MsAnn

It's possible that you are #3. But lack of patience is not a curse, it's who you are, and you might have to make a few adjustments and bite your tongue every now and again. 3. If you are not having such reaction, can I learn to become more like you? Or am I a a lost cause that was borne with no patience for my fellow humans, and that is my curse? I have more patience, but then again, I have the few minutes to spend listening, and I think it's a bit arrogant to assume everything they are going to say is trite or trivial or obvious. I was also raised with a social etiquette that would probably prevent me from being unnecessarily rude or inconsiderate to someone I was involved in a conversation with. As a quick example, I was listening to a neighbor the other day, who is an ex-IRS agent, explain to me how our accountant was reconciling the books. There have been some issues, which I was fully aware, so I thoroughly understood the basis for the conversation, but the issues had all been resolved. She was slow, methodical, and perhaps unnecessarily tedious in her explanation to me, but I was patient, and allowed her the time. Then quite unexpectedly, on a side note, she mentioned a new Florida Statute which became law in July. I had read about it, but didn't realize it was applicable to our situation. It will mean making some changes that ultimately will be for the better. You never know what kind of information someone might give you. Everyone has a story to tell, and sometimes those stories are interesting, and other times...well, not so much.

LMAO...

Could be an east coast thing....Tropixxx in FTL. Yes I have a VIP card, and senior discounts are honored

With due respect, it's the pods that are gross. Life is short, take a few minutes and brew it. On the occasions that I have coffee at home in the morning, I start with fresh whole beans. There are an infinite variety of flavors, and once you get used to brewing fresh coffee, you will never go back, regardless of the rumors of my now infamous Starbucks latte and lemon loaf.

That isn't the story here.

http://thefederalist.com/2018/06/13/ultimately-took-kate-spade-anthony-bourdain-wasnt-mental-illness-something-worse/ What Ultimately Took Kate Spade And Anthony Bourdain Wasn’t Mental Illness. It Was Something Worse Let us be intellectually honest about the sorrows of this life. Perhaps then, through a lens of sorrow, we can see the one, eternal hope that renders death not proud. By Caroline D'Agati June 13, 2018 In college, a quote hung on my wall: “Here I am. This is me. Get the h-ll out of the way.” To a nobody from New Jersey who dreamed of bigger things, it was the battle cry of someone who knew his greatest asset was his grit. This kind of person embraced life and was ready to conquer it. That quote was from Anthony Bourdain. Like most fans, I’ve spent the last few days wondering how a man of such fire and tenacity could die so defeated. I loved Bourdain for his zest for life and ability to overcome his demons. His skill at simultaneously getting under someone’s skin and into their hearts showed the world what a New Jersey boy is at his best. He lived life so deeply, yet died so hopeless. That shatters me.These tragedies are an opportunity for us all to take stock of the world around us. Let us be intellectually honest about the sorrows of this life. Perhaps then, through a lens of sorrow, we can see the one, eternal hope that renders death not proud. Yes, Suicide Is About Other People, Too Since the world’s loss of Bourdain and Kate Spade, the Internet has been ablaze about the cause, effects, and prevention of suicide. Many are quick to object to the observation that suicide is selfish, saying it is instead the result of overwhelming mental illness. Still others have pointed out the surviving children of Spade and Bourdain and how these tragedies will follow them their whole lives. I think it’s cruel to say suicide is selfish, but I also know this: I’m angry at Anthony and Kate. I’m angry for the sake of their children and their loved ones. But I’m also angry for myself. Like millions around the globe, these people brought joy into my life. I’ll always remember how, when I was unemployed, a friend gave me her Kate Spade bag and it lifted my spirits. I’ll remember that my first purchases for my new iPod in college were episodes of “No Reservations.” We loved these people because they helped us see something in the world that brightened the monotony or sadness of our lives. Their curiosity, creativity, and joy gave us a reason to have some, too.To take their own lives was a repudiation of the beauty and joy that they brought to us. They gave us something marvelous then took it back in the most devastating way. Knowing the tragic end of Robin Williams, who can watch “Mrs. Doubtfire” and laugh as she did before? Who can listen to David Foster Wallace encourage college graduates without weeping over his own unheeded advice? And now Tony’s warm humor and Kate’s cheerful creations, too, carry the musty perfume of the grave. Where once we saw the magic and joy of being human, now we can only see the scars. The world’s reaction to these deaths is proof that suicide is never about one person. It stirs humanity because we’re all reminded that the bell, too, tolls for us. Suicide Isn’t Always about Mental Illness Another coping mechanism we’ve turned to is to blame the deaths on stigmas about mental health. Many believe these deaths were caused by a disease as biologically unstoppable as Parkinson’s or dementia. Still others see them as a deficiency of tangible things like valuable relationships and physical upkeep. Again, I think the truth is somewhere in between. Of course, take medication, go on vacations, quit your horrible job, go to counseling—for heaven’s sake, do whatever you must to preserve your life. But what happens when you are fighting on all of those fronts and death still wins? In a dark night of the soul, there aren’t enough friends, money, or experiences to distract someone from the Big Empty.Every human being must at some time confront the same disease that claimed Anthony, Kate, Robin, and every other person who takes his or her life: meaninglessness. Why are we here and is this life worth living? It’s a sobering thought. Friedrich Nietzsche—another struggler—said that anyone with a “why” to live could endure almost any how. These wealthy, accomplished people had some of the most marvelous “hows” anyone could imagine. Yet none of it could make up for the lack of “why.” There is a reason trauma victims, combat survivors, and celebrities are so vulnerable to suicide. Victims of abuse and witnesses to war are exposed to a depth of humanity that many of us never get to. The lowest lows show us just how depraved and hopeless this world can be. Those with everything are often no different. The highest highs show us that, no matter what we achieve or acquire, the hopelessness doesn’t go away. Both the king and the pauper stare life in the face and see that it’s merely “vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” The Antidote to Meaninglessness In one sense, I agree with Kate and Tony: they were right to be broken-hearted. This is a broken world that neither they nor you nor I will ever be able to set right. Gunmen will continue to kill. Terrorists will bomb. Disease and poverty will ravage. And in 150 years, mourners, victims, saviors, and perpetrators alike will be equally forgotten. The abyss of time makes no distinctions between the hero and the villain.As Kate, Anthony, Robin, and so many other entertainers show, even giving joy to others, in the end, is not enough. So in the end, why bother? How can we not be defeated when we set our eyes on the brokenness of this world? The answer: to fix our eyes on another world. The writer C.S. Lewis famously said that, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” If we believe this life is all there is, the darkness will blind us to the majesty and beauty of life.Suicide is the tragic, but reasonable response to being confronted by life’s reality with no salve of deeper meaning to bandage the wound. This is why a life without God, no matter how grand, will always leave our hearts unfulfilled. So please, take medication. Talk to your family. Go get treatment. Your life is precious to God and the people around you. It is worth fighting for. But no matter what help those things bring, our hearts only find true peace when they live for the one who created them. I wish my friends Kate and Anthony had felt that peace. Caroline D'Agati is a writer, former park ranger, and New Jersey expatriate living in DC. She studied English at Georgetown and media studies at The New School. You can follow her on Twitter at @carodagati.

I go for the coffee... but there are perks Daniel always make sure that (this is not Daniel) there is at least a slice of lemon loaf left.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/charles-krauthammer-pens-final-column-165545782.html "I leave this life with no regrets. It was a wonderful life — full and complete with the great loves and great endeavors that make it worth living. I am sad to leave, but I leave with the knowledge that I lived the life that I intended."

ANNOUNCEMENT After a period of reflection and discussion the board of Tuesday’s Angels has decided to dissolve as of November 30, 2018 although dinners and assistance (except for bus passes) will stop by April 6, 2018. The reasons for closing and plans for a legacy are explained below. Since its founding over two and a half decades ago, there have been many changes in the experience of people with HIV. Significantly, most people with HIV are now living long lives with medication. There are also several HIV agencies providing services in Broward County, as well as programs for some housing and utility assistance. Over the past few years, Tuesday’s Angels has been serving largely a chronically ill HIV population of low income individuals rather than critically ill people in crisis. They have spent less money on providing rent and utilities and more on eyeglasses and transportation needs. The number of clients helped has also decreased. While there is still a great need to serve those living with HIV who are struggling financially, the initial crisis has thankfully passed. The other reason Tuesday’s Angels is stopping operations has to do with the aging of the organization – its donors, board, and volunteers; and difficulties attracting younger people. The board feels the need to enter a new phase reflective of the present situation. The board plans on placing its assets in what will be the Tuesday’s Angels Donor Advised Fund at Our Fund. The advisors will be several of the current board members who will ensure that the money will be spent to continue the mission of providing direct assistance to financially needy people with HIV in Broward County. This fund will have a life of ten years and will be Tuesday’s Angel’s legacy. Any donations to the fund can be made with the knowledge that administrative costs will be paid out of the current board account so that 100% of donations will continue to pay for assistance as always, and donations are encouraged. Tuesday’s Angels is extremely proud of what its donors and volunteers have accomplished, having raised and distributed over two and a half million dollars over the years which has helped thousands of needy people, a testament to the commitment and efforts of all.

Since arriving in Florida four years ago, I have been working, volunteering, and donating money to 'Tuesday Angels', an organization dedicated to raising money, helping, and supporting those with HIV. Last month, after being around for several decades, Tuesday Angels seized to exist. The need for such an organization was slowly diminishing. While sad, it is hopeful, that perhaps progress is being made. Millions like Lars are living longer, stronger, and more hopeful lives. I will always pray for friends and family that didn't make it, and I am thankful for the gift of hope they left all of us, and I will always be grateful for showing us how to pass on with dignity. So many, gone too soon. Perhaps the legacy of Tuesday Angel's is a look into the future. Perhaps it is more hopeful than I see or can understand. I do know that the soul of this nation lies in the lives that have gone before and those that unselfishly extended a helping hand. http://www.tuesdaysangels.org/

Since were on the subject, FWIW...I get the same emails, saying I haven't logged in for X number of days and I need to, and that I need to upload a photo for my avatar.

Now that we've got that all worked out, can we please get back to "Grandma" posting pictures of Nick Jonas...

I disagree...I've never understood the need to save a contentious thread filled with hateful remarks and threats in the 'Sand Box'. What's the point? Of course it's entertaining to go back and re-read the meltdowns, but I think that once a thread reaches that degree, and posters are literally yelling at each cyberly, it's best that it just goes away. Let all of the bad behavior die. Leaving it alive for others to see and reread and continue to comment on, does little to promote civility. Of course deleting threads, putting posters on 'time-out' or banning them altogether without explanation means there is a lack of transparency, but as a member, I don't need to know why, nor do I care, the reasoning behind the all of the actions of admin. Anyway...I've probably said too much. Plus there's homemade apple pie and Haagen Daz vanilla ice cream in the fridge. A gift from a neighbor for helping her paint all day.

More interesting posters like you, @Larstrup, and @AdamSmith...Failing that, my participation here is rather limited. I don't really have an interest in traveling to Latin or South America currently, so that forum doesn't really bring me here. My participation on the MF is primarily in the Lounge and the political section. As stated repeatedly, I don't think anyone really knows why so many people participate on the MF, but the fact is, that those that do, are a diverse and interesting group. Yes...traffic drives participation. It's like a snowball rolling down hill, the further it goes, the bigger it gets, but in the end, it's not just the traffic, it's the quality of the posters. Since I've haven't had my morning latte and lemon loaf, I'm just a tad bit cranky this Sunday morning, so I'll preface my comments by saying, this doesn't speak to your questions specifically, and I know I'll get strong opinions to the contrary, and that's fine, but I like the more stricter moderating of the MF. There, I've said it. I think administrators who moderate with a heavier hand create and demand a more civil place to post. It keeps troll behavior in check, yes myself included, and allows an atmosphere of more discussion rather than attacks. I haven't always agreed with Daddy or Deej, their decisions sometimes seem unreasonable and unfair, but nothing is perfect, no one and no system without fault. As an example, this year was a fascinating year for politics, and for all the bantering, heated exchanges, unwavering opinions, blatant personal attacks, the political section (we miss you there) was a brilliant read. Even those I vehemently disagreed with, would keep the place lively. The moderators would step in every now and again, but for the most part, they let discussions take their natural course. So that's all I've got...except to say, I have met and gotten to know personally, more than a few posters on the MF, probably a couple of dozen over the years, and I am always amazed at how interesting some of the people over there are. There lives and life experiences bring so much to the table, that there is always a different perspective to consider. I've learned a lot, laughed a lot, and read a lot, and in the end, walked away better for it. When I was banned, I missed it, when I travel, I miss it, if it ever ends, I will miss it, but it already has made my life more interesting, more fun, and some of my best friends I met on there, so at this point, everything going forward is just icing on the cake.

I've moved on....

In reading this, I was reminded of this...

Another must read... https://twitter.com/timjacobwise

A must watch... https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/everyday-racism-in-america-a-special-msnbc-town-hall-1242055747897

If you can get through all eleven minutes, it becomes a little walk down memory lane. AND Louis Edmonds (Langley) had quite a nice run.