LateForLife - Latest Comments

Re: Going Topless: Activism’s Twilight Zone

Jeanneinbidd — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:45:01 -0000

Hi, I'm Jeanne from Biddeford, and I think we ought to have the right to bare our chests in public. I know my husband would like seeing other men stare at my bare chest.

Re: Private: Home Alone 14

facebook-740821978 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:19:59 -0000

Testing comment in private.

Re: Wacky Saturday Stack: Bulletproof Turban?

drew_schimmenti — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:22:13 -0000

Me too!

Re: Wacky Saturday Stack: Bulletproof Turban?

jlknight — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:44:05 -0000

If science can make glow-in-the-dark puppies I think a ballistic turban is within reach.

Their Sikhism didn't preclude them from serving in the British (Indian) Army during the World Wars. They went into battle with nothing more covering their heads than turbans and made many notable contributions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Indian_Army). The British military is actively recruiting Sikhs in an effort to diversify their forces (http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player... and http://www.bitc.org.uk/resources/case_studies/b...).

If Sikhs can be part of the British Army, why can't they be SWAT?

Re: Wacky Saturday Stack: Bulletproof Turban?

ealight46 — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:02:14 -0000

I like the cat. Can't help it. Just such a silly look on its face.

Re: Wacky Saturday Stack: Bulletproof Turban?

NeilSchimmenti — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:23:45 -0000

I'm stuck on the idea that a bulletproof or ballistic turban is even feasible. I agree with the sentiment of the statement BSPA about the opportunity for all officers to serve; and they may serve if they agree to cut their hair to fit into a helmet. In seems to me that Sikhsim precludes them from serving in these roles... not the police's lack of accommodating them. Besides, the helmets woud be like the one's in Spaceballs.

Re: Wacky Saturday Stack: Bulletproof Turban?

jlknight — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:36:28 -0000

I vote for a helmet that covers their hair and letting everyone participate. A bulletproof turban may be ridiculous but I am sure there is a way to construct a helmet that could fit.

I think the most important points from the article are: "It is a frustration for them - we see our colleagues putting their lives on the line and we want to serve alongside them." / "The more closely the police service reflects the people it serves, the more effectively it can protect and support that community."

I think anything that can be done to promote further diversity in law enforcement is a good thing, no matter how silly it seems on the surface.

Re: Wacky Saturday Stack: Bulletproof Turban?

facebook-1301098205 — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:40:44 -0000

Enjoyed the article...If a cat can have head gear fashioned for its head, why not Sikh officers : )
But seriously, I think the idea of a bulletproof turban is a bit ridiculous. If you can't wear what is required for the job, then that's not the job for you. For example, I never would work at Hot Dog on a Stick due to the horrendous head gear.

Re: Don’t Forget to Sanitize Your Hands

drew_schimmenti — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:20:16 -0000

That stuff is gross. And after the you know what flu, it's all over my office.

Re: Don’t Forget to Sanitize Your Hands

drewg41 — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:55:25 -0000

Never would carry it. I've used it once and that was enough for me. Kate has the right idea with soap and warm water. Hand sanitizer, I've read, kills off too much bacteria that can help strengthen one's immune system. If I worked around kids, I'd probably use it but not excessively. I think it's more important to just be mindful about where you putting your hands to your face/mouth.

Re: Ignorant Americans to Show their Support On Cinco De Mayo

drewg41 — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:51:37 -0000

Estimado, Cristo! ¡Eso era muy divertido!

Re: Ignorant Americans to Show their Support On Cinco De Mayo

NeilSchimmenti — Thu, 07 May 2009 02:11:00 -0000

One of my co-workers is from rural, northern Mexico. He said that Cinco de Mayo is a more low-key event en Mexico than Kate described as the typical American celebration. In college, this was always a big event because it was the end of college for the seniors. I graduated on May the 10th 2003.

Re: Don’t Forget to Sanitize Your Hands

NeilSchimmenti — Wed, 06 May 2009 23:39:41 -0000

My recollection is that only one of my parents taught me to wash my hands before eating. I find it fascinating that a kid would ask you for it. I wonder if the same kid who asks you for hand sanitizer will be a germ-a-phobe later in life.

Re: Don’t Forget to Sanitize Your Hands

katelyons — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:18:05 -0000

As a person who's in close contact with children most of the day, I do carry sanitizer in my bag. I do it both to protect myself from germs and to have it when kids ask to use it. But, I would say that when giving the option, I would rather wash my hands with soap and warm water.

Re: Ignorant Americans to Show their Support On Cinco De Mayo

katelyons — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:49:37 -0000

On May 4th, 3 schools in Maryland were closed due to the Swine Flu. On May 5th, everyone seemed to forget all about it. Why? Because it was Cinco de Drinko!!! Yesterday, I saw people on their lunch break drinking discounted margaritas and chowing down Mexican dishes. In Mexico, many Cinco de Mayo festivities were cancelled due to the Swine Flu, yet here in the Land of the Free it didn't matter. We don't even think about Mexico on Cinco de Mayo, rather we celebrate it as another day to consume drinks with our co-workers or host a spring BBQ. I saw at least 6 posts on facebook referring to 'Cinco de Drinko,' while I was a bit jealous of these people, I couldn't help but feel guilty that the US celebrated this holiday while those for whom it actually means something were at home in fear of contracting the Swine Flu.

Re: Just how worried are you about the Swine Flu?

PeterAllen — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:54:44 -0000

I'd chime in here, but all of the ideas I have about this shit have been posted in some form or another...hell, who am I kidding? I can yap about anything.

This whole panic is fucking ridiculous. People are being told to stay out of public places, not to greet each other with anything more than a pat on the shoulder...I saw a headline that stated "First American Dies From Swine Flu" and it really pissed me off. What about the hundreds of people all over the world who lost their lives to this stupid disease? What about the hundreds of other people who died of the more virulent and more potent seasonal flu? What about the people suffering from other diseases? Why is this woman's face all over the internet?

This is really just a way for the government and other assorted powers at be to keep us at bay. Someone out there wanted a bigger paycheck so they latched on to this shit and are having people freak out about it, clamoring for a vaccine. I'm not saying it's a conspiracy theory but this is the same kind of absurd reaction people had to all of those other flavor-of-the-week health scares of the last few years: SARS, mad cow disease, anthrax attacks...and what about all of the other bullshit that people are getting pills for? Restless leg syndrome? Overactive bladder? Fuck you. People are still dying due to an inability to afford mosquito netting and clean water, I could give a fuck about swine flu.

Also, every person has a 100% chance of dying at some point in the future. Our society, especially, needs to relax with this bullshit campaign of infinite youth with makeup and hair replacement treatment. Easy to say that while I'm young, I guess, but part of growing up for me has been realizing that no one lives forever and it's pointless to try to fight things that are out of your hands.

Re: Just how worried are you about the Swine Flu?

drewg41 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:50:42 -0000

Still fairly pricey, IMO.

A jolly laugh at "social responsibility" for pharmaceutical companies. Since when have they had the public's best interest in mind? "You need this pill! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to feel this way! And...umm..we need your $$$$$!"

As far as our relations with the Mexican border, I suppose I've flipped back and forth as to whether or not they should 'close the border.' I think the majority of people who read this website know that the border is NEVER officially closed. It would be naive to believe in such nonsense. That said, even if they were somewhat serious about it you and I both know why it wouldn't be completely shut down.

Immigration and the overall image that American's have of Mexico is a subplot to this whole story. In the back of my head I hear "Paper Planes" playing. "Packed and delivered like UPS trucks."

Outside of the spring break Cancun drinkathon, how do you all feel about Mexico? Perhaps a better question would be to ask what you feel the exent of our relationship with Mexico should be.

Re: Just how worried are you about the Swine Flu?

drew_schimmenti — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:51:58 -0000

I just stepped into our office kitchen, and this was the head story on CNN. I'm not concerned about contracting Pig Flu either. Further, I'm absolutely positive I could conquer the little fucker if I did catch it. CNN was calling for a time of "social responsibility" for pharmaceutical companies... perhaps they can pre-sell us medicine for the next 5 or 6 pandemics down the road. Apparently pumping us full of anti-depressants and boner pills isn't sufficient.

Probably the worst part of all this is the gigantic hit to the Mexican economy (a far deadlier consequence). On top of the country being devastated by the global market recession and drug-related violence, Mexico is now the epicenter for a media-created pandemic (The Shining Light, if you will). I just looked up a round trip ticket from DC to Mexico City for tomorrow at $190 USD.

Re: Just how worried are you about the Swine Flu?

drewg41 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:08:01 -0000

Linsey,

Thanks for your comment! It's great to have you back on this site!

It's true that an imminent threat isn't the same as immediate deaths. If people felt that they were backed against the wall, at this point you might see some people going a bit further with their efforts to prevent such an illness. To be fair, however, I have heard of people staying away from pork (which has been declared as safe to eat) along with Mexican food. Others are canceling their trips to New York or Mexico and I'm sure there are a number of people wearing masks. I don't think any of these are necessary but I will get to that in my last point, which applies to your personal situation.

I think you bring up a great point when you mentioned the number of flu-related deaths (not Swine Flu). Basically at this point (and these aren't exact figures) you have about 500,000 cases of influenza in the world and 500 of the Piggly-Wiggly flu. Call me a little bit more paranoid about this year’s influenza and not something that's just come along in the past month.

Another good point that you bring up is the discrepancies between the people in Mexico contrasted to people in America. I'm still at a loss as to why the cases in Europe and the South Pacific are not being talked about as much as the former two but I digress. Why are people in Mexico dying and people in America only mildly ill? Apparently (and this isn't coming from a serious source but more so word of mouth) in Mexico the slaughtering of pigs is a big deal and the lowered agriculture standards of how these pigs are maintained has a lot to do with this. Not to gross anyone out but the pigs that are slaughtered are then fed to other pigs before they are slaughtered. It's a viscious cycle that has basically left dead pig remnants are all over the place in Mexico; in the water, in the food, etc. I'm proud to say that our agriculture standards are slightly better in America but that's not really saying much. Perhaps that's a discussion for another day.

As far as your living situation and having a weakened immune system; I strongly urge you to tell your family members to wash their hands, cover their mouths when yawning and coughing. I don't think your family has to go above and beyond, with hand sanitizers or masks. Just simple hot water and soap should suffice. Also just reminding them that you need to remain in good health because of your situation isn't really a crime. Bottom line; their well-being could seriously affect your safety.

Good luck and be safe.

Re: Just how worried are you about the Swine Flu?

Linsey — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:15:27 -0000

I think it becomes sort of a semantics issue when one reads in the news that "a pandemic is imminent". The sort of reaction that will ellicit is much different than if it was reported that a number of people have contracted and died from this swine-bird hybrid influenza. What's the motivation behind stirring people's fear? I agree it's probably money-related. To put it into context: in the U.S. alone, around 36,000 people die from flu-related causes every year. So far, the swine flu has only decimated one person--a baby in Texas that had come from Mexico City--in the United States, yet some people are in panic mode. I'm not one to ignore these threats as I have a weakened immune system and would probably not stand a chance against this newly identified illness, but I don't feel panicked enough to don a paper mask when I go out of the house. Unless all of Mexico's afflicted decide to storm California under cover of night, nursing their crepuscular contagion and deciding they're willing to unleash it on other innocents, I think I'm pretty safe.

Re: Fighting for our right to Party

drewg41 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:02:37 -0000

That is by far and large more persuasive! You mean if I enlist Ukranian women will run after me? Where do I sign up?!?

I really have very little to add to this discussion but I will say that I believe too much emphasis is put on enlisting, as a means for showing your "national pride." Since when is putting your life at risk the ONLY means of showing how much you love your country? Aren't there other ways?

I'm no genius but I do love my country. Using my sub-genius brain levels, I'm going to make an educated guess that there are, in fact, other ways to support my country and it may not require me risking my life.

How's staying home (in America), working full time, supporting the AMERICAN economy, and being critical of America's motives (yes that includes our foreign relations and war efforts) any less patriotic than a person who's decided to learn how to run and shoot a gun at the same time? What about raising a child? Isn't that something "bigger" than one's self?

I'm sure the people who enlist are the first ones who will call me selfish but I can handle the criticism. Go ahead and call me what you will but I think I'll stay put....

...right in front of my laptop.

Re: Fighting for our right to Party

ealight46 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:43:57 -0000

I think there is an aching need in all of us to be a part of something larger than ourselves. Some find this is religion. Some in politics or business. Others become larger than life in their own minds (abuse of alcohol and drugs.) Some just have a large brood hoping that one among them will allow for "the legacy" to happen so that they can live their life vicariously through their children's success.
How many find their choice is not all they hoped it would be, or nothing of what they longed for? For some who choose the military it is a glimpse of hell on earth. God help them.
What I like about this article is that it does not pass judgement. Perhaps a dialogue can help to bring an understanding around the whys of the choices we make. If it makes one son or daughter think long and hard about the flashy ads and empty promises, it will have been worthwhile.

Re: Fighting for our right to Party

drew_schimmenti — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:30:30 -0000

Hey Brian! Welcome to the site.

Yes I agree "National Pride" is a large motivating factor for enlistment. However, I would argue that there seems to be a positive correlation between national-pride and national-crisis where increased rates of enlistment are concerned.

Re: Fighting for our right to Party

brianftam — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:03:04 -0000

Nice article guys, love the site too.

Shouldn't the list of reasons to enlist include "National Pride"? This seems to be another motivating factor, especially in the red states (Not that liberals have no national pride). This also seems to be the most noble.

Re: Fighting for our right to Party

drew_schimmenti — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:23:30 -0000

This is a far more persuasive presentation.