Rant and Rave Think Tank 2

[SharA2]

@ Shara- You are right, it goes to self discovery and all the dream insight from others is helpful to me to narrow down what I need to work on in my real life to make things how I want them to be.

I think alot of people, myself include worry about how they will come off to others, you shut your mouth for others and silence yourself and you regret it because you can't be heard if you don't speak, right on that.

[ on your racist church story- people are assholes, hun, I doubt the racists will ever go away in this world, they feel they have the right from God to spew hate, they are deranged and no reasoning with that kind, IMO.]

I think you see your dream now for what it was trying to pass over to you with the kind help of others-- our minds are complicated things. On what you said about the article I posted, I agree haters are always going to hate, they are comfortable being that way, as much as they can embrace hate they cannot embrace change as easily.

heres a question
how long do people with HIV live?
Mr. Johnson has had HIV for ever no?

Did you look at the article I posted on him in my sex forum thread on AIDS? I think he has lived with AIDS for over 20 years now. He said this in one press conference:
Since I announced 15 years ago, hundreds of thousands of people have died of HIV/AIDS," he says. "There will be more people dying. The virus acts different in all of us. There's no certainty that if you get the virus, you're going to be OK."

In fact, if you're young and black, odds are that you won't be, statistics show. For the past six years, HIV has been the leading cause of death for blacks 25 to 44 years of age, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

For whites, HIV is the fifth-leading cause of death; for Hispanics, HIV ranks fourth. Although blacks make up about 15% of the U.S. population, they account for about 50% of all people in the United States who live with HIV.

Blacks account for almost half of new HIV diagnoses, a tide that is rising. Two-thirds of new infections among women occur in black women. "We've got to drive these numbers down," Johnson says.

Found you this as well:
a very interesting paper that was just published electronically in the journal AIDS. It looks at the question of how long survival will be for people with HIV now that we have effective antiretroviral therapy. A group from The Netherlands used the Dutch ATHENA (AIDS Therapy Evaluation National AIDS Therapy Evaluation Centre) cohort to estimate survival in patients who had never started antiretroviral therapy. The study included more than 4000 individuals with HIV who were diagnosed between 1998 and 2007, and to be included in the analysis, these patients could not start antiretroviral therapy within the first 6 months. The [authors] followed them over time, and the interesting finding was that while [the number of] deaths was higher in the people with HIV than in people without HIV, when the [authors] excluded the people who had a history of injection drug use and also those who had any HIV-related symptoms or diagnosis, then the projected survival for those age 25 years old was actually the same as for HIV-negative individuals, with an estimated survival of about 50 to 60 years for men and women, respectively.

I believe this is one of the first studies that actually makes the claim that survival could be the same in HIV-infected people as in people without HIV infection. I should emphasize that in the older populations, there was still an effect of HIV. These estimates are very optimistic. Now, should we believe them? I guess the answer to that question depends on a few things. First, it depends on the durability of our therapies, and thus far I don't think there is any reason to question the durability. It seems that these treatments work very well and that there is no viral replication, no evolution of resistance for people who are virologically suppressed. So, that part I can buy. The part that's harder to tell is whether this phenomenon of excess residual inflammation and immune activation that is seen even in people who are virologically suppressed will end up being associated with excess mortality long term, and that we really just don't know.

Nonetheless, I think that if one is sitting down with a patient in 2010 who is newly diagnosed with HIV and they're querying you about how long they could live these days with HIV, this is one paper you can allude to that says there are actually some estimates that people can live as long with HIV as they do without.

[misha666]

@Shar- thank you for the post Shar
it was very educational. Sadly my brother Dario is gay and has
HIV. I miss him sometimes and since we don't talk or have a relationship i can't help but feel bad for him sometimes.

[JeremyM]

@Shar- thank you for the post Shar
it was very educational. Sadly my brother Dario is gay and has
HIV. I miss him sometimes and since we don't talk or have a relationship i can't help but feel bad for him sometimes.

Sorry about that, Misha. I don't know what the life expectancy is for HIV. Does your brother have insurance?

Why are you both no longer speaking, hun? You can change that on your side, with a call or email, even a text.

