en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/546779 Comments by earthshoes http://www.ky3.com/news/local/Billboard-buyer-shares-why-he-brought-Vote-Obama-sign-to-the-Ozarks-101850443.html#IDComment96664619 I have withdrawn from this discussion by deleting my contribution. I don't mind being challenged, or debating the issues, because I can and do give informed replies. Words are all I have online so I (usually) choose them carefully. Before this, I had a very solid "score" that indicated that I generally behave myself and that people don't mind my input, even if they don't agree. While I realize it is just numbers, it bothers me as it is simply evidence of a pervading vindictive malice--with people giving high scores to those they agree with and "beating up" people they don't. Thu, 2 Sep 2010 22:55:55 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/Billboard-buyer-shares-why-he-brought-Vote-Obama-sign-to-the-Ozarks-101850443.html#IDComment96664619 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/Anti-President-Obama-billboard-near-Ozark-MO-creates-controversy-101772543.html#IDComment96275816 As long as we are at war, the deficit will go up. This is an unavoidable fact. During Bush's admin, it went up 4 Trillion (By the way--Bush holds the record for the most contribution to the national debt of any administration). Obama has not "quadrupled it" (where do you people get your numbers from anyway?). Wed, 1 Sep 2010 03:14:38 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/Anti-President-Obama-billboard-near-Ozark-MO-creates-controversy-101772543.html#IDComment96275816 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/Anti-President-Obama-billboard-near-Ozark-MO-creates-controversy-101772543.html#IDComment95953421 No he hasn't. He vetoed an appropriations bill in January. His threat to veto specific bills has kept most of the ones he won't sign off his desk. You can look up a list of the bills he has signed, for yourself, but my bet is you won't. And FYI--Clinton (who I am not a fan of and did not vote for) vetoed 36 bills in his eight years, while Bush vetoed only 11 in the same amount of time. 33% of Bush's (sadly, I did vote for him) vetoes were overridden by congress (like the farm bill), while only 5% of Clinton's were. Most of the bills Bush did sign without comment were designed to put more money in the pockets of big business (remember the trickle down theory? Big businesses were given tax breaks that were designed to encourage more hiring. My husband's company took the tax break and sent his job overseas). NAFTA was a mistake. The Clintons now agree with this. Both Bush's oversaw the deregulation of big business and you can see where that got us. I think both administrations failed to understand the sheer greed of the machine. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:11:49 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/Anti-President-Obama-billboard-near-Ozark-MO-creates-controversy-101772543.html#IDComment95953421 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/-Recalled-eggs-sold-without-permission-101096704.html#IDComment94387244 So for once, buying the store bran (Best Choice) is to our advantage. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:44:40 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/-Recalled-eggs-sold-without-permission-101096704.html#IDComment94387244 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96788839.html#IDComment81225316 I'm not typically inclined to make an issue of this, but does this strike anyone else as sexist? How many male cops behave badly when they're off duty(and I'm not sure this falls into that category), but we don't hear about it unless it breaks a law (and often not even then)? Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:28:59 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96788839.html#IDComment81225316 http://www.kspr.com/news/local/96606984.html#IDComment80951555 Quote from article: "Dean says she bought the gun after her estranged husband knocked her unconscious in February . . ." Can someone please tell me why was this guy was allowed to do this twice? How is it that was he not put in jail for a year or two after the first offense? And, yes, I agree. She needs to learn how to handle that gun under duress. IF there is a next time, I hope it ends with the animal on the ground and unable to get up. Sat, 19 Jun 2010 11:54:15 +0000 http://www.kspr.com/news/local/96606984.html#IDComment80951555 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96481109.html#IDComment80482485 Answering machines were one of God's better inventions. Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:14:09 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96481109.html#IDComment80482485 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96226979.html#IDComment80068299 I'm not going to play the "who knows more" game with you. You can be the winner of that contest if it's important to you. However, I'm familiar with how many times a dog typically comes into heat, etc. If you're a breeder, you know that most of them come into heat twice a year with larger breeds coming into season less often and some coming into heat every four. Since we're talking averages, and most dogs come into heat roughly three months after weaning puppies, I'd say two litters a year puts a dog pregnant or nursing for roughly eight months out of twelve, which certainly sounds like most of the time to me. As per the risk of pyometra: What a good reason to spay instead of breeding your dog. Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:54:20 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96226979.html#IDComment80068299 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96226979.html#IDComment79929504 There is a whole lot more that goes into selecting the right dogs to breed and preparing puppies for new homes than simply providing for their physical needs. The USDA's standards do not address this issue because they are concerned only with the animal's health while in the possession of the breeder, not what happens to them after they leave the kennel. We're not talking cattle whose temperament is secondary to the amount of meat or milk they produce, we're talking companion animals that will be a big part of people's lives for twelve or more years. When animals are bred at high volume, with little regard for the individual animals being produced, you get sub-standard temperaments and genetic problems. This kind of breeding brought us numerous deaf Dalmatians, German Shepherds (my personal passion) with hip Dysplasia and notable temperament problems, Cocker Spaniels with "Cocker Rage Syndrome", Yorkies with tracheal collapse, and the list goes on and on. It is up to you--the breeder, I'm assuming--to address these issues independently of the the USDA's requirements. Sadly, many breeders assume that if they've passed the USDA's inspection, they've done their part. I genuinely hope you are not one of these, that you are someone with a passion for dogs and people and that your greatest wish is to expose people to the best of whatever breed you love the most. By the way--I'm not an animal activist, nor do I have anything to do with the Humane Society. I am simply someone with a great love for dogs who has seen the results of poor breeding too many times to count. Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:20:00 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96226979.html#IDComment79929504 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96226979.html#IDComment79919211 It very much depends on where you buy that puppy, but 400.00 is relatively cheap (Petland will sell you one for around 2000) and I'd be cautious about why the price is so low. Actually, shelters get purebreds all the time and people sometimes put themselves on waiting lists for the breeds they are interested in. They don't typically get as much "press" as the mixed breeds (as in pictures online) because they are easier to place and engender immediate interest. I do agree that they sometimes fudge on mix breeds because they don't really know. I think I pretty clearly defined the difference between puppy mill vs breeder. But here goes: Breeder--relatively few dogs, a definite love for the dogs themselves who are usually treated as pets. Their dogs usually have titles because they just love working and showing them. They will know a lot about the breed itself and will be quick to tell you all the pros and cons. Also, they won't be anxious to talk you into getting a dog that doesn't suit your lifestyle. Puppy mils are the opposite--many dogs, usually kept in outbuildings, little personal interest, and could care less about whether you are prepared to take the dog home or not. They generally don't have a return policy--or if they do, it's limited to the first few days. Check with rescue groups (not the same thing as shelters). Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:34:13 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96226979.html#IDComment79919211 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96226979.html#IDComment79892254 Not flamed--educated. There is no such thing as a good puppy mill. If you are truly interested in purchasing a purebred puppy you should seek out legitimate breeders who have a true interest in maintaining the integrity of the breed. You'll know these breeders because they keep relatively few dogs (rarely more than ten and generally four or so), will interview YOU to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into and to see if you'll be a good owner. They sell most of their puppies with a spay or neuter contract--either doing it themselves or requiring that you do it. They have a nearly unconditional return policy because they care about what happens to their puppies. Their dogs are nearly always titled--either in conformation or obedience. They are temperament tested and see vets regularly. Their dogs are treated as pets and are a big part of their family and they are as concerned as you are about inbreeding. In contrast, the puppy mills' primary interest is in profit. They keep a wide variety of breeds in kennels, in a minimally acceptable space, get very little personal attention, and are bred as often as the USDA permits throughout their lives (two litters a year) until they are middle-aged--which can mean five to six years at least of always being pregnant or nursing puppies. They only see the vet as often as the USDA dictates if they're licensed and not at all if they're not. Temperament is of little or no interest to this kind of breeder and genetic health problems run rampant. Dogs are companion animals, not cattle and should not be treated as such. By the way--the last time I was in a Petland store I couldn't help but notice that the price tags they were attaching to the variety of puppies they were selling ran into the thousands-- every bit as high as that of a reputable breeder--which means you'd be paying the same price for your puppy mill puppy as for one from someone who cares. If you're still sure that Petland is a "great place" to get a puppy, do some googling (esp Consumer Affairs) and read some of the horror stories told by people who've bought puppies from them. Then ask yourself if you really want a dog from a corporation who has this this little interest in the animals they're selling. Also you might consider breed rescue organizations (google for the breed of your choice) or animal shelters. You'd be surprised what you'll find. Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:40:52 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/96226979.html#IDComment79892254 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/95653049.html#IDComment78613854 My dog and I ran across a mountain lion in broad daylight while walking down a dirt road several years ago. There was no question about it--I did not get "just a glimpse", but a full-on view of a big cat, shooting across the road, under the barb wire fence, and then standing at the top of a slight rise looking back at us. It was about the size of a golden retriever--surprisingly long and lean, its tail trailing behind. I asked the farmer who owned the land later on if she'd believe me if I told her what I'd seen. Yes, she would, but only because they'd found its tracks around their pond a couple of days before. A year or so later I saw another one run across the road just ahead of the car in front of me. Both of us pulled over so we could confirm what we'd seen. Missouri Conservation was still claiming we didn't have any back then (all sightings were "mistakes"). Recently, they finally admitted that there might be an occasional juvenile cat "passing through". The old people will tell you that they've been "passing through" for a very long time. Sat, 5 Jun 2010 03:32:11 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/95653049.html#IDComment78613854 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/95215144.html#IDComment77819860 My heart goes out to them. This is so very sad. Sun, 30 May 2010 18:13:40 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/95215144.html#IDComment77819860 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/94712709.html#IDComment76895977 Well said. Thank you. Mon, 24 May 2010 12:44:07 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/94712709.html#IDComment76895977 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/93894694.html#IDComment75856576 Her family is part of the problem. They've actually been helping her acquire more pets. Mon, 17 May 2010 18:30:30 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/93894694.html#IDComment75856576 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/93894694.html#IDComment75856393 Thanks for your perspective John. I have walked through animal shelters. My dachshund mix who passed away at sixteen two years ago came from one. I have multiple rescued dogs and cats of my own ( all neutered and spayed, and we've had all but two of them for nine years or better now). They are a big part of our family. Puppy mills make me furious. People who treat animals like they are disposable leave me speechless with anger. But woman isn't the biggest part of the problem. She's simply mentally ill. Mon, 17 May 2010 18:29:04 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/93894694.html#IDComment75856393 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/93894694.html#IDComment75812468 Ordinarily, I'd be defending the animals in a thread like this, would advise prison time, etc. What has happened to the animals in her care is just horrible. But this time around, it's obvious to me that this woman has a problem that goes beyond just doing whatever the heck she wants. Think about it. She was on probation for this and promptly went out and acquired a whole new batch of animals, even though she'd been threatened with prison time if she violated the terms. This woman is not trying to make money on this situation; she is not running a puppy mill or unlicensed pet shop or even a farm. Unlike many other repeat offenders who have decided that they are smarter than law enforcement, she didn't even attempt to hide it. There's a real disconnect with reality here; ie--an illness. What's worse, she has relatives feeding into it (they should be the ones to serve time). But there's another disconnect here too: The mean spiritedness I'm seeing in so many of the comments here tells me that people are far more interested "burning witches" than in compassion for a human being. But I'm not just seeing this here, I'm seeing everywhere there's a blog or a news article opened up for comments and it saddens me. Sometimes I wonder the media is doing us any favors by allowing this. Hopefully they'll make sure she's placed in a supervised living situation after she does her time. Mon, 17 May 2010 11:58:33 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/93894694.html#IDComment75812468 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/92951484.html#IDComment73434904 Nowhere did they say they wouldn't be using hot water--which is the primary concern with respect to germs. The big commercial dish machines use such hot water that it's almost impossible to touch the dishes afterwards without gloves. Soap itself has no magical antimicrobial properties--it simply helps separate the dirt from the surface of the skin, dish, or fabric (google it--it's really cool info), which is exactly what the salt would do. Personally I'd rather eat grease free food. And convection ovens are far more energy efficient than conventional ovens as they use less energy in general, as well as taking less time to cook. On the average it cuts energy use by about 20%. Thu, 6 May 2010 17:57:26 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/92951484.html#IDComment73434904 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/92816699.html#IDComment72585455 Getting an abortion should not be easy and I would say that providing literature that explains exactly what it is and what happens and what the risks are--is educating them. Making them listen to the heartbeat removes it from the abstract, clinical thing that those who are pro-choice want it to be and make it a reality based decision. I've known a number of women who had abortions who regretted it, who talked about the way that Planned Parenthood rushed them through the process, giving them little time to think it through, who grieved for years over the decision. On the other hand, I've never known a mother who made the choice to carry the baby to term who wished she hadn't. And before you ask me what to do with the child once its born (seems to be a favorite rebuttal) --in this country there are a lot of choices available to young women including adoption. Those women who choose to raise the baby themselves can find support through a number of different agencies. In my own small town is a phenomenal teen mom program that does everything from providing transportation to doctor's appointments, to parenting classes, to getting their GEDs, to finding jobs. Wed, 5 May 2010 02:06:52 +0000 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/92816699.html#IDComment72585455 http://www.kspr.com/news/local/92475454.html#IDComment71689709 The shorts have nothing to do with it. The truth is--sickos like this are indiscriminate. It does not matter what the young girls wear--it only matters that they are young girls. Part of his pleasure springs from the power he derives from watching them and fantasizing about them without their knowledge. If you could travel back to the eighteen hundreds you'd find them lurking in the shadows watching girls in long dresses and doing the same thing. Sat, 1 May 2010 18:05:18 +0000 http://www.kspr.com/news/local/92475454.html#IDComment71689709