Palantir

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-05/a-lesson-in-acceptance/8238816This turned up in our Aussie news a short while ago. It is a poignant example of how beautiful the human spirit can be in the face of tragedy and loss.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Dylan Thomas

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

All the best A.J. If the site had a Hall of Fame for service and quiet achievement I'd demand you should have a place in it.

AND - commendations to you Drew for this mind project you've undertaken and followed through. The world needs enquiring minds like yours.

Best wishes, Skinny.

Sorry for your loss, Tiger.

Whoo! It never rains but it poors. I hope there are clearer times ahead for you!!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

The spirit of his song will inspire The message of his voice will touch hearts The light will shine through the cracks Till there are no ears left to listen. Leonard Cohen is now free. Vale

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Maybe it's good news. The article certainly paints it that way. It made me smile enough to consider putting it in the 'Make Us laugh; section, but apparently it's true.- and we're a long way off from 1st April. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-31/scrotox-helps-men-give-wrinkly-scrotums-the-sack/7970466

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1, 2, &3 Lord of the Rings. I do have a beautiful india paper edition with all three sections in it but it sounds like the rules don't allow that. 4. The Dark is Rising. This is my pick of a wonderfully written series by Susan Cooper. 5. Gate of Darkness Circle of Light. Tanya Huff. 6. The Hero and the Crown. An extraordinary heroine story by Robin McKinley. Honorable mentions. These are series and break the rules but I can't resist putting them in. Modesty Blaise novels. by Peter O'Donnell - a story teller extraordinaire. Travis McGee series by American author John D Macdonald. The tough guy novels which inspired modern thriller writer Lee Child. The trouble with these list things is that there are always a dozen other titles which could just as easily fit in (except LOR is always at the top for me).

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Can we make a distinction between 'possession' and 'connection'? As chrysoprase so insightfully explains, we use the same terms for both and make our own interpretations. In our enlightened societies we mostly hear the 'connection' usage and equating that with 'possession' is a step too far. But, and I think this is a big 'But', the 'possession' aspect is also a very serious fact of life. Here in Australia the prevalence of domestic violence has become a major public issue in recent times with a shocking amount of suicide and family trauma coming to light. Slavery is still part of our world and many cultures have the 'possession' of wives and children as their norm. W_L's point about 'ownership' is significant and one we should be aware of.

Stromatolites have been high on my interest list ever since I saw them in Western Australia and learnt that they brought oxygen to our atmosphere. Lol - shameless plug - I even included the ones in James' above pic in my scifi novel 'Attunga'.

My memory might be serving me wrong but I think FELIX THE CAT could be considered. I think he was famous before any of the above existed.

I hope you get the job, Hunter, and I hope you don't let the move to a distant place put you off. If you find the job doesn't suit or you can't build a niche in a new environment all you have to do is leave and try somewhere else. It sounds like there's always a place for you with your folks. Every place you move to is an opportunity to make new relationships and have broader experiences. In my teaching career of 35 years I moved to ten different towns and in every one of them there was a new set of people to relate to. IMHO a full time teaching job is far superior to a lot of subbing. Having your own classes means more more control over presentation of your course work and the opportunity to develop a more meaningful rapport with your students. Living away from home? It sounds to me that you've plenty of built in gumption and you won't have any real problems. You'll just do it. Can you be a success as a teacher? You'll never know if you don't have a go. Best wishes for your interview.

The TV news report actually described it as a gay brothel, which surprised me, and the reporter got the impression from the police that it was more likely a personal issue than a general hate crime. Extraordinary disregard for general users if that's the case.

Tim, I agree with most of what you say and your aim of equality of treatment for everyone regardless of gender, race etc is an ideal sadly lacking on this planet of ours. Bur are you saying inequality should be approached as 'all or nothing'? I think it's such a vast problem that it will never be fixed in one great clean sweep and any progress will have to occur bit by little bit.