I've reached out the same way to family members who took distance too.

[Brake4Wind]

Hey Jeremy- My impression was that the bond between father and son is an alliance/ mutual reliance. Youth has strength and resilience and with age comes experience and wisdom thus you complement each other's attributes (toasting to the eagle). I think the death of the eagle reflects a natural but useful fear with a warning to come prepared. The better we understand our weaknesses (before reacting without forethought) the better we can make use of our strengths to compensate. In this way, we are less likely to be 'spooked' or caught off guard. We learn to make a planned approach by assessing conditions that may place us in peril and what our best options will be in response. Perhaps your role as son is to keep your head under fire, remember to duck and stay frisky.

[Brake4Wind]

Hey Misha- I'm so sorry to hear of your brother's illness. Shar's post was very encouraging and I hope it's good news for your brother. Perhaps with good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle your brother can expect a relatively normal lifespan!

That was a very informative post Shar. I haven't seen an article on HIV treatment and research for awhile and have been wondering why. It's distressing to see the statistics rising so sharply among blacks and black women in particular: Two thirds of all new infections is an alarming rate! On the bright side, I've heard that treatment has improved dramatically but the prognosis here has gone from good to (potentially) quite promising! Thanks for an enlightening update.^^

[SharA2]

@Shar- thank you for the post Shar
it was very educational. Sadly my brother Dario is gay and has
HIV. I miss him sometimes and since we don't talk or have a relationship i can't help but feel bad for him sometimes.

You are welcome and I am sorry to hear about your brother-- I think the outlook for people living with HIV nowadays is much more promising than ever before and the life span has greatly increased.


Thank you, Brake4Wind, I was trying to source Misha information as current as possible, would be good if someone could find 2011 statistics as well. But I liked what that one article I sourced had to say, it gives alot of hope. Such a heartbreaking disease, I guess all diseases are but for this one people seem to attach some negativity to it.

[starreborn]

a friend of my family has HIV/AIDS. i am not sure how many years it has been since he was diagnosed, but he has been dealing with it for a while. he is in his mid 60s, and i have to say he looks great for his age. he does take a lot of pills, which i can only imagine must be pretty rough, but the doctors have told him that he can expect to die an old man.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Hi all,
This is a tough subject for me. I have a son that is 23 this year. His dad and I split up when he was a baby and since we were not married we agreed to share custody, but my son's dad wanted to live in Utah. Well to make a long story short, after a few trades in caring for our son, the father decided to leave to another state and not tell me where they were. I finally tracked my son down about 4 years later, but it didn't seem that he knew who I was. By that time, I had other kids and was married. I lost contact with my oldest son again until last year. I found him through an attorney and I contacted him. He came to Ca. to stay with me for a while but the whole family started noticing and had a hard time dealing with some of his behavior. I learned that he had attended 27 elementary schools while his dad was on the run and that he was a 15 year old runaway. He had pretty much lived on the streets or with friends from 15 until the time that we met. He, at one time had a serious drug addiction and was able to get clean, he also confided that he was gay. I made a huge mistake of flying him to Ca. within about 2 weeks after I first made contact with him. Neither one of us were prepared psychologically to deal with the whole 21 years of separation and when he started to display some really worrying behavior and acting out, I became worried for the welfare of my other sons. None of us cared that he was gay at all and that was not my concern as far as the acting out, however since 2 of my sons were underage at the time, I couldn't allow him to stay at my home anymore. He had earned some money while here in California, and I told him he had to leave. That I would just not put up with what was going on. He went back to Utah, where he had lived most of his life. (yes he was raised Mormon) Obviously he separated from the Church.
We had a few more arguments over the phone and I told him that his life had pretty much been a lie. One lie after another was how his dad justified basically kidnapping him and dragging him all over the country to keep me from finding him. I had tried to explain that his life had a huge impact on him and how he saw the world and how he kind of used people to get by. (this was one of the behaviors that I was really concerned with) Anyway we ended our new found relationship with him saying that I owed his dad money for all the years that he raised him. That was the last straw for me! At least until we both had time to think things through and find a mediator to facilitate a more healthy relationship and boundaries for each of us to respect.(another one of my concerns) He told me he would not talk to me again until I spoke to his father. I was absolutely not going to talk to his father as I felt he had no right to my life now, no right to ask how I was or to even try to explain himself. To me there was no excuse good enough to not know where my child was or if he was dead or alive all these years.
So we quit talking for almost a year as the only number he had for me to contact him was his dad's number. About 2 months ago I had a dreadful feeling that something was wrong and that I needed to contact him. One of those gut feeling's only a mother could have. I got a message to his LGBT counselor at the LGBT center in Utah. My son called me later that evening and I told him that I knew something was wrong. He said he had recently tested positive for HIV and that he was the last patient on a list to receive free or low cost services and treatment. I was devastated, but I never let him hear sorrow in my voice. I stayed strong for his sake and knew that he would come through and we discussed treatments and his living situation. He had started a small advertising business using a system like money mailers, only all his employees were also HIV and Aids patients that were well enough to work 10 to 20 hours a week. I was so proud of him, because even though we were having difficulties before, I was so impressed with his determination to survive and create a small business that would give back to people in need and someone to believe in them. One treatment my son was trying to get was the bariatric chamber treatment like Magic Johnson had. I knew that HIV and Aids treatment had come a long way, but thank you so much Shar for sharing that info.

I hope that in the future I can report better news about him and our relationship. Thanks R&R posters too for being open minded on this subject.
KRSTY

[The Atomic Mango]

why in the world did you not contact the police and a lawyer sooner?

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

@ Mango

In 1989-1990, we did not have the laws that we have today. I did hire a lawyer and an investigator to find him. My lawyers advice was to locate him and then kidnap him back. Considering what I know now, they were on the move every few months. When I located him the first time it was only because I had found my son's aunt's phone number, but for about 1 1/2 years, she would not tell me where they lived, because she was afraid of her brother, however she would give me information on how my son was. I had to be very careful not to alienate her or give her reason to think I would try to kidnap him back, because I didn't want to scare her and lose the only contact I had. You must realize that it has only been the last 8 to 10 years that most of the significant laws relating to kidnapping were written. Since we did not have a court order to share custody I had virtually no right to enforce his return. I had contacted the Center for Missing and Exploited Children ( John Walsh's contribution to the evolution of Missing Children's services.) They had the ability to search records such as State Welfare and Social Security data banks, but there was no evidence that my son or his father had applied for any such service.
Also note that what I could afford to spend looking for him was, at times a handful of change to use a pay phone and take a stab in the dark by calling 411 and picking a city that he might have been in. It's not as easy as you probably think it is. Over the years, I had pinned down 11 places where they had lived and that took a considerable amount of time and money only to find that I was a year late or 6 months too late and they had moved again. I know now that my son had moved approx. 35-40 times by the time he was 10 or 11 years old. Many times, they would gather what they could fit in a car and leave in the middle of the night. So yeah, to answer your question, I did everything I could think of and afford to find him.

[parousia]

have you posted this before

[Nostalgic]

@Shar- thank you for the post Shar
it was very educational. Sadly my brother Dario is gay and has
HIV. I miss him sometimes and since we don't talk or have a relationship i can't help but feel bad for him sometimes.

you should make contact with him.

[Brake4Wind]

Hey Shar- your research was excellent and you have such a nice way of making people feel comfortable. Seems like you have reached others too. I agree, HIV is painful not only as a fearful affliction but also the stigma placed on the afflicted. I do see lots of improvements; not only in treatment but also in attitudes. People have become more accepting and compassionate. It's hard to imagine being ill and feeling that people are angry with you because you are ill; that seems almost unbearable. It's hard to understand why anyone would even consider kicking another when they are down. By the grace of God are any of us even born without afflictions; so where does this pride come from? Do we accomplish this ourselves or is it a gift? Hopefully we can all recognize that we each have unique strengths and weaknesses and that sharing our mutual support is our greatest strength.

[Brake4Wind]

Wow KRSTY- That's a difficult and heart-wrenching experience. I'm so sorry!
It's hard enough keeping our own act together as young parents and harder still to be a single parent- I can't imagine trying to deal with the father taking away your son and hiding him from you on top of everything else.

For your son, there would have been no feeling of stability. That could be overwhelmingly stressful; constant change and not being able to count on anything (maybe anyone) when life is in constant flux and unpredictable. A runaway at 15 implies that he couldn't depend on his father nor is a 15 year old boy equipped to survive on his own. It would explain the learned over-dependency on others, even using or manipulating others to get by. In the streets from 15-23 is a very long time with no help or guidance with the transition to adulthood and independence. It's strange that he would insist you speak to his father or take his 'side': apparently there was no great bond (left at 15). Does he think you should have followed his father to Utah (or something his father instilled in his head)? As a man, he can't return to childhood but it seems there remains the little boy inside wanting rescue.

Still. there seems to be great signs of strength. Using drugs would be a great weakness but overcoming an addiction takes an even greater strength. Surely drug addiction is a more deadly disease that HIV. I hope he will be approved for HIV treatment quickly! I have met people living with HIV- they look pretty healthy (I wouldn't have guessed an illness) but they do seem to take many pills. Nutrition seems pretty important too. I have noticed that treatment seems to have improved dramatically and, yes, Shar's information was outstanding and very encouraging. Your son having started his own business is fantastic! That shows great strength and progress for anyone at 23! He is developing independence, even showing leadership qualities. That's the best news yet!

I think your bringing in the mediator was the best thing you could have done. No matter what we may struggle with in our lives, we do need each other and we do need to respect boundaries to enjoy the closeness we seek. This may have helped him more that you know KRSTY. It may have helped him start his business and develop those leadership skills. I hope it all comes together for both of you so that you finally can have a mutually rewarding relationship. My best wishes for you and your son.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Break4wind,
You are so insightful. You really nailed just about everything. Like I said, looking back, it was probably a mistake to rush into bringing him out to California without having more conversation's on the phone and just getting to know each other better first. He was led to believe that I gave him up for adoption. I think he was homeless from about 15 to 17, and then found the Job Corps. He got his GED and applied to ITT TECH. When I found him, he was living with friends and going to school. So yeah, he has a lot of strengths, which all probably come from being resourceful and independent at an early age. And you were right about him being like a little boy at times too. A very angry and destructive little boy at that. I had learned from other adult children that were so called Lost, that it might take years for him to really put his life back together and integrate and reconcile his previous beliefs from his childhood, with the knowledge that he gained from my point of view and my side of the story. I know he sees me as the missing mother, but truthfully, he was lost. I have lived in approx. a 10 mile radius for nearly 20 years, so I shouldn't have been too hard to find. So I guess it will just take time and all I can do from here is try to keep in touch and try to not overwhelm him with anything. I think it's probably normal for him to be angry with me to a certain point and also for him to be more supportive of his dad. I was told, that kids just want to know that they have both parents and for them to get along. I try to not hate his father, but only for my son's sake. But deep down it's so hard to forgive something like that. Sometimes I see so much of his dad in him, that its hard to separate my feelings as well. I think he and his new bf were planning to take a trip to Ca. before Christmas, but I haven't heard from him since Thanksgiving, so I don't know what's going on. But thanks for the support and advice.

[Nostalgic]

@ krsty,
I can't even begin to imagine

[parousia]

when is this going to turn back ( back, lol ) into a think tank. i'm a little tired of the personal bullshit, to be honest.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

@ Nos,
Thanks, hugs are nice.

@ parousia,

O.K., so you pick a new topic.

[JeremyM]

I think you see your dream now for what it was trying to pass over to you with the kind help of others-- our minds are complicated things. On what you said about the article I posted, I agree haters are always going to hate, they are comfortable being that way, as much as they can embrace hate they cannot embrace change as easily.

I had some other dreams recently but I won't post any new dreams until back in the New year.

Makes me wonder if my brother wasn't trying to send a message having dad and I involved in a dream regarding death.

Don't concern yourself with what haters think, hun, they don't think right and you'll never make sense of it.

@ Brake4wind- Do you feel it was an omen kind of dream? Heed this and be forewarned? I laughed at 'duck and be frisky'

I think I actually do try to make my weaknesses my strengths in alot of ways, something I learned from my dad and his dad.

[JeremyM]

@ Krsty- Damn, hun. That is some story! You couldn't have put the police on your exs ass for kidnapping, they could have located your kid for you, with a warrant out on your ex. Since you shared/had joint custody.

That is a long time to wait to see a child again, wonder why he doesn't hate his father for stealing him away, if that was me I would. Sorry about his health now,hun, hope you both can make up for the lost time.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

@ Krsty- Damn, hun. That is some story! You couldn't have put the police on your exs ass for kidnapping, they could have located your kid for you, with a warrant out on your ex. Since you shared/had joint custody.

That is a long time to wait to see a child again, wonder why he doesn't hate his father for stealing him away, if that was me I would. Sorry about his health now,hun, hope you both can make up for the lost time.

Thanks Jeremy,
Actually we didn't have a custody agreement, only a verbal agreement. I'm sure I had my own faults in the situation. Things I should have thought about and tried. My son thinks his dad is the greatest. But at least he does know I looked. I showed him the places that I had tracked him down to. One place was only an hour away from where I live. That sucks! Like his dad was trying to see how close he could get and not get caught. Creep! Also back in the early 90's the police had no jurisdiction over out of state matters, and for the FBI to take notice, I would have to prove a crime was committed. Of course things are much different now, all law enforcement agencies share info and can help find a child. In Ca. we have Amber Alerts, that are posted on the FWY signs, Emergency alert's on T.V. and the radio. So things have come a long way since then. In my case the act of concealing the child was the most detrimental as a parent on the run spends a great amount of time and energy trying to stay one step ahead of the other parent, the child's needs and emotional state suffer.

Anyway I think a new topic might be in order. I just can't think of anything that everyone would have a chance to add too and not be terribly controversial.

[parousia]

then allow me:

what is the driving force behind an individual who takes it upon them self to turn a thread that is specifically designed to engage all members in conversation, into one that is only of them?

is it vanity, or maybe some misguided sense of worth. perhaps it's something as innocent of ignorance, though this would give rise to another interesting question:
what's to be said of the individual who will intentionally defend the person that has turned a communal thread into one of personal nature?

is this some basic survival mechanism i.e insecurity feeds on itself in order to feel secure, that perhaps this will in turn allow the insecurity to not become too insecure ...wait...omg: mind=blown

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

No allow me,

What is it with you that can't stand what I post about anything and yet you don't say shit when everyone else brings up something personal?

[parousia]

No allow me,

What is it with you that can't stand what I post about anything and yet you don't say shit when everyone else brings up something personal?

i've no doubt you read my post, but for the sake of argument i'll just assume you didn't understand it, as not to blow a fucking gasket trying to deal with your vanity.

let's try this again, only this time try and understand it's not about you:

what is the driving force behind an individual who takes it upon them self to turn a thread that is specifically designed to engage all members in conversation, into one that is only of them?

is it vanity, or maybe some misguided sense of worth. perhaps it's something as innocent of ignorance, though this would give rise to another interesting question:
what's to be said of the individual who will intentionally defend the person that has turned a communal thread into one of personal nature?

is this some basic survival mechanism i.e insecurity feeds on itself in order to feel secure, that perhaps this will in turn allow the insecurity to not become too insecure ...wait...omg: mind=blown

[tsetse22]

Haters aren't hatin' on people as much as they are hatin' on what they see in others
that they have in themselves and dislike.

I find that a reliable explanation of mean people...except in Parousia's case.. I think he just likes to put others down for fun. It's gotten to the point where it's actually funny... and I think that's his intent all along.

Well done P..for developing a persona here to give you a way to express....Now let other's do the same in their way, eh?


In a way we read these Think Tank contributions through the perspective of how they relate to our own world, or views of it. The issues and dreams discussed in Think Tank II all read relevant to they world I live in too, so.....

I want to thank everyone who has participated in these discussions.

I think it's no coincidence that these people (you guys) hold dreams in more attentive regard than the average person... It reflects an ability (or at least a desire) to know yourselves better. I'm not here as much as I used to be, but it's still my favorite site on the Web

[jojo]

What is the big differences between Protestants and Catholics?

I've answered that previously in a fairly active thread.

I see a priest as an authority or was taught that he was, last rites gives comfort is all. My mom and aunts are VERY religious, say hey to Carrie's mom j/k

O_o ...

Do you think that specific guy is like a cult leader? I've seen some TV preachers who'd qualify.

That's quite hard to tell. A cult or sect is often classified as such because of its renunciation of society. A church or congregation, on the other hand, is ingrained in society through sports, education, or other forms of general outreach to the community. This guy, for all his wackiness, seems to belong to the latter classification.

So others can sense who is a follower of the antichrist even without seeing a visible mark. Maybe they will grow little horns, lol?

Well, Charles Manson carved a swastika into his forehead. But he is yesterday's news, so I'll try something freakier.

I agree with you, tropical on no end to world suffering, even some diseases will never be cured.

War, pain, suffering, starvation, disorder, etc. are the natural conditions of all living things. The contrary indications--peace, painlessness, pleasure, satisfaction, order--are the very things which highlight development in the midst of this perpetual chaos. Embrace the exceptions.

I was in that thread, talked about death in it, not sure when. I'll read through it again. I think we are all the same.

at that pic you posted, she's a keeper! Manson was an attention whore and a crazy, how weasely guys get girls to follow them I will never know. Drugs must've been good.

I can't embrace a greased pig, too slippery. j/k I think we are doomed by our own hand.

@ Brake4wind
They always seem to find a reason why the prediction does not happen, don't they and then name another date to scare followers, just to keep it all going. The Rapture is one I know a few believe will still happen. I never heard of heavens gate cult, that is creepy they killed themselves to meet a spaceship.

[jojo]

@ Misha and KRSTY
I'm sorry about your brother's condition, misha and your son's KRSTY. I think if they both take care of themselves they can live long lives, just need to keep an eye on things.
That sucks what your ex did, KRSTY.

I like what tsetse22 said about letting people express the way they are happy expressing. When I see parousia complaining I always see this image

[parousia]

my questions still haven't been answered, i assume they won't, either. in all the sites i'm a part of, the dream sites are by far the most insecure.
i'm not very liked on dreamviews, but they at least understand it's not personal, and know how to properly debate.

let me give you an example: the questions i asked above would have been answered, and then redirected as such:

• what is to be said of an individual who intentionally displays the god complex?
• why would anyone need more than 1 user name?
• is this individual full of pride, or full of shit?

These particular conversations are non existent on this site because its members lack the necessary wisdom to appreciate them.

once again, you guys have let me down....though i'm not the least bit surprised

[Nostalgic]

We always let you down, why do you still hang out with us?

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

is this some basic survival mechanism i.e insecurity feeds on itself in order to feel secure, that perhaps this will in turn allow the insecurity to not become too insecure ...wait...omg: mind=blown

I think that when one makes themselves vulnerable by posting something personal and from the heart, they show more security in themselves. Whether its a dream, admitting a similar experience, or something completely random, posting on an open forum allows for criticism and agreement. And yes that does open up other interesting questions.

*is it vanity, or maybe some misguided sense of worth. perhaps it's something as innocent of ignorance,

I don't think its vanity, a misguided sense of worth, innocence or ignorance. Whatever someone posts on this thread is either personal opinion, personal experience or a question waiting to for everyone's or anyone's personal point of view. No matter how you look at it, everyone on this thread contributes something personal. I's called socializing.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

@ Misha and KRSTY
I'm sorry about your brother's condition, misha and your son's KRSTY. I think if they both take care of themselves they can live long lives, just need to keep an eye on things.
That sucks what your ex did, KRSTY.

I like what tsetse22 said about letting people express the way they are happy expressing. When I see parousia complaining I always see this image

Thanks Jojo,

Love the pic too!

And yes, I finally learned how to copy on this site! Im so full of myself!

[Brake4Wind]

Jojo- The pink bunny ears are adorable.
Parousia must be feeling left out and wanting a hug too. Here ya go-

The "God-complex"? Hmm... Maybe man's arrogance and fed-up with being mere mortals? Why people desire multiple accounts is something you might answer and; what people are full of? Surely both given the human condