursday - the guy presenting it worked in pics of daughters one and two - and daughter three in her ultrasound picture. :D

Is the Penguin the only one that does this?

re: #4 Killgore Trout

Gross yet cool.

What part is gross?

re: #10 HelloDare

That proves it. There must be a God that designed the universe. And he's a big penguin.

Now the Turtle-ists will be offended.

re: #8 Sharmuta

Life finds a way.

OT:Obama Delivers the Zingers at Journalists' Dinner

When President Obama made his debut as the nation's Stand-Up-in-Chief last night, the star attraction at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, no one in his administration was safe from his one-liners.
...
Not even, it turned out, himself: "During the second 100 days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days."

And: "My next 100 days will be so successful, I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day, I will rest."

Islam joke?

re: #3 JacksonTn
That was really moving. I'm fortunate that my mom is still alive and even more fortunate that we live together - she hasn't stopped "taking care of me" since I was diagnosed and we moved down here. Frankly, for the first year or so we had "spats" - I mean, I'd been living on my own for a looong time and sorta resented the way she "took over" the household - but it's just, I think, nature's way - so for the last almost two full years, she's been in charge.
I love her dearly.

Love Brit accents ... default to it on my GPS.

re: #15 solomonpanting

All the blood vessels and stuff. I always find biology disgusting and fascinating.

re: #18 Killgore Trout

OT:Obama Delivers the Zingers at Journalists' Dinner

Islam joke?

Up-chuking again. This is going to be a very long 4 years of puking. l

re: #21 Killgore Trout

All the blood vessels and stuff. I always find biology disgusting and fascinating.

I can see why you're not a doctor or nurse or midwife, then.

But the miracle of life is - special.

re: #18 Killgore Trout

OT:Obama Delivers the Zingers at Journalists' Dinner

Islam joke?

Around the World in 72 Days

/?

re: #9 Cathypop

CP ... Mama? ... she was the toughest woman ... her family settled in Wyoming by covered wagon ... my grandfather was a coal miner in the coal mines ... she was tough as nails and instilled that in her daughters ... we grew from the bayous as transplants and knew that whether you were in a pirogue or hatteras ... all men were the same ... cast at sea ... she use to say ... we all swim the same ... and when the time comes we all reach for the same life support ... proud woman she was ...

Amazing that she was democrat all her life ... my father also ... and as I have said here before a SEAL ... one of the first ... so when people say all democrats are bad ... they are not ... they were by tradition dems ... things have changed ... everything is not as it seems ... people especially ...

re: #18 Killgore Trout

OT:Obama Delivers the Zingers at Journalists' Dinner

Islam joke?

Bush had quite a way of denigrating himself, of putting himself up as the butt of the jokes. With the two "jokes" you pasted KT all I see from 44 is "Look how great I am".

re: #24 Gus 802

Around the World in 72 Days

/?

Just more boosterism on how great he thinks he is. I don't find a hyper-inflated ego at all funny.

re: #19 realwest

I envy you RW. Life is short. Expressing our love for another while they are alive is a blessing not to be missed.

Time to say goodnight.
To all the mother lizards "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY"
And a big kiss towards heaven for my mom. The BEST MOTHER EVER!

With this type of technology I watched my daughter grow in my wife's belly. I was able to look at her face before she was born.

I would imagine that such high-tech images of unborn babies will do more to cause people to not choose abortion than any legislation, or a thousand protests.

re: #18 Killgore Trout

No, Bigfoot joke:

In Pursuit of a Legend: 72 Days in California Bigfoot Country (Paperback)
[Link: www.amazon.com...]

/Or was that his story of courtship - in pursuit of those irresistible arms?

re: #27 FurryOldGuyJeans

Just more boosterism on how great he thinks he is. I don't find a hyper-inflated ego at all funny.

Yeah. I didn't see anything about this so I guess I'm lucky.

re: #29 Cathypop

Time to say goodnight.
To all the mother lizards "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY"
And a big kiss towards heaven for my mom. The BEST MOTHER EVER!

CP ...much love ... we will see them again ... Happy Mothers Day!

re: #29 Cathypop

Time to say goodnight.
To all the mother lizards "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY"
And a big kiss towards heaven for my mom. The BEST MOTHER EVER!

That is so sweet..I lost my mom last year on Valentines Day..

re: #25 JacksonTn

CP ... Mama? ... she was the toughest woman ... her family settled in Wyoming by covered wagon ... my grandfather was a coal miner in the coal mines ... she was tough as nails and instilled that in her daughters ... we grew from the bayous as transplants and knew that whether you were in a pirogue or hatteras ... all men were the same ... cast at sea ... she use to say ... we all swim the same ... and when the time comes we all reach for the same life support ... proud woman she was ...

Amazing that she was democrat all her life ... my father also ... and as I have said here before a SEAL ... one of the first ... so when people say all democrats are bad ... they are not ... they were by tradition dems ... things have changed ... everything is not as it seems ... people especially ...

There was a time, not that long ago, when the Democratic Party was a proud one, populated by honorable men. JFK, Hubert Humphrey, Henry Jackson, Sam Nunn and Zell Miller among them. Those men are gone and the last of them, Joe Lieberman, was forcibly ejected. The Democratic Party left them and today represents the antithesis of what those men stood for.

re: #35 LGoPs

Don't forget Ronald Reagan, who got left behind in the leftward rush.

re: #30 Ringo the Gringo

With this type of technology I watched my daughter grow in my wife's belly. I was able to look at her face before she was born.

I would imagine that such high-tech images of unborn babies will do more to cause people to not choose abortion than any legislation, or a thousand protests.

We did invitro. We have pictures of our girls (twins) from the very beginning. I think it's when the fertilized egg split.

re: #36 FurryOldGuyJeans

Don't forget Ronald Reagan, who got left behind in the leftward rush.

Very true.

re: #30 Ringo the Gringo

With this type of technology I watched my daughter grow in my wife's belly. I was able to look at her face before she was born.

I would imagine that such high-tech images of unborn babies will do more to cause people to not choose abortion than any legislation, or a thousand protests.

Indeed. That is part of the reason pro-life groups now offer such services for free in some places. Seeing images like that of their unborn child make women far less likely to get abortions. Pursued honestly, that method of dissuading women from abortion truly is the Lord's Work.

re: #34 HoosierHoops

That is so sweet..I lost my mom last year on Valentines Day..

Lost my husband last year right before Valentines day. He sent me 2 skunks fucking in front of my truck on Valentines day. FOR REAL! He had a sense of humor and is entertaining my parents

Bye-bye sanctity of contracts

/Dennis Sevakis sums up the auto bailouts in a half page nutshell

re: #28 Bobibutu
Thanks Bobibutu - we tell each other that every day and express it in other ways every day as well.
I assume from the "envy you" part of your comment that your mother has passed?

re: #16 Sharmuta

Now the Turtle-ists will be offended.

They shouldn't be. The universe is on the back of a tortoise but the Big Penguin created the tortoise.

re: #40 cathypop

Lost my husband last year right before Valentines day. He sent me 2 skunks fucking in front of my truck on Valentines day. FOR REAL! He had a sense of humor and is entertaining my parents

That is so Sad...My best wishes to you...What was your husband's name?

re: #19 realwest

RW ... I know this is personal ... probably should not post this here ... but don't have your email ...

when I first was going through chemo ... I had a scan done of my liver ... it showed some "signs" ... my mother said ... "I read that if you could take a part of my liver ... it could regenerate yours and you could be better ..." ... she was wanting me to take a part of her liver ... can you believe it ... the woman would have given me her whole life ... my liver was not affected but ... I have to tell you ... she took me to every treatment for months ... when I could not walk ... she carried me ... when I was crying because my hair was falling out ... she told me I was beautiful ...

I cannot imagine a mother facing the fact that her child is dying ... as I am sure your mother does ... you will survive her ... I hope .. but it is only a mother's love that is pure ... only that ... who else would go before the sword ...

Love you Real ... loved Dub too ... we will all get by ...

re: #39 Dark_Falcon

Indeed. That is part of the reason pro-life groups now offer such services for free in some places. Seeing images like that of their unborn child make women far less likely to get abortions. Pursued honestly, that method of dissuading women from abortion truly is the Lord's Work.

It' also the reason why Planned Parenthood so vigorously opposes any law requiring such images to be shown to women seeking abortions.

re: #41 Killian Bundy

Bye-bye sanctity of contracts

/Dennis Sevakis sums up the auto bailouts in a half page nutshell

Bu-bye America, hello Amerika.

re: #44 HoosierHoops

That is so Sad...My best wishes to you...What was your husband's name?

Michael Scott Olson
He went by Scott and I miss him every day.

re: #41 Killian Bundy
Hi Killian - he actually summed up Obama's approach to domestic politics: feed those who supported you at the public trough, and screw the legal rights of others.
Pure class warfare.
Thanks for the link.

#39 Dark_Falcon

Indeed. That is part of the reason pro-life groups now offer such services for free in some places. Seeing images like that of their unborn child make women far less likely to get abortions. Pursued honestly, that method of dissuading women from abortion truly is the Lord's Work.

Absolutely right. It's understandable that a young pregnant single woman would choose abortion if she has no concept of a living, breathing baby in the womb. Makes all the difference when you can actually see the baby.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms!

re: #45 JacksonTn

Why is it that losing the hair is the hardest part of chemo? I tell people with loved ones going thru chemo to get a pillow case close to the hair color. Man my husband really freaked out when it happened to him

re: #48 cathypop

Michael Scott Olson
He went by Scott and I miss him every day.

Thank you for posting his name..Scott..We miss you
Cathy...May God grant you peace..May your heart be granted peace...

re: #47 FurryOldGuyJeans

Bu-bye America, hello Amerika.

/GM will be in bankruptcy before the end of the month, and you thought Chrysler was bad?

re: #45 JacksonTn
Thank you very much for that. But if you feel like sharing some more, my e-mail addy is available through Charles' safe mail - click on my blue nicname and you can get my e-mail addy.
And thank you for sharing that story.
I am, I'm afraid, becoming more bitter and angry about my situation (certainly not about my mom!) but I truly understand how you feel.

#48 cathypop

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband.

re: #49 realwest

Hi Killian - he actually summed up Obama's approach to domestic politics: feed those who supported you at the public trough, and screw the legal rights of others.
Pure class warfare.
Thanks for the link.

Hey RW! how are you tonight?

re: #53 Killian Bundy

/GM will be in bankruptcy before the end of the month, and you thought Chrysler was bad?

Yep, we'll be paying for that reorg too. BOHICA!

re: #53 Killian Bundy

/GM will be in bankruptcy before the end of the month, and you thought Chrysler was bad?

This shit is bad, no doubt about. O and Congress want to tinker as the walls come tumbling down.

re: #52 HoosierHoops

Thanks Hoosier. Gods is kinda on my shit list right now for taking my love but I will eventualy get over it. At least he does not have to go thru Ocrap ruining this great county.

re: #52 HoosierHoops

Thank you for posting his name..Scott..We miss you
Cathy...May God grant you peace..May your heart be granted peace...

amen

re: #48 cathypop

Michael Scott Olson
He went by Scott and I miss him every day.

As hard as it was and is losing him, at least you got to spend some time together.

OT: Must listen.

re: #57 Dark_Falcon

Yep, we'll be paying for that reorg too. BOHICA!

This patching the holes crap is only going to make it worse when the dam breaks.

re: #59 cathypop

Thanks Hoosier. Gods is kinda on my shit list right now for taking my love but I will eventualy get over it. At least he does not have to go thru Ocrap ruining this great county.

You are so sweet..
You feel that kiss on your cheek? That was me..I'm so sorry for your loss

well--thanks y;all for making me tear up--and softening my heart. o've had some 'issues' with my mom in law this week- shes a bitter old woman and i wasnt looking forward to visiting her tomorrow in her asst living home- but--she did birth my hubby 61 yrs ago--and-- im happy she doesnt live with us anymore-so i guess i can spend a few hrs with her-BTW--our cancun trip is back on--leave next sunday for a week to celebrate hubby retirement--funny how the swine flu news is drying up--so glad we didnt panic and cancel and lose $4600--

re: #53 Killian Bundy

/GM will be in bankruptcy before the end of the month, and you thought Chrysler was bad?

You maybe have a link for why you conclude the GM bankruptcy?

re: #62 Cato the Elder

It's certainly different!

re: #42 realwest

Thanks Bobibutu - we tell each other that every day and express it in other ways every day as well.
I assume from the "envy you" part of your comment that your mother has passed?

Yes - and I remember being taken out of her arms by sheriffs deputies and transported to a "home' in SC ... while the divorce proceedings went forward - I urinated all over the back seat of the vehicle while crying in distress - divorce in the 40s was ugly - our grandma (dads mom) finally rescued us (me and my 2 sisters). I got to see her twice many years later. She was so sweet - my father was an ass.

re: #66 FurryOldGuyJeans

You maybe have a link for why you conclude the GM bankruptcy?

GM Posts $5.98 Billion Loss Amid Steep Drop in Revenue

General Motors, facing the prospect of bankruptcy, posted a loss of $5.98 billion for the first three months of this year as revenue continued to slide because of the economic crisis and slumping auto sales.

GM's losses were offset somewhat by the company's restructuring efforts and by an infusion of loans from the federal government, the automaker said yesterday.

GM has until the end of the month to cut costs further and win stakeholder concessions. If it fails, the government will likely force it into bankruptcy protection.

GM lost $9.78 per share, compared with a loss of $5.80 per share, or $3.28 billion, a year earlier. Cash on hand totaled $11.6 billion -- approaching the minimum reserves needed to continue operations.

Revenue fell 47 percent to $22.4 billion, compared with revenue of $42.4 billion in the same quarter last year, as GM cut production. Ray Young, GM's chief financial officer, warned that such a drop could be dangerous.

"Once you start losing revenue, you get yourself into a vicious circle in which you cannot recover," he said. Talk about bankruptcy has pushed customers even further away from dealerships, Young said.

See also:
G.M., Leaking Cash, Faces Bigger Chance of Bankruptcy
US would facilitate GM bankruptcy, if needed -Geithner

/what's the alternative, the deadline is at the end of this month?

Even Liberalism can't overcome the harsh realities of economics, there just isn't an bottomless pot of money:

NYC Starts Charging Rent at Homeless Shelters

re: #69 Killian Bundy

Thank you for the link, have some reading to do.

What can GM do? Let the Holy Messiah-King wave His Magic Wand and print more worthless money to give to the UAW, what else?

re: #70 FurryOldGuyJeans

Even Liberalism can't overcome the harsh realities of economics, there just isn't an bottomless pot of money:

NYC Starts Charging Rent at Homeless Shelters

So we must fund everyone? What ever happened to "if it's going to be - it's up to me"?

re: #70 FurryOldGuyJeans

Even Liberalism can't overcome the harsh realities of economics, there just isn't an bottomless pot of money:

NYC Starts Charging Rent at Homeless Shelters

Providing homeless shelters is not a liberal policy, but a humanitarian policy. Charging the homeless for shelter is absurd and defeats the purpose of the safety net designed to provide for the homeless. They got this all wrong.

re: #71 FurryOldGuyJeans

Thank you for the link, have some reading to do.

What can GM do? Let the Holy Messiah-King wave His Magic Wand and print more worthless money to give to the UAW, what else?

/if Congress starts authorizing new money to continue this prop up the UAW gold plated retirement/health benefits funding charade, there damn well should be an open taxpayer revolt

Good night everyone.

re: #72 Bobibutu

So we must fund everyone? What ever happened to "if it's going to be - it's up to me"?

Charity begins at home, not City Hall, so yeah, I agree with you.

re: #73 unrealizedviewpoint

Providing homeless shelters is not a liberal policy, but a humanitarian policy. Charging the homeless for shelter is absurd and defeats the purpose of the safety net designed to provide for the homeless. They got this all wrong.

Accountability?

re: #75 Cato the Elder

Good night everyone.

Good night my friend..

re: #35 LGoPs
Well,

There was a time, not that long ago, when the Democratic Party was a proud one, populated by honorable men. JFK, Hubert Humphrey, Henry Jackson, Sam Nunn and Zell Miller among them. Those men are gone and the last of them, Joe Lieberman, was forcibly ejected. The Democratic Party left them and today represents the antithesis of what those men stood for.

is certainly true enough. The fact is that the Democratic Party - after they pretty much got kicked out of the South and their Jim Crow Laws died - was always the more liberal of the two, Democrat and Republican.
Both of those parties had truly fine people - fine leaders in their parties, not given to the amount and nature of hyperbole that we see and hear these days. But the Democrats these days have, I'm afraid, given in or up to the very Far Left folks in their party. I keep hoping that the Republicans don't pull the same crap and give in to the very Far Right of the Republican Party.
But - it is, I think more difficult these days, for folks with something to say, something worth listening to (whether or not you agree with it) to be heard - such thoughts usually don't lend themselves to "sound bites" or signs and placards. And I fear that the more rational members of both parties simply can't get their messages through.
And as guilty as the MSM is in this situation, it really is the American people who are to blame - and not in a Jimmy Carter "malaisse" sort of way.
No, Americans listen to the likes of Matthews and Olberman and Beck and Hannity and others of that ilk, and don't question what they hear.
Frankly I think McCain was envious of Obama's half-hour TV Prime Time Special - NOT because Obama could afford it and McCain couldn't, but it gave Obama a chance to talk to the American People directly, without MSM filters.
We DESPERATELY need to have folks debate the old fashioned way: the moderator merely keeps time and who's turn it is; the political leaders themselves ask each other questions and rebut their answers and then go through the same thing from the other candidate.
I know it's almost - maybe not even almost - impossible to do in the early stages of primary fights where there are SO many candidates, but it ought to be possible when it comes down to, say, the three leading contenders in each party and certainly between each party's candidates for office.

re: #78 HoosierHoops

Good night my friend..

Sleep well ... all

re: #72 Bobibutu

So we must fund everyone? What ever happened to "if it's going to be - it's up to me"?

That motto died on Election Day, 2008. Didn't you get the memo?

Gotta sleep ... work tomorrow ... but i like this old time song ...

It's always the old that tell us how it really is ...

Blind Willie Johnson ...

if you cannot understand the lyrics ...

Well, well, well, ah
A motherless children have a hard time
Motherless children have a hard time, mother's dead
They'll not have anywhere to go, wanderin' around from door to door
Have a hard time

Nobody on earth can take a mother's place when, when mother is dead, Lord
Nobody on earth takes mother's place when, mother's dead
Nobody on earth takes mother's place,
when you were startin', paved the way
Nobody treats you like mother will when

Your wife or husband may be good to you, when mother is dead, Lord
They'll be good to you, mother's dead
A wife or a husband may be good to you,
but, better than nothing has proved untrue
Nobody treats you like mother will when, when mother is dead, Lord

Lord, Lord, Lord
Yeah, well, ah
Well, some people say that sister will do, when mother is dead
That sister will do when mother's dead
Some people say that sister will do,
but, as soon as she's married, she turn her back on you
Nobody treats you like mother will

And father will do the best he can, when mother is dead, Lord
Well, the best he can when mother is dead
Father will do the best he can,
so many things a father can't understand
Nobody treats you like mother will

A motherless children have a hard time, when mother is dead, Lord
Motherless children have a hard time, mother's dead
They'll not have anywhere to go,
Wanderin' around from door to door
Have a hard time

Good Night Lizards ... keep the middle ...

re: #74 Killian Bundy

/if Congress starts authorizing new money to continue this prop up the UAW gold plated retirement/health benefits funding charade, there damn well should be an open taxpayer revolt

Americans revolted against taxes and threw off a Monarch in 1776. In 2009 Americans look to Congress and a Messiah to give them bread and circuses, screw who ever is paying for it all.

re: #56 HoosierHoops
Hi ya Hoops - sorry to be so late in responding, but I'm not typing as quickly as I used to! I'm doing ok, my friend, how's about yourself?

re: #81 Dark_Falcon

That motto died on Election Day, 2008. Didn't you get the memo?

Obama's targeted dollars will never ever reach the said intended target. Look back 4 years from today and see no dents made, just a lot of holes.

re: #81 Dark_Falcon

That motto died on Election Day, 2008. Didn't you get the memo?

Ah - there is always that 10 % - guess I'm in there.

re: #73 unrealizedviewpoint

Providing homeless shelters is not a liberal policy, but a humanitarian policy. Charging the homeless for shelter is absurd and defeats the purpose of the safety net designed to provide for the homeless. They got this all wrong.

Government providing charity IS Liberalism, making the masses dependent on the government.

Woohoo! I might have a beau. I met one of my neighbors (well, he lives on this road but quite a piece away) tonight and he is absolutely dreamy. He breeds and shows horses and seems to have abs of titanium. Woohoo!

Gotta' go splash cold water on my face.

re: #88 MandyManners

Woohoo! I might have a beau. I met one of my neighbors (well, he lives on this road but quite a piece away) tonight and he is absolutely dreamy. He breeds and shows horses and seems to have abs of titanium. Woohoo!

Gotta' go splash cold water on my face.

Lucky, lucky you. :)

re: #85 unrealizedviewpoint

Obama's targeted dollars will never ever reach the said intended target. Look back 4 years from today and see no dents made, just a lot of holes.

Agreed.

re: #81 Dark_Falcon

That motto died on Election Day, 2008. Didn't you get the memo?

Bush started the process, and the Left hated him. O is following through, and still the Left hates Bush. Nice symmetry there.

re: #88 MandyManners

Woohoo! I might have a beau. I met one of my neighbors (well, he lives on this road but quite a piece away) tonight and he is absolutely dreamy. He breeds and shows horses and seems to have abs of titanium. Woohoo!

Gotta' go splash cold water on my face.

Bout time gal ...

re: #68 Bobibutu Lord my friend - that is such a horrible story and I feel for you
and your sisters as well. It's actually difficult to even imagine how you felt then - but I think it is a testament to YOU and your grandmother, that you turned out to be such a good man.

re: #88 MandyManners

Woohoo! I might have a beau. I met one of my neighbors (well, he lives on this road but quite a piece away) tonight and he is absolutely dreamy. He breeds and shows horses and seems to have abs of titanium. Woohoo!

Gotta' go splash cold water on my face.

if its meant to be, i'm happy ya mandy!

re: #87 FurryOldGuyJeans

Government providing charity IS Liberalism, making the masses dependent on the government.

I agree. I also know that there is and should be a safety net for society's most needy. I believe the help is targeted wholly wrong.

re: #84 realwest

Hi ya Hoops - sorry to be so late in responding, but I'm not typing as quickly as I used to! I'm doing ok, my friend, how's about yourself?

Hey friend.
I'm totally so bummed out...It's late at night..And some folks have lost so much...

re: #72 Bobibutu

So we must fund everyone? What ever happened to "if it's going to be - it's up to me"?

One single mother living in a Manhattan shelter tells the Times she got a letter saying she had to give up $336 of the $800 she makes each month as a cashier. Vanessa Dacosta makes $8.40 an hour at Sbarro. She got a letter under her door at the shelter a few weeks ago saying she'd have to fork up nearly half of what she was bringing in.

For Dacosta, who pays nearly $100 a week on child care for her 2-year-old, paying the shelter is hardly an expense she can afford.

How the hell will she EVER save up money to get out of the shelter if she has to shell out $736.00 for child care and a roof over her head?

re: #89 FurryOldGuyJeans

Lucky, lucky you. :)

Like I said, it's a "might". But, it's a mighty nice "might".

mandy--can i be a bridesmaid? ive never been one--but i'll throw ya a hell of a bachelorette party--lots of basil!

re: #92 Bobibutu

Bout time gal ...

It would be nice.

re: #94 mikeymom

if its meant to be, i'm happy ya mandy!

It's nice to dream about!

re: #101 MandyManners

It's nice to dream about!

is there a tingle up your leg? or--um--other places? lolol

re: #98 MandyManners

Like I said, it's a "might". But, it's a mighty nice "might".

I wish I had even a real iffy might.

re: #87 FurryOldGuyJeans

Government providing charity IS Liberalism, making the masses dependent on the government.

If we the people did not provide aid to those who cannot yet make it on their own through our government, how would we do so on an ad hoc basis?

re: #72 Bobibutu
I don't think that's what he's saying - nor the article he linked to. But asking someone to pay you nearly half of their income (the link doesn't say but I can only HOPE that they are talking after taxes money (Fed, NYState, NY City Income taxes) as rent for a NYC Shelter. It really does ruin a person's chance to EVER get out of the City's shelter program. This is far, far too much "rent" to be charging folks and is designed, I suspect, to keep people dependent on the government, to not let them work their way up.

re: #99 mikeymom

mandy--can i be a bridesmaid? ive never been one--but i'll throw ya a hell of a bachelorette party--lots of basil!

Whoa, Nelly! He and I have not even locked lips yet. Yet.

re: #76 FurryOldGuyJeans
But please see my #105 above.

re: #102 mikeymom

is there a tingle up your leg? or--um--other places? lolol

Nah but, I have a smile on my face.

re: #93 realwest

Thx dude - we were so traumatized it was a few years to get to "normal?"

At a lake in the Bay Area (Temascal) - G'ma and G'dad took us to ... I wandered off and kicked sand into a strangers sandwich - the guy went ballistic - well doah - my G'father intervened telling the victim that I was a mental case under their care ... I escaped without injury.

re: #97 MandyManners

One single mother living in a Manhattan shelter tells the Times she got a letter saying she had to give up $336 of the $800 she makes each month as a cashier. Vanessa Dacosta makes $8.40 an hour at Sbarro. She got a letter under her door at the shelter a few weeks ago saying she'd have to fork up nearly half of what she was bringing in.

For Dacosta, who pays nearly $100 a week on child care for her 2-year-old, paying the shelter is hardly an expense she can afford.

How the hell will she EVER save up money to get out of the shelter if she has to shell out $736.00 for child care and a roof over her head?

The heartless bastards don't care, because they can keep them under their thumb and in the system so the "numbers" (for federal and state aid) don't suffer

/cynical, ain't it?

re: #103 FurryOldGuyJeans

I wish I had even a real iffy might.

This is the first man I've met since my divorce who has interested me. We can talk about this year's crop of winter wheat and politics with ease.

re: #97 MandyManners

How the hell will she EVER save up money to get out of the shelter if she has to shell out $736.00 for child care and a roof over her head?

It's called a welfare state/hooked on entitlements culture. Teenagers having children out of wedlock because they get more taxpayer money for each one. The fun part is when they start the fraud of "borrowing/sharing" them when the welfare workers come around. Don't think it happens? You haven't worked where I've worked.

/that's good news, the more the merrier, they're almost exclusively Bonkey voters, you know, after ACORN gets them all registered at least once

re: #106 MandyManners

Whoa, Nelly! He and I have not even locked lips yet. Yet.

i like to plan ahead. im busy, ya know!

re: #110 talon_262

The heartless bastards don't care, because they can keep them under their thumb and in the system so the "numbers" (for federal and state aid) don't suffer

/cynical, ain't it?

What's the answer? Jack up taxes and transfer them to her and those like her? That's not efficient but, it seems to be the only game in town.

re: #96 HoosierHoops

Hey friend.
I'm totally so bummed out...It's late at night..And some folks have lost so much...

I'm sorry you are so bummed out. And yes so many have lost so much - BUT they manage to come through it all and be the stronger for it. Of course, some come through it all and are the worse for it; bitter, angry at the world and the injustices of life. But I don't feel that way about the folks out here on LGF - I just sense an inner strength - an iron made to steel by going through those awful times.

whoo boy--its been a LONG time since i've dated--but--WTF? winter wheat? /ducks and runs

re: #112 Killian Bundy

It's called a welfare state/hooked on entitlements culture. Teenagers having children out of wedlock because they get more taxpayer money for each one. The fun part is when they start the fraud of "borrowing/sharing" them when the welfare workers come around. Don't think it happens? You haven't worked where I've worked.

/that's good news, the more the merrier, they're almost exclusively Bonkey voters, you know, after ACORN gets them all registered at least once

I don't know how old Dacosta is so I cannot comment on her popping out kids starting when she was a teen. All I can tell from the article is that she has one child and she seems to be responsible enough to find a job.

re: #113 mikeymom

i like to plan ahead. im busy, ya know!

He seems to be my type: about 6'1", wide shoulders and chest, muscular build and dark, piercing eyes.

RUN! RUN AWAY!

re: #97 MandyManners

How the hell will she EVER save up money to get out of the shelter if she has to shell out $736.00 for child care and a roof over her head?

Mandy- we have no arguement ... the system is not fair - individuals must get pissed off enough to do it for themselves.

My sister has been hooked on the dole for over 40 years ... she has been creative enough to survive ... granted with my help. But just laying back with "help me, help me" is just BS.

re: #116 mikeymom

whoo boy--its been a LONG time since i've dated--but--WTF? winter wheat? /ducks and runs

It's kinda' rural around here. We've had a great winter/srping for crops.

re: #114 MandyManners

What's the answer? Jack up taxes and transfer them to her and those like her? That's not efficient but, it seems to be the only game in town.

I'd prefer that humanitarian things like homeless shelters were able to be handled by private groups without the strings of government cash (read: interference and meddling) interference attached, but charging people rent at a f**king homeless shelter just seems to be adding insults to injuries to those who are less likely to be able to take it.

re: #115 realwest

I'm sorry you are so bummed out. And yes so many have lost so much - BUT they manage to come through it all and be the stronger for it. Of course, some come through it all and are the worse for it; bitter, angry at the world and the injustices of life. But I don't feel that way about the folks out here on LGF - I just sense an inner strength - an iron made to steel by going through those awful times.

Hey You Real West..It's all good..i'm up late...

re: #117 MandyManners

I don't know how old Dacosta is so I cannot comment on her popping out kids starting when she was a teen. All I can tell from the article is that she has one child and she seems to be responsible enough to find a job.

You missed the "stimulus" bill, the Federal government is offering perverse incentives for states to increase their welfare rolls.

/it's a big step backwards, IMO

re: #118 MandyManners

He seems to be my type: about 6'1", wide shoulders and chest, muscular build and dark, piercing eyes.

RUN! RUN AWAY!

be careful! when i met mikeydad 42 yrs ago, he looked like that too! he's now 5'8", wide belly, but he DOES have big--umm-bucks! good luck!

re: #97 MandyManners

How the hell will she EVER save up money to get out of the shelter if she has to shell out $736.00 for child care and a roof over her head?

Precisely. But in NYC it's not intended THESE DAYS when the government of the City is so broke, both financiall and morally, to do anything but raise money.
The law which this was dependent on was written at a time when the idea was to KEEP people on the Government dole - make them dependent on the government for their own shelter. Now it's two-fer: keeps people dependent on government and helps a government to raise some money.
That is the major reason I've never been a "liberal" I want people to be able to work themselves up and out of those government shelters. Which, btw, no one who could afford to would ever willing live in, they are a disgrace, a third world hole.

re: #119 Bobibutu

Mandy- we have no arguement ... the system is not fair - individuals must get pissed off enough to do it for themselves.

My sister has been hooked on the dole for over 40 years ... she has been creative enough to survive ... granted with my help. But just laying back with "help me, help me" is just BS.

I read nothing in that article to indicate that Dacosta is of the "help me, help" POV. She's working.

But, maybe she needs to move out of Manhattan. However, would she have to move away from her family/support system? Who would pay for her to relocate?

Happy Mother's Day Lizards!

I sent my mother a "wine-gram" for a Mother's Day gift. She loves it!

re: #121 talon_262

I'd prefer that humanitarian things like homeless shelters were able to be handled by private groups without the strings of government cash (read: interference and meddling) interference attached, but charging people rent at a f**king homeless shelter just seems to be adding insults to injuries to those who are less likely to be able to take it.

Precisely. Folks in shelter need to be able to save ever freakin' cent they can.

re: #110 talon_262
NO, you're not cynical, you're merely being realistic.

godd night all-god bless and keep you all safe-happy mom's day to all moms.

re: #123 Killian Bundy

You missed the "stimulus" bill, the Federal government is offering perverse incentives for states to increase their welfare rolls.

/it's a big step backwards, IMO

But, who's gonna' pay for the larger welfare rolls if there is not enough from the tax-payers.

And, why is this rule just now being enforced? It's over 10 years old.

re: #121 talon_262

I'd prefer that humanitarian things like homeless shelters were able to be handled by private groups without the strings of government cash (read: interference and meddling) interference attached, but charging people rent at a f**king homeless shelter just seems to be adding insults to injuries to those who are less likely to be able to take it.

I agree that humanitarian efforts would be better run by private entities.

I would differ slight with you on rent, the deal should be going in, and not like this case, that when you have a source of income, a percentage be charged for room and board. There is no free lunch.

It should be in line with local averages for percentage of income for housing. Start building the necessary life skills so when they can move out of the shelter they've been trained in life skills like a budget.

re: #124 mikeymom

be careful! when i met mikeydad 42 yrs ago, he looked like that too! he's now 5'8", wide belly, but he DOES have big--umm-bucks! good luck!

This guy is my age and he still has all that. I swear every time we touched it felt as if my knees were gonna' buckle.

re: #21 Killgore Trout

All the blood vessels and stuff. I always find biology disgusting and fascinating.

Geez. Guys...

re: #133 MandyManners

This guy is my age and he still has all that. I swear every time we touched it felt as if my knees were gonna' buckle.

Hi, I just got home from work. I'm jumping in here, but Mandy, are you live blogging a love affair tonight?

re: #125 realwest

Precisely. But in NYC it's not intended THESE DAYS when the government of the City is so broke, both financiall and morally, to do anything but raise money.
The law which this was dependent on was written at a time when the idea was to KEEP people on the Government dole - make them dependent on the government for their own shelter. Now it's two-fer: keeps people dependent on government and helps a government to raise some money.
That is the major reason I've never been a "liberal" I want people to be able to work themselves up and out of those government shelters. Which, btw, no one who could afford to would ever willing live in, they are a disgrace, a third world hole.

I hope and pray that Dacosta finds a way out of this system. Having less than $100.00 of discretionary income each month is a nightmare. Sure, she probably is eligible for food stamps and other benefits but, that's not a lot of money.

re: #114 MandyManners
Mandy - as you yourself observed, how the hell are working people living in shelters EVER supposed to save up enough money to rent a real apartment on their own?
I've always loved NYC and still do - but what they are doing to that woman is nearly criminal. Notice that the City finds the funds to provide shelter to those without jobs, but only charges "rent" to those who work, but for whatever reason can't make enough to rent their own apartment. This renting of shelter space to folks who work...don't receive welfare and pay their taxes on what little they earn is just BULLSHIT and is mean to keep the working poor under the government's thumb. PERIOD.

re: #131 MandyManners

But, who's gonna' pay for the larger welfare rolls if there is not enough from the tax-payers.

Are you on drugs?

/since when, hundred and whatever days in so far, does TOTUS and the Bonkeys care about where the money comes from?

re: #132 jcm

I agree that humanitarian efforts would be better run by private entities.

I would differ slight with you on rent, the deal should be going in, and not like this case, that when you have a source of income, a percentage be charged for room and board. There is no free lunch.

It should be in line with local averages for percentage of income for housing. Start building the necessary life skills so when they can move out of the shelter they've been trained in life skills like a budget.

What kind of budget can one have with $100.00/mo.?

Maybe the rent should be 10 per cent of her income after child care expenses. About $40.00/mo. is sane.

re: #106 MandyManners

Whoa, Nelly! He and I have not even locked lips yet. Yet.

Well, maybe in your imagination, if not in practice, eh?

Hmmm... sounds like our Mandy is falling for this here feller...

re: #133 MandyManners

This guy is my age and he still has all that. I swear every time we touched it felt as if my knees were gonna' buckle.

/does he know about your kid?

re: #132 jcm

I agree that humanitarian efforts would be better run by private entities.

I would differ slight with you on rent, the deal should be going in, and not like this case, that when you have a source of income, a percentage be charged for room and board. There is no free lunch.

It should be in line with local averages for percentage of income for housing. Start building the necessary life skills so when they can move out of the shelter they've been trained in life skills like a budget.

I could go for that, but not what NYC is doing. IIRC, the YMCA does a "sliding-scale" system for low-income people and families who wish to use their facilities (fitness, child care, etc.) just like what you propose.

re: #137 realwest

Mandy - as you yourself observed, how the hell are working people living in shelters EVER supposed to save up enough money to rent a real apartment on their own?
I've always loved NYC and still do - but what they are doing to that woman is nearly criminal. Notice that the City finds the funds to provide shelter to those without jobs, but only charges "rent" to those who work, but for whatever reason can't make enough to rent their own apartment. This renting of shelter space to folks who work...don't receive welfare and pay their taxes on what little they earn is just BULLSHIT and is mean to keep the working poor under the government's thumb. PERIOD.

From each according to his ability,...

re: #119 Bobibutu
But listen to me my friend she isn't " just laying back with "help me, help me" she is actively trying to work her way out of her life situation. She can't be on welfare - she has a job which pays too much. In fact I don't know if her income isn't too high for food stamps.
So go ahead, take damn near half of what she makes for a shelter that those who aren't even working get for free.

OT - (Unless I'm missing something, info like this has not been reported in the US media. From the UK Telegraph).

Barack Obama's rich supporters fear his tax plans show he's a class warrior

(What was their first clue?)

...Democratic opposition is building in Congress to many of the President's proposals.

(Really interesting article. Some things may be falling apart for Obama and his cronies)

[Link: www.telegraph.co.uk...]

re: #138 Killian Bundy

Are you on drugs?

/since when, hundred and whatever days in so far, does TOTUS and the Bonkeys care about where the money comes from?

I'm just tyring to think logically.

My bad.

re: #126 MandyManners

I read nothing in that article to indicate that Dacosta is of the "help me, help" POV. She's working.

But, maybe she needs to move out of Manhattan. However, would she have to move away from her family/support system? Who would pay for her to relocate?

Ya got me .. are we ready to contribute to every needy person?

I don't know the answer Mandy - however I am aware of the problem.

A Saint Josephs Aspirin held firmly between the knees may help.
/

re: #140 Kenneth

Well, maybe in your imagination, if not in practice, eh?

Hmmm... sounds like our Mandy is falling for this here feller...

Well, he made me sit up and take notice. It might amount to nothing.

re: #122 HoosierHoops

Hey You Real West..It's all good..i'm up late...

Yes, and so am I my friend. So am I.

re: #137 realwest

A zillion updings.

re: #139 MandyManners

What kind of budget can one have with $100.00/mo.?

Maybe the rent should be 10 per cent of her income after child care expenses. About $40.00/mo. is sane.

Something, the point is to get them thinking about how much things cost.

Something for rent, mandatory savings for a first / last and deposit. It's in no way meant to pay for the costs, but more as life training.

re: #144 realwest

But listen to me my friend she isn't " just laying back with "help me, help me" she is actively trying to work her way out of her life situation. She can't be on welfare - she has a job which pays too much. In fact I don't know if her income isn't too high for food stamps.
So go ahead, take damn near half of what she makes for a shelter that those who aren't even working get for free.

Agreed. The proposed rents penalize those trying to get out of a shelter. Even Dems should want someone who gives them some money back in taxes. The policies being enacted here are conducive to governmental collapse.

re: #141 Killian Bundy

/does he know about your kid?

If he doesn't, he's deaf and blind. (He contributes a wad of cash each year to The Kid's school so we know people who know each other.)

re: #148 MandyManners

Well, he made me sit up and take notice. It might amount to nothing.

Have you played scrabble with him yet?

re: #145 Walter L. Newton

OT - (Unless I'm missing something, info like this has not been reported in the US media. From the UK Telegraph).

Barack Obama's rich supporters fear his tax plans show he's a class warrior

(What was their first clue?)

...Democratic opposition is building in Congress to many of the President's proposals.

(Really interesting article. Some things may be falling apart for Obama and his cronies)

[Link: www.telegraph.co.uk...]

The thing that I want to say to these well-heeled morons is this:

Why didn't you take Dear Leader at his word before the election?

/frakkin' idiots...

re: #153 MandyManners

If he doesn't, he's deaf and blind. (He contributes a wad of cash each year to The Kid's school so we know people who know each other.)

/well, good luck!

re: #142 talon_262

I could go for that, but not what NYC is doing. IIRC, the YMCA does a "sliding-scale" system for low-income people and families who wish to use their facilities (fitness, child care, etc.) just like what you propose.

We've had single mom's who'd been abandoned by their hubbies live with us twice. We did the sliding scale thing, both of them took about a year to get well enough established to get their own apartments.

re: #156 Killian Bundy

/well, good luck!

/and try not to get burned

re: #148 MandyManners

Well, he made me sit up and take notice. It might amount to nothing.

Go with your gut, but fact check with your head. The first woman I dated after my 1st marriage ended turned out to be exactly as crazy as my first wife. I'm not sayng you're doing that here, but stranger things have happened.

How's he with The Kid? How's the Kid with him? Those may be questions you have not come to yet, but they matter.

re: #147 Bobibutu

Ya got me .. are we ready to contribute to every needy person?

I don't know the answer Mandy - however I am aware of the problem.

A Saint Josephs Aspirin held firmly between the knees may help.
/

The aspirin thing is not retroactive. For all we know, Dacosta's husband was killed in a freak accident with no insurance pay-off. Or, she was impregnated by a rapist. Or, she was in a long-term romance and their BC failed and the father walked away.

re: #155 talon_262

Here's another interesting quote from that article, from someone who is still on Obama's side.

"A senior Wall Street executive who remains an admirer of Mr Obama, told The Sunday Telegraph that the reforms were necessary after years of excess. "I think its refreshing that he has the chutzpah to deal with the previously untouchable abuses of the system like tax dodging and excessive executive pay," he said.
"We badly need some European style social democracy, and Obama might as well start with health care reform.""

[Link: www.telegraph.co.uk...]

re: #154 Bobibutu

Have you played scrabble with him yet?

Mandy doesn't spell on the first date!

re: #151 jcm

Something, the point is to get them thinking about how much things cost.

Something for rent, mandatory savings for a first / last and deposit. It's in no way meant to pay for the costs, but more as life training.

In no way can I countenance taking about 50 per cent of this woman's income.

re: #161 Walter L. Newton

Here's another interesting quote from that article, from someone who is still on Obama's side.

"A senior Wall Street executive who remains an admirer of Mr Obama, told The Sunday Telegraph that the reforms were necessary after years of excess. "I think its refreshing that he has the chutzpah to deal with the previously untouchable abuses of the system like tax dodging and excessive executive pay," he said.
"We badly need some European style social democracy, and Obama might as well start with health care reform.""

[Link: www.telegraph.co.uk...]

/it's change all right

re: #154 Bobibutu

Have you played scrabble with him yet?

We just met, and the venue was not appropriate for board games.

re: #156 Killian Bundy

/well, good luck!

Thanks!

re: #161 Walter L. Newton

said like a true socialist...

/the Brit quoted...

re: #163 MandyManners

In no way can I countenance taking about 50 per cent of this woman's income.

I agree with that.

I pay about 20% of income for housing. 40% for taxes.

re: #158 Killian Bundy

/and try not to get burned

The thing is, this is the first time I've thought about dating in about a decade so, I'm suspending belief for a while.

re: #160 MandyManners

The aspirin thing is not retroactive. For all we know, Dacosta's husband was killed in a freak accident with no insurance pay-off. Or, she was impregnated by a rapist. Or, she was in a long-term romance and their BC failed and the father walked away.

Woah - I must have missed a point -linkie please.

re: #166 MandyManners

Thanks!

Get him reg. here... we'll snif him out!

/;-P

re: #161 Walter L. Newton

Here's another interesting quote from that article, from someone who is still on Obama's side.

"A senior Wall Street executive who remains an admirer of Mr Obama, told The Sunday Telegraph that the reforms were necessary after years of excess. "I think its refreshing that he has the chutzpah to deal with the previously untouchable abuses of the system like tax dodging and excessive executive pay," he said.
"We badly need some European style social democracy, and Obama might as well start with health care reform.""

[Link: www.telegraph.co.uk...]

I read that quote and thought, "Alright, you turkey, we're all gonna reap the whirlwind of what morons and ne'er-do-wells like you have sown!"

/G-d help us all...

re: #159 Kenneth

Go with your gut, but fact check with your head. The first woman I dated after my 1st marriage ended turned out to be exactly as crazy as my first wife. I'm not sayng you're doing that here, but stranger things have happened.

How's he with The Kid? How's the Kid with him? Those may be questions you have not come to yet, but they matter.

We'll see as time goes on...if time goes at all.

re: #162 Kenneth

Mandy doesn't spell on the first date!

I keep my tiles to myself for a while.

re: #169 MandyManners

you mean suspending disbelief, right?

Good luck and enjoy your life (becaase nobody else will)

re: #167 WindHorse

said like a true socialist...

/the Brit quoted...

Read it again, that was an American business person, not a Brit.

re: #168 jcm

I agree with that.

I pay about 20% of income for housing. 40% for taxes.

Does she even pay federal income taxes?

For rent, maybe 10 per cent AFTER child care expenses are deducted.

re: #126 MandyManners

I read nothing in that article to indicate that Dacosta is of the "help me, help" POV. She's working.

But, maybe she needs to move out of Manhattan. However, would she have to move away from her family/support system? Who would pay for her to relocate?

Ah, well having been in the situation you described - HAVING to move out of not just Manhattan, but of all of the five boro's of NYC is something I had to do - my only income is Social Security Disability Insurance and it's insufficient to pay even rent on a shitty little apartment in Hell's Kitchen, much less provide utilities, groceries, medical care and prescribed drugs. So my Mom came to my rescue. She agreed to move out of her very nice independent living retirement home, to move in with me down here in N.C. where our combind Social Security (mom was "just" a stay at home mom and receives a pittance based on my Dads social security) and my SSDI enable us to LIVE. To pay rent on an OK two bedroom two bathroom apartment and utilities and medicare and drugs (cause medicare doesn't cover - this year - $4,000 of drugs I need) and doctors and groceries.
My Mom literally kept me from being homeless AND fighting cancer too.

re: #165 MandyManners

We just met, and the venue was not appropriate for board games.

Fair enough - when it happens - please let us know. As well as his stuff around of Caddies with red leather seats.

/

re: #170 Bobibutu

Woah - I must have missed a point -linkie please.

[Link: www.nbcnewyork.com...]

re: #171 jcm

Get him reg. here... we'll snif him out!

/;-P

No way. This place is my refuge.

re: #175 Kenneth

you mean suspending disbelief, right?

Good luck and enjoy your life (becaase nobody else will)

Thanks!

I was going to sleep ... but I thought about this post from Real earlier ... and to all the veterans and mothers who wept for them on their journey and on their return ... my mother included ... is it that only the right can be for the soldiers ... what side are we on ... the boys ... we love them all ... I remember the day of the telegraph for my brother .. do you ... G-d save us from other Mother's Days seeking the return of our soldiers ... bring them all home ...

re: #177 MandyManners

Does she even pay federal income taxes?

For rent, maybe 10 per cent AFTER child care expenses are deducted.

Bottom 50% of income earners pay 3% of taxes.

That's something else that needs to change. Everyone needs to be vested in the system, even just a little bit. Obama got elected because of what people thought he could do for them.

re: #178 realwest

SDI is a bitch - damed if you take it ... damed if you try to get off of it.

re: #181 MandyManners

No way. This place is my refuge.

LOL!

re: #181 MandyManners

No way. This place is my refuge.

It's 1:46 am..you are a good girl Mandy

re: #178 realwest

Ah, well having been in the situation you described - HAVING to move out of not just Manhattan, but of all of the five boro's of NYC is something I had to do - my only income is Social Security Disability Insurance and it's insufficient to pay even rent on a shitty little apartment in Hell's Kitchen, much less provide utilities, groceries, medical care and prescribed drugs. So my Mom came to my rescue. She agreed to move out of her very nice independent living retirement home, to move in with me down here in N.C. where our combind Social Security (mom was "just" a stay at home mom and receives a pittance based on my Dads social security) and my SSDI enable us to LIVE. To pay rent on an OK two bedroom two bathroom apartment and utilities and medicare and drugs (cause medicare doesn't cover - this year - $4,000 of drugs I need) and doctors and groceries.
My Mom literally kept me from being homeless AND fighting cancer too.

Can you imagine trying to do that if you had no mother or if your mother was worse-off than you?

Obama throwing Lebanon to the Syrian wolves

Obama is sending emissaries to Syria, flirting with Iran and expressing confidence in a feeble international court's ability to produce justice in the murder of a former Lebanese prime minister -- Lebanese politicians are quickly moving to switch sides again.

The American moves seem naive, to say the least. Two administration officials, .., acting as if Lebanon's elections weren't on the horizon, are conducting shuttle diplomacy between Washington and Damascus. Naturally delighted, Syrian President Bashar Assad is now demanding an end to US economic sanctions...

re: #189 Kenneth

Obama throwing Lebanon to the Syrian wolves

We gotta a fuckin' naif who thinks international relations is a popularity contest.

re: #188 MandyManners

Can you imagine trying to do that if you had no mother or if your mother was worse-off than you?

Real would have probably been six feet under long ago...thank G-d for family.

re: #132 jcm
I'm sorry jcm, but you just don't understand NYC when you say

It should be in line with local averages for percentage of income for housing. Start building the necessary life skills so when they can move out of the shelter they've been trained in life skills like a budget.

A crappy tiny studio apartment in a truly crappy and phsically dangerous part of Manhattan rents for over $2,500 a month, not including utilities. And that's $2,500 a month AFTER the city, NY State and the Feds take out income taxes and social security from what you earn - and it doesn't even include electricity or gas, not to mention telephone or groceries or any thing else at all.
People have to leave NYC when their gross household income level is at something like $50,000
a year or less. And landlords used to get one months rent in advance, one months rent as security and increasingly frequently when I left the city,one months rent due at the end of the lease. So you'd have to save up enough to pay 3 months rent to be able to actually rent an apartment and move in. It has very little to do with life skills my friend, it has to do with the hard, economic life of living in NYC.

re: #179 Bobibutu

Fair enough - when it happens - please let us know. As well as his stuff around of Caddies with red leather seats.

/

I'll be sure to spill the beans when I hit the triple-word score.

re: #184 jcm

Bottom 50% of income earners pay 3% of taxes.

That's something else that needs to change. Everyone needs to be vested in the system, even just a little bit. Obama got elected because of what people thought he could do for them.

I thought that people below the poverty line paid zero.

re: #192 realwest

I'm sorry jcm, but you just don't understand NYC when you say

A crappy tiny studio apartment in a truly crappy and phsically dangerous part of Manhattan rents for over $2,500 a month, not including utilities. And that's $2,500 a month AFTER the city, NY State and the Feds take out income taxes and social security from what you earn - and it doesn't even include electricity or gas, not to mention telephone or groceries or any thing else at all.
People have to leave NYC when their gross household income level is at something like $50,000
a year or less. And landlords used to get one months rent in advance, one months rent as security and increasingly frequently when I left the city,one months rent due at the end of the lease. So you'd have to save up enough to pay 3 months rent to be able to actually rent an apartment and move in. It has very little to do with life skills my friend, it has to do with the hard, economic life of living in NYC.

I grant you that. No argument.

How do we boot strap someone out of the hole in NYC? And teach them the skills they need? My point isn't about the money, it's about life skills.

NYC needs a whole different level of assistance.

re: #192 realwest

I'm sorry jcm, but you just don't understand NYC when you say

A crappy tiny studio apartment in a truly crappy and phsically dangerous part of Manhattan rents for over $2,500 a month, not including utilities. And that's $2,500 a month AFTER the city, NY State and the Feds take out income taxes and social security from what you earn - and it doesn't even include electricity or gas, not to mention telephone or groceries or any thing else at all.
People have to leave NYC when their gross household income level is at something like $50,000
a year or less. And landlords used to get one months rent in advance, one months rent as security and increasingly frequently when I left the city,one months rent due at the end of the lease. So you'd have to save up enough to pay 3 months rent to be able to actually rent an apartment and move in. It has very little to do with life skills my friend, it has to do with the hard, economic life of living in NYC.

That's the main reason why Dacosta needs to get the hell out of there.

re: #169 MandyManners
Mandy I wish you nothing but the best of luck with this fella. Seriously.

re: #194 MandyManners

I thought that people below the poverty line paid zero.

Many below the poverty line are eligible for the Earned Income Credit, which means they get money back, even if they had no federal withholding due.

re: #194 MandyManners

I thought that people below the poverty line paid zero.

Less than zero. Most will get a check for credits, so in effect they get paid.

re: #195 jcm

I grant you that. No argument.

How do we boot strap someone out of the hole in NYC? And teach them the skills they need? My point isn't about the money, it's about life skills.

NYC needs a whole different level of assistance.

I don't see how you can teach life skills to someone who lives in such an area as Manhattan if she cannot earn what is necessary to pay the rent on her own home.

re: #197 realwest

Mandy I wish you nothing but the best of luck with this fella. Seriously.

Thanks!

re: #193 MandyManners

I'll be sure to spill the beans when I hit the triple-word score.

Hoping this one works out for you- and looking forward to meeting him.

Mr. Sandman is calling.

Sweet dreams, Lizards!

re: #192 realwest

I'm sorry jcm, but you just don't understand NYC when you say

A crappy tiny studio apartment in a truly crappy and phsically dangerous part of Manhattan rents for over $2,500 a month, not including utilities. And that's $2,500 a month AFTER the city, NY State and the Feds take out income taxes and social security from what you earn - and it doesn't even include electricity or gas, not to mention telephone or groceries or any thing else at all.
People have to leave NYC when their gross household income level is at something like $50,000
a year or less. And landlords used to get one months rent in advance, one months rent as security and increasingly frequently when I left the city,one months rent due at the end of the lease. So you'd have to save up enough to pay 3 months rent to be able to actually rent an apartment and move in. It has very little to do with life skills my friend, it has to do with the hard, economic life of living in NYC.

Thank God I don't live in NYC. $2,500 is more than double what I pay each month for both mortgage and association dues combined.

re: #196 MandyManners

That's the main reason why Dacosta needs to get the hell out of there.

Can we get all the Dacosta's out of NYC? NYC would love that, shift the burden elsewhere, but it would be easier on the individuals.

re: #183 JacksonTn Amen.

re: #203 MandyManners

Mr. Sandman is calling.

Sweet dreams, Lizards!

Da Chiquita

re: #198 talon_262

Many below the poverty line are eligible for the Earned Income Credit, which means they get money back, even if they had no federal withholding due.

The fist year of EIC I didn't quite understand it, I didn't take the credit on my return as I didn't make enough money to even pay taxes. I received a check in the mail a few months later. Freaked me out, and I made sure the following year I did not get any of that 'free' money. I felt real skeevy taking it.

re: #203 MandyManners

Mr. Sandman is calling.

Sweet dreams, Lizards!

Night MM!

re: #185 Bobibutu
True enough. But an easy decision for me; I can't work. Not at anything (or I would, mom and I are barely scraping by here) because of the cancer and especially because of the cancer medications.

re: #192 realwest

A crappy tiny studio apartment in a truly crappy and phsically dangerous part of Manhattan rents for over $2,500 a month, not including utilities. And that's $2,500 a month AFTER the city, NY State and the Feds take out income taxes and social security from what you earn - and it doesn't even include electricity or gas, not to mention telephone or groceries or any thing else at all.
People have to leave NYC when their gross household income level is at something like $50,000
a year or less. And landlords used to get one months rent in advance, one months rent as security and increasingly frequently when I left the city,one months rent due at the end of the lease. So you'd have to save up enough to pay 3 months rent to be able to actually rent an apartment and move in. It has very little to do with life skills my friend, it has to do with the hard, economic life of living in NYC.

Lou Reed - Dirty Boulevard

Not sure why the link wont embed:

/from New York although Loaded is the ultimate Rock & Roll album

re: #188 MandyManners
Mand you have no idea. I truly didn't want my mom to give up this really nice place she had. To leave her friends behind, just to help me. I won't tell you some of the darker thoughts I had. All I know is that SHE came up with the idea of us moving in together "somewhere" - and the only somewhere we could afford,where we knew some people - like LGFer Obi-wan, RIP and another couple who got transferred about a year after Obi-wan passed away. I resisted it until even thick headed me, realized that would be the only chance I had to fight this cancer. And Mandy, every single damn day I worry about what will happen to Mom when this fucking cancer kills me. And there are days when thinking about it makes me cry. But without her I would be dead right now.So no, I don't see how anyone in my circumstances could have done it without help from someone else who cared enough to really make the difference.

re: #210 realwest

True enough. But an easy decision for me; I can't work. Not at anything (or I would, mom and I are barely scraping by here) because of the cancer and especially because of the cancer medications.

As is my sisters predicament.

And there is where it is supposed to go.

My problem is with the leaches that take advantage of the system.

And how do we differentiate?

We do not have the resources to effectively do it.

re: #212 realwest

You are BOTH so lucky to have each other. Enjoy, and have a great celebration for Mother's Day!

re: #212 realwest

RW ... oh, man, I emailed you ... it may take a few minutes but wait for the email ..

re: #213 Bobibutu
OH we have the resources - you don't know what I had to do to get on SSDI in the first place or how slow they are or how they check you out - in spite of letters from two different oncologists and the tests and scan results I still had to have a "phyical" with an SSDI approved doctor.
We can and do seperate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to SSDI and we could do it in other areas too, if we had the will to do so. And this, mind you, after I worked 40+ years and paid a ton of money into Social Security.

Here's a dirty little secret about NYC homeless shelter system... a fact that the homeless advocates like to bury, so the media never reports:

The NYC homeless shelter system has turned into a "My First Apartment" program for young, single mothers.

Because the entire system is run by judges, following "expert's" and advocate's advice, the rules for getting into the system (and eventually getting your own low cost/no cost apartment) are very lax and easy to manipulate.

It is increasingly common for families to "kick out" their eldest child, making him/her officially homeless, so they can get a little elbow room around the house, and the taxpayers get to pick up the bill for the new household.

In the past, young people would save up for security deposits and first month's rent. Nowadays too many folks don't want to pay their own way, let alone pay for their child.

If you're willing to spend a month or two in a group shelter until a single family shelter apartment opens up, you can game the system. Being homeless often consists of simply walking into an agency office and declaring yourself so... even if you are still living at home, and your leaving is no emergency, but a planned taxpayer raid.

re: #214 Floral Giraffe
Thank you for that {Floral Giraffe} it is much appreciated.

re: #215 JacksonTn
Just checked and haven't receive it my friend. I've got to go to sleep now - my meds are really doing a number on me. I promise - if I get it, I will reply tomorrow - er, later today!

re: #217 stevieray I investigated the NYC Shelter system when it looked like my last chance and with all due respect, you are incorrect - they do an income check on you and determine (by magic? Eight Ball? I don't know how) whether or not you qualify for those single family shelters - which, btw, no self-respecting person would ever live in if they had a shot at something better. My SSDI was considered "too much income" to qualify! So I asked them where the hell could I find an apartment for the rent I could afford, keeping in mind my necessary oncology visits, tests, and med's and was told "go find one yourself".

re: #216 realwest

As an attorney you appreciate it - to get my sis on it took 2+ years and unrelenting efforts back in the 60s.

re: #221 Bobibutu Indeed, it took me a year plus to get on it and another six months to start getting any money from it. During which time I had to pay rent, doctors, tests, medicine,utilities and an occasional meal.

Well y'all I gotta go sleep now - hope you all have a great morning and a great Mothers Day or great memories of Mom or your grandmother.
And I hope to get the chance to see you all down the road.

Good night, you all.

re: #222 realwest

Indeed, it took me a year plus to get on it and another six months to start getting any money from it. During which time I had to pay rent, doctors, tests, medicine,utilities and an occasional meal.

well it seems to be shortened but still not fair to those in need - I don't know the answer but we are in dire straits in our efforts to challenge this.

Single payor is not the answer.

re: #223 realwest

Well y'all I gotta go sleep now - hope you all have a great morning and a great Mothers Day or great memories of Mom or your grandmother.
And I hope to get the chance to see you all down the road.

Good night, you all.

Nite RW.

re: #18 Killgore Trout

Um, it seems to be a not-so-subtle reference to his being confused with God. Since I'm a Christian, it strikes me as his attempt at self deprecating humour. The phrase "on the 73rd day" resonates with the Christian/Jewish/Islamic description. To automatically assume a Muslim meaning describes more your own assumptions than the comment deserves. IOW, he was making fun of himself.

re: #220 realwest

Goodnight Real!

If you check back here in the morning, I gotta tell you... I'm not wrong. Having no income is relatively easy... especially in NYC with its huge underground (and under-the-table) economy. You had difficulties because you are a hard working, above board kid of guy. If someone is willing to work off the books, the system is easy to game.

re: #104 MandyManners

If we the people did not provide aid to those who cannot yet make it on their own through our government, how would we do so on an ad hoc basis?

Non-governmental charities, as was done in the past. The minute government gets involved there is no incentive to improve one's lot, just continue a cycle of dependence.

re: #216 realwest

OH we have the resources - you don't know what I had to do to get on SSDI in the first place or how slow they are or how they check you out - in spite of letters from two different oncologists and the tests and scan results I still had to have a "phyical" with an SSDI approved doctor.
We can and do seperate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to SSDI and we could do it in other areas too, if we had the will to do so. And this, mind you, after I worked 40+ years and paid a ton of money into Social Security.

I know all the rigmarole one has to go through to get on the rolls, still am fighting a Social Security Administration and a Veterans Administration that refuse to speak to one another regarding my disability.