Peter Jennings Reportedly Near Death

[LuckyCharms]

state of cali has a law coming in place to ban smoking in prisons (prisoners/gaurds/staff.) imagine!


Oh geeze that's a great idea, a bunch of convicts with a nicotine fit all at once. I know I get pretty uneasy when I don't get a smoke, hmm I wonder what it's like for someone who KILLS PEOPLE when they get uneasy.

[gldstwmn]

Put it this way, I would let someone spill hot coffee on me for $50,000 (sexual pleasure aside :laugh: :rolleyes: :laugh: ) - who wouldn't :shrug:

I wouldn't. :shrug:

[strandinthewind]

I wouldn't. :shrug:

If you were broke you would :shrug: I say that because that is a lot of the fraud seen in PI cases. Rental car companies see it all of the time. Someone rents a car with the optional insurance and then has a "hit and run" orchestrated with a friend. What is a few months of purported back pain and, if your lucky, free surgery on a pre-existing injury for 50 to 100 thousand dollars when you are out of work, have no money, etc. Trust me when I say it happens often and the determiment of legitimate claims.

[BTFLCHLD]

no diss but there certainly is a lot of coverage of his death. for clarification, by diss i meant disrespect...not OUR DISS as i refer to him with affection :wavey:

[skcin]

in April 2004 we had to apply for assistance (Food Stamps) because after we payed all of our bills we were broke (Which finally flattened our savings to $0), And we werent about to starve because our pride forbid us for asking for help.

We received only temporary help for 2 months, And even then we were told we were ONLY being helped since we never had to apply before and "strapped the system"...We were however told that if "we had a child then they would have bent over backwards for us"...I think that is utter complete BS.


I feel for you Brian. My parents are going throught the exact same thing. They had assistance for a bit, but with mom's whopping $600 a month SSI & my 61 year old father installing vinyl siding, they make too much money now. :rolleyes:

Health insurance out of pocket for family coverage (which, even though there's only 2 people in their family they still have to pay the same amount as a family of 4 or 6 or 8 etc.) is at least $500 a month, not including copays for MD visits & medications. They are too young for Medicare. They are getting some sort of small discount, I think the insurance is "only" $300 a month now.

[Johnny Stew]

Again, the medical evidence to support that you will get cancer from very limited exposure to cigs is really nonexistent. You would have to be around smoke everyday and pretty much in closed quarters - which you say you are not. So, the logic behind that concern is specious - though I readily admit smokers should be courteous, etc.My exposure to secondhand smoke is limited NOW because I made it so.
But I've been around smokers my entire life. My mother doesn't smoke, and my father quit smoking when I was born... but one of my aunts and several of our family friends always smoked around us -- on an almost daily basis, and in chain-smoking fashion. And pretty much all of my friends smoke like fiends.
Thank God Joshua doesn't smoke.

Interesting aside: I heard last night that Dana Reeves never smoked. And that one in five women diagnosed with lung cancer never smoked.My grandmother died from lung cancer in her early 60s, and she never smoked a die in her life. That's all I need to know about the effects of secondhand smoke.

[Johnny Stew]

You are being so judgemental lately :laugh:

I know this will be hard for you to fathom because you hate smoking so much, but there are people who like it and consider it worth the risk.I can't think of ANYTHING that I like so much as to consider it worth the risk of heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer, strokes and macular degeneration (among many other things).

I'm sorry if I sound judgemental, but I just don't get how smoking is enjoyable enough to risk your life and the lives of those around you.

[strandinthewind]

I can't think of ANYTHING that I like so much as to consider it worth the risk of heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer, strokes and macular degeneration (among many other things).

I'm sorry if I sound judgemental, but I just don't get how smoking is enjoyable enough to risk your life and the lives of those around you.

Well, people make similar judgements everyday. To the moral purists and many others, the thought of ten minutes (or whatever) of sex is not worth the risk of getting AIDS. Some people get a thrill out of skydiving. Some people race cars. All of those things are very dangerous activities during which one willingly places themselves in harm's way. Smoking is no different when it comes to individual choice and pleasure derived from that choice.

BTW - don't be sorry about sounding judgemental - own it :cool:

[strandinthewind]

. . . My grandmother died from lung cancer in her early 60s, and she never smoked a die in her life. That's all I need to know about the effects of secondhand smoke.

I am sorry for your loss, but one on five women get lung cancer according to the post above :shrug: So, unless you know facts we do not, for you to assume it was because of second hand smoke is a leap, esp. given the relatively low statistical chance of her getting it from that :shrug:

[GateandGarden]

You are being so judgemental lately :laugh:

I know this will be hard for you to fathom because you hate smoking so much, but there are people who like it and consider it worth the risk.That's really hard to believe, but I guess you're right. Some people do cocaine and heroin because they enjoy it and consider it worth the risk, I guess, but I can't help but think that in most cases it's because the addiction has taken them over. At least that's what people have been telling me all my life. Thank the D.A.R.E. program for that. :shrug:

As I told Maria, I don't consider myself better than anyone merely because the person smokes. I have to make that very clear. I can have a problem with the people who happen to want to blow it in my face (which is certainly not all, I must clarify) but at the same time, I just have a problem those people's actions, not the people themselves. And though that is related to smoking, my problem is not with the fact that they smoke. I can't imagine thinking I'm better than someone for making that choice.

[gldstwmn]

If you were broke you would :shrug:

I've been broke plenty of times and I never sued anybody. I was homeless when I was 17 and I never did anything to compromise my principles then either.

[GateandGarden]

Well, people make similar judgements everyday. To the moral purists and many others, the thought of ten minutes (or whatever) of sex is not worth the risk of getting AIDS. Some people get a thrill out of skydiving. Some people race cars. All of those things are very dangerous activities during which one willingly places themselves in harm's way. Smoking is no different when it comes to individual choice and pleasure derived from that choice.

BTW - don't be sorry about sounding judgemental - own it :cool:Well, I don't know what to say about those other examples but even for a moral purist, there's the choice of safe sex to pretty eliminate the risk of contracting the HIV virus.

That was me borrowing Amber's Der Magazine for a second. :o

[strandinthewind]

Well, I don't know what to say about those other examples but even for a moral purist, there's the choice of safe sex to pretty eliminate the risk of contracting the HIV virus . . . .

Well, that is still a choice and a risk. I know people who are now dead who always practiced safe sex :shrug: So, the risk is real.

[strandinthewind]

I've been broke plenty of times and I never sued anybody. I was homeless when I was 17 and I never did anything to compromise my principles then either.

You, my dear, are the exception to every rule :xoxo: :xoxo:

[GypsySorcerer]

I am sorry for your loss, but one on five women get lung cancer according to the post above :shrug: So, unless you know facts we do not, for you to assume it was because of second hand smoke is a leap, esp. given the relatively low statistical chance of her getting it from that :shrug:

I am not sure where you are getting that one in five women get lung cancer.:confused: I thought it said that one in five women with lung cancer never smoked.

[strandinthewind]

That's really hard to believe, but I guess you're right. Some people do cocaine and heroin because they enjoy it and consider it worth the risk, I guess, but I can't help but think that in most cases it's because the addiction has taken them over. At least that's what people have been telling me all my life. Thank the D.A.R.E. program for that. :shrug: . . . .

I was more talking about legal things. Illegal things should not be done because of the illegality. Now, whether some things like alcohol, which is addictive, should be illegal - well that is a whole other debate :laugh:

[GateandGarden]

I was more talking about legal things. Illegal things should not be done because of the illegality. Now, whether some things like alcohol, which is addictive, should be illegal - well that is a whole other debate :laugh:Oh lord. :laugh: Really though, I figure if people smoke because they just love it despite the risk than the same could go for these other things--but on the other hand, all of those substances are addictive and it's difficult for people to stop and that supports my argument that people are doing it because they can't stop, not because they want to. But I'm sure you've thought about this a lot more than I have so I'm ready for you to prove how what I'm saying actually doesn't make any sense and I generally suck at debating, so...:shrug:

[strandinthewind]

I am not sure where you are getting that one in five women get lung cancer.:confused: I thought it said that one in five women with lung cancer never smoked.


That is what I meant - :sorry: - but the point/intent is the same in that of the women who get lung cancer, 20% did not get it from smoking cigs. and the incidences of cancer from second hand smoke are relatively small. So, there is a significant chance she dod not get it from second hand smoke - assuming there are not other significant factors, etc. I mean she could have worked around asbestos for all her life.

[GateandGarden]

Well, that is still a choice and a risk. I know people who are now dead who always practiced safe sex :shrug: So, the risk is real.Well, there's always safe sex and getting tested, but I know how the latter doesn't always happen.

[strandinthewind]

Oh lord. :laugh: Really though, I figure if people smoke because they just love it despite the risk than the same could go for these other things--but on the other hand, all of those substances are addictive and it's difficult for people to stop and that supports my argument that people are doing it because they can't stop, not because they want to. But I'm sure you've thought about this a lot more than I have so I'm ready for you to prove how what I'm saying actually doesn't make any sense and I generally suck at debating, so...:shrug:

No, you are a master debater - HEY :laugh: :laugh: ;) :p

In the end, it is all about personal choice, which is all I am talking about here.

[GateandGarden]

In the end, it is all about personal choice, which is all I am talking about here.Well, I've known people who said they had no choice in the matter, that they wanted to quit but couldn't because it's too addictive. :shrug:

[strandinthewind]

Well, there's always safe sex and getting tested, but I know how the latter doesn't always happen.


There is no "safe sex" there is only "safer sex." Condoms only stop the virus within the condom. It is possible that someone had a cut in their mouth, on their hands, the pre-ejaculatory fluid was on the guys hand when he put on the condom and there is remained once the sex started, etc. The bottom line is though condoms drastically reduce your chances of getting it, they are not 100% effective.

Yes, people can take the morning after anti-virals for a couple of weeks, but not everyone can afford that and most just do not think to bother with it unless the condom breaks.

[strandinthewind]

Well, I've known people who said they had no choice in the matter, that they wanted to quit but couldn't because it's too addictive. :shrug:

And I am not agruing against that, I am just saying it was their choice to start in the first place. I am not saying everyone who smokes enjoys it or wants to continue it.

[GateandGarden]

There is no "safe sex" there is only "safer sex." Condoms only stop the virus within the condom. It is possible that someone had a cut in their mouth, on their hands, the pre-ejaculatory fluid was on the guys hand when he put on the condom and there is remained once the sex started, etc. The bottom line is though condoms drastically reduce your chances of getting it, they are not 100% effective.I know. I should've used the term "safer sex" But then male condoms have no relevance to me personally. :p

[strandinthewind]

I know. I should've used the term "safer sex" But then male condoms have no relevance to me personally. :p


Oops - I edited as you replied :laugh:

Do I need to send you some dental dams :laugh:

[GateandGarden]

Oops - I edited as you replied :laugh:

Do I need to send you some dental dams :laugh:For some reason, the term "dental dams" freaks me out. :shrug: :laugh: Is it because I hate going to the dentist? What are the chances of me finding another virgin and that person being my only partner so we wouldn't have to worry about all that crap? Pretty slim, I imagine. :laugh: I'm one day I will have to face something sickening like dental dams.

Okay, I was about to say more and then I realized y'all probably wouldn't want to read it. :laugh: :o

[GateandGarden]

Okay, when I notice the title of this thread I realize that all our bickering and arguing and now talk about sex is in poor Peter Jennings' thread. :sorry:

[strandinthewind]

Okay, when I notice the title of this thread I realize that all our bickering and arguing and now talk about sex is in poor Peter Jennings' thread. :sorry:


I think he would find it hysterical (though I never knew him) and I also think we are just waking him in some fashion :cool:

RIP Mr. Jennings - I thought you were great!

[SuzeQuze]

I've been broke plenty of times and I never sued anybody. I was homeless when I was 17 and I never did anything to compromise my principles then either.

You were homeless? :xoxo: Wow that must have been hard. Seventeen was one of my most depressing years but those issues seem silly compared to your predicament at that time.

[DrummerDeanna]

For some reason, the term "dental dams" freaks me out. :shrug: :laugh: Is it because I hate going to the dentist? What are the chances of me finding another virgin and that person being my only partner so we wouldn't have to worry about all that crap? Pretty slim, I imagine. :laugh: I'm one day I will have to face something sickening like dental dams.

Okay, I was about to say more and then I realized y'all probably wouldn't want to read it. :laugh: :o



OMG - I HATE HATE HATE the term Dental Dam. It grosses me out to no end :shrug: I don't know why - I really really despise the way it sounds or something...dental dam. ugh....I need a barfing smiley.

[estranged4life]

Health insurance out of pocket for family coverage (which, even though there's only 2 people in their family they still have to pay the same amount as a family of 4 or 6 or 8 etc.) is at least $500 a month, not including copays for MD visits & medications. They are too young for Medicare. They are getting some sort of small discount, I think the insurance is "only" $300 a month now.

is that I personally have NO medical/health insurance (Deb cannot add me to her coverage since for her it is currently paying 100% of all medical costs).

My only saving grace is that since I am a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma I am covered under IHS (Indian Health Services), so for now IHS is paying for my medical treatment since I have doctumented proof of my illness (Due to the May 3rd CT Scans)...It seems I picked a great time to be sick, didnt I?

[The Tower]

You were homeless? :xoxo: Wow that must have been hard. Seventeen was one of my most depressing years but those issues seem silly compared to your predicament at that time.
Here's another Chris who was homeless- for about six months during Bush the Senior's lovely term when I was 22. It's definitely scary- but, I was pretty fearless back then so... :shrug: Eh- life goes on.

Dental dams = ewwww. I don't really like condoms, either- but, I never use them so it's no biggie for me.

[DrummerDeanna]

Wow - we should start a "have you ever been homeless" thread.

I have known many people who have, at times in their lives, been homeless for various reasons. There is SUCH a misconception about homelessness in this country - it really pisses me off most of the time - the ignorance associated with it and the way that homeless people get treated. It's just awful.

I have been fortunate enough to never have been homeless - and I am thankful for that and for everything that I have every day of my life.

I'm curious to hear the stories of those who have been homeless- it's an issue that is really close to my heart.

[estranged4life]

Wow - we should start a "have you ever been homeless" thread.

I have known many people who have, at times in their lives, been homeless for various reasons. There is SUCH a misconception about homelessness in this country - it really pisses me off most of the time - the ignorance associated with it and the way that homeless people get treated. It's just awful.

I have been fortunate enough to never have been homeless - and I am thankful for that and for everything that I have every day of my life.

I'm curious to hear the stories of those who have been homeless- it's an issue that is really close to my heart.

but I have been houseless...Lived at the Salvation Army in downtown Tulsa for a week while I enrolled in technical school since I had nowhere to live or knew anyone in Tulsa at that time.

The tech.school tried to get me to board at an older woman's home (Her walls were covered with religious icons and the such which makes me nervous), But I was honest with her and told her I am not a religious person like she was and I thought it wouldnt be a good idea to have me as a boarder at her home...She thanked me for being honest.

I eventually ended up living in a nice hotel by myself because I never wanted to have some roommate who I would have to rely on to help pay the bills when I know I can do it myself as I had for several years...So I worked full-time 40+ hours a week and attended school full-time 40+ hours a week.

I gained new respect at the Salvation Army Center in T-town for those who hit hard times and ended up without a roof over their head and sometimes without food in their plates.

[David]

is that I personally have NO medical/health insurance (Deb cannot add me to her coverage since for her it is currently paying 100% of all medical costs).That's pretty scary, Brian. Would things be better in another state?

[estranged4life]

That's pretty scary, Brian. Would things be better in another state?

I am alright since I am on the Cherokee Nations tribal rolls here in Oklahoma...Elsewhere wouldnt be wise I believe, Though my sister has tried on several attempts to get me to come out West and she would send me to UCLA to see the doctors that she has dealt with.

[dissention]

I know. I should've used the term "safer sex" But then male condoms have no relevance to me personally. :p

Oy, female condoms are just about the most vile things in the universe. :eek: