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Having gone through two situations where living together proved to be the best choice, I'd have to say definitely YES. By living together, you can learn a lot about a person before being bound by marriage. Should you decide to live together first, you could possibly avoid a long term relationship with someone who has what I call the " JEKYLL & HYDE SYNDROME".

Although, living together first nor, marriage is ever a guarantee. Learning ones habits and mannerisms before tying the knot can save you a world of headaches and, heartache down the road. Once you walk down the aisle and, say your " I DO'S ", it can be harder to get out of a relationship which is sometimes, physically, emotionally and or, verbally abusive which can be detrimental to you health.

A lot of grown-ups now and, back in the day believe that, living together before marriage is a sin. But, I think that peoples outlook on that has changed tremendously and, It is no longer frowned upon as much as it used to be. Although, older some folks still believe that you should just go ahead and, tie the knot. I guess, they strongly believe in, " Till Death Do Us Part " and, whatever happens within the marriage should be dealt with and, worked out. Plus, to the older folks, divorce is totally out of the question so, I would definitely live together before getting married.

On June 12, 2009 the country as we know it will cease to exist. The "DIGITAL" phenomenon will turn many households into an uproar because there are a lot of people that do not have the extra money necessary to buy a new antenna or put towards the forty-dollar coupon. By the way, since this changed is being forced upon us, the Federal Government should have had the decency to at least given a coupon for the full amount instead of a measly forty dollars. The coupon for forty dollars is totally meaningless if you do not have the additional funds. In some cases, antennas currently in use by many households will be useless so the coupon really have no value at all. So many people are on fixed incomes, have recently lost their jobs, and cannot afford to buy a new antenna at this time.

It obviously does not matter to the Federal Government because they are forcing everyone to go digital whether they can afford it or not.
That would not be so bad if they were going to supply everything necessary to make this transition run smooth. I suppose they think they are doing something grand by giving us a mere minimum of two forty-dollar coupons
per househol.

Why The Switch?....

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 requires full-power television stations to turn off their analog channels by February 17, 2009 and begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format.
Will it really make a difference to non – entrepreneurs that going ALL-DIGITAL will free up parts of the airwaves for future innovative services by entrepreneurs? Will it be beneficial to people who will no longer have any service that TV stations can also improve their services with enhanced closed captioning, better pictures, and sound, and offer several channels of programming at the same time, known as "multicasting?"

What about everyone who cannot afford to make the change? Do they not matter? That will not make a bit of difference to everyone WHO WILL BE AFFECTED BY IT AND BE LEFT WITH NO TV TO WATCH FOR POSSIBLY THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. How does that sound?

....

Who Will Be Affected....

If you use an antenna to watch TV that has an analog tuner and you do not subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service, you will need to upgrade to digital television by February 17, 2009.....
At least 19.6 million households receive over-the-air signals exclusively in their homes, and 14.9 million households have secondary over-the-air TV in their bedrooms or other rooms in their homes. Overall, nearly 70 million television sets are at risk of losing their signals. How selfish, thoughtless, and inconsiderate is that?

Consumers have three options to continue getting television reception:

• Purchase a DTV converter box for your existing TV set
• Purchase a TV set with a built-in digital tuner
• Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service

THEY SEEM TO HAVE LEFT THIS ONE OUT:....

UPGRADE OR SIMPLY GO WITHOUT TV FOREVER!!!....

Note that the transition only applies to full-power TV stations. Some low-power stations will remain in analog, so you may need specific equipment to watch analog and digital broadcasting after the transition. "Pass-through" converter boxes allow your TV set to receive both analog and digital signals. To learn more about low-power television and to find out if the stations you watch are low power, click here.

How Do I Switch?....

Antenna on Analog TV
....

If you watch free broadcast television using an antenna on a TV that has an analog tuner and DO NOT subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service, you will be affected by the transition.
For further inconvenience, after installing your converter box, you will need to rescan (also known as "auto-tune") for new channels to make sure you receive all of the digital stations broadcasting in your area.

* Low-power TV stations may remain in analog after Feb. 17, 2009. Watching analog programming may require specific equipment. Learn more at dtvanswers.com/lowpower or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.

Which Antenna Is Right For You....

You will still need an antenna to continue watching free, over-the-air television after the transition to DTV.
They claim that generally, the same antenna that currently provides good quality reception on an analog TV will also provide good DTV reception, but this is not always the case. Several factors will determine which antenna you will need for digital reception. That includes how far you are from the transmitting station, where your antenna is located, and in which frequency band (VHF or UHF) the stations are that you want to watch.
After February 17, 2009, some stations will be moving to a different frequency band, so you need to check whether that is the case in your area before deciding which type of antenna you need.

To learn which frequency band the stations you watch are in, type in your address and zip code at www.antennaweb.org. This is also a resource for finding an outdoor antenna that they say will continue giving you free local broadcast programming.

Yes, you will still need an antenna to continue watching free, over-the-air television after the digital transition. In general, the same type of antenna that gives you good quality analog TV signals now will also provide reliable DTV reception. After February 17, 2009, some television stations will be moving to a different channel in a different frequency band, which may require you to get another type of antenna from the one you are using. To help determine which outdoor antenna is best for you, visit www.antennaweb.org.....

After hooking up a converter box to your TV, or installing a new digital television, you will need to scan (also known as "auto-tune") for new channels to ensure you receive all of the digital stations broadcasting in your area. Some boxes do this automatically BUT you may need to select scan manually.
Since some digital stations are still coming on air, you may want to consider rescanning on a periodic basis to get all of the digital programming available.
Some digital stations that are already on air are moving to different channel numbers at the end of DTV transition therefore, you may need to rescan again after February 17, 2009 to ensure that you receive all of the digital stations broadcasting in your area.

In today's society, words are thrown around like bird feed. People are quick to say things but, when the time comes to back it up, their no where to be found. A perfect example is the quote that seemingly appears to show concern for our youth, " Children Are Our Future." I've heard that phrase so often but, there's absolutely nothing to support it when it comes to certain issues. I say that because, the issues that surround the health and well-being of our children should be on the forefront of issues that need to be addressed and resolved ASAP. Too many children are getting into trouble and, getting hurt after school as a result of having nothing constructive to keep their minds occupied, enhance their creativity and, keep them off the streets. There used to be a time when Summer Youth Jobs were guaranteed without having to add your name to a lottery and, After School Programs were standard.

Many of the violent crimes involving children today probably wouldn't have taken place if there were jobs and after school programs to attend after school. Sure, there are a few places out there but, there aren't enough nor, are they in enough neighborhoods. In my opinion, the lottery for Summer Youth Jobs is one of the most asinine ideas ever thought of. These types of jobs and programs should be standard like it used to be. Thereby, giving many children something definite and constructive to do for the summer and, after school. That in turn, would enable them to achieve a sense of self worth, boosts their self - esteem and, let them feel the joy of making an honest dollar. There are more single working parents nowadays without someone at home to watch their teen child. Being a single parent leaves no choice but, for the parent to work just to support the child. Sometimes, it's an option to do so if, you so desire.

But, in some cases it's pure necessity in order to survive. Having jobs and programs for children will not only benefit children but, give parents/guardians piece of mind in knowing where their children are during certain periods of the day.
The Summer Youth Job lottery is like a slap in the face saying that our children just aren't important enough to summer jobs and programs that could be beneficial to their overall being.

Far too many people are under the impression that it's impossible to be friends with an ex. Well, I absolutely disagree with that. I'm not saying that everyone can do it but, it can be done. It all depends on the individuals and, the circumstances surrounding their past and current relationship. I met a boy in public school who became my boyfriend. We dated off and on throughout Public School and Junior High School. Though we broke up some where down the line, we still remained friends. Years later, in my adulthood we reconnected and, maintained a friendly physical only relationship while seeing other people but, never while either one of us were in a serious relationship. This man and I would talk to each other about our trysts with other people as if we never dating at all because we always were and, still are friends. When he was on his way down the aisle, I was invited and went to the wedding. There have been times when his wife and I would chat on the phone or, hang out with no problem.

We have also shared events with all of our children getting along just as we did as friends when we first met.
Though we've spent many years having physical relations, that time has passed and, we no longer look at each other in that manner. As a matter of fact, we don't even joke about anything sexual, it just doesn't come up. Plus, we respect each other far too much to go that route. If you and your ex truly have an understanding, especially if you broke up on a mutual and agreeable note then, you can actually have a non-sexual friendly relationship with your ex. It can definitely be done. To this day, a few of my exes and, I are like the best of friends. So, don't let people convince you that having your ex as a friend is impossible. Sometimes, it can actually be a blessing because, they may know things about you that can possibly help you out in the long run. Your ex has been with you so maybe, they're easy to talk to. Or, they may be a fantastic hang out buddy.

Don't get me wrong sometimes, having your ex as a friend can be a total disaster. In some instances, an ex may feel as though you're forever theirs. Therefore, showing signs of possessive behavior at the mere mention of you being with someone else. Also, there's the chance of them causing unnecessary trouble between you and, your present partner should they run into you. It's a catch 22 having your ex as a friend.

The other day, I was talking to a 15 yr. old girl and, a 14 yr. old boy. The conversation was about the advantages and, disadvantages of the two sexes. The conversation came about because of a comment made about, " That time of the month." The girl, whose name is Renee said to the boy Devon, " You are so lucky that you don't get your period." Renee, went on and expressed how unbearable the cramps are. I was flabbergasted when I heard the response from Devon. It hit me in a place that I was aware of yet, hearing it from his mouth was something no mother would ever want to hear. Devon, went on to say, " Man, I'll take cramps any day because, you have no idea how hard it is to be a teenage boy these days." He said the following things are issues teenage boys have to struggle with every day.

1. You have to constantly, watch your back.

2. Guys run up on you for no reason or because, they think you're looking at them in a wrongful manner.

3. You have to maintain a strong mentality to say no to drugs, gangs and, peer pressure.

4. You have to choose between applying yourself and, being all you can be in school or, run the risk of getting jumped because you are smart.

5. Sometimes they have to appear to be dumb or, less intelligent and hope that because, you're not applying yourself you won't get beaten up.

He also said, there are just so many obstacles in their way today that somehow being a girl, would seem much easier. It hurt me to hear this 14yr. old young man sound so distraught and, unsure of living from day to day just being a young male in today's society.

God bless these young men.

Teenagers today are more mischievous, curious, violent and, down right disrespectful as opposed to a couple of years ago. The streets seem to unravel and unleash the demons in even the most timid quiet types. Some teenagers feel the need to commit crimes or inflict bodily harm on innocent people just to earn a name and place for themselves on the street. Some of those crimes include but, are not limited to chain snatching, pick pocketing, burglary, robbery, graffiti and, murder. Then there are the actual innocent teenagers who get caught up in the mix from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In my opinion, it should be mandatory for the police to contact a child's parent or guardian before slapping the cuffs on and, arresting them. I've personally seen too many children under the age of sixteen being carted off without the parents being aware of the situation or being notified.

In those cases, it just so happened that neighbors where present and, they were kind enough and, had the decency to contact the parent/parents. But, not all teenagers are lucky enough to have neighbors who recognize them. Those are the ones who will be taken to the police station scared and alone. Sometimes the teenagers have already been taken to the precinct before the parents were even aware of the situation. Of course, some of the incidents involved teenagers actually doing things they shouldn't have been doing. Then, there were times when the teenagers just happened to be passing through a situation in progress or the aftermath then, the police come and round up the whole lot, innocent included.
That's why, I feel the police should attempt to contact the parent or guardian in front of the child before arresting them especially, non-violent teens. Unless, there's a crime in progress or there is concrete evidence that the teenager is guilty.

A temper tantrum is no excuse to put a 5-year-old in handcuffs and taken off to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Do you mean to tell me that adults could not constrain a 5-year-old without handcuffs? Besides, tantrums are not uncommon in children nor, adults for that matter. Besides, since when is it OK for a child to be subjected to such abuse? Being handcuffed in itself can possibly cause psychological trauma to a child who doesn't even understand the concept of being handcuffed.

By the time the child is hauled off for evaluation for throwing a tantrum, he or she may also need to be evaluated from the trauma of being handcuffed and, taken against their will. I understand that some children are rude and disruptive. But, what happened to the ordinary way one usually tries to tame an unruly child ? It's not like the child is older, bigger or, stronger than you. It's a pint size 5-year-old child and, you have look mighty foolish letting a child that young getting the best of you and cause you to stoop to that level.

Hello, My name is Maxine P. SoSo and I am an Author/Poet/Writer that have been a member on Myspace for about 2 years. I have been posting my poetry in my blogs and on the bulletin with a lot of comment acknowledging me as the original copyright owner of every one of those works. On Nov 15, 2008, I went to one of my blog subscribers profile just to say hello and saw some of my poetry titles  listed on his page leading to his blog. So, I went to his blog and saw 9 of my poems posted without my Copyright and name. He also had a few comments indicating they were under the impression that he had written them. He is passing them off as his own.

The poems he stole are:
He also put the titles in a manner that is so unlike me, totally out of uniform. That is not my style.

1. FANTASY...

2. "THAT'S ALL IT TOOK"

3. THEY JUST DON'T GET IT...

4. I CAN SEE...

5. I WANT YOU !!!

6. "BEYOND ALL REASON"

7. " PRISONER OF YOUR LOVE "

8. " THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE "

9. FOR JUST ONE NIGHT...

This is his profile, blog, photo and display name:
Treyvon...One Of The Last, Few Good Men - DISPLAY NAME

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=92408545

     There was a time when a parent looked forward to sending her children to church.  Going to church, being taught to honor and, trust in the lord in and, out of his house by trusted priests, ministers, etc  I remember, proud parents busting at the seams in anticipation of their children joining the choir and, the moment their sons sign on to become alter boys. But nowadays, there's just no telling what type of services are actually being rendered at the one place that could make you feel safe under just about any circumstance.

     What is it that drives the sick minds of selected "Men of the Cloth", to violate our young men? What could be the attraction, that obviously takes control of every ounce of decency, dignity and, self-control that consumes the pea brains of these so called, well educated caring individuals? It makes you wonder whether your children especially, your sons will be safe going to Sunday School, Bible Studies or even, Confirmation. Who Can We Trust? 

(To be cont'd...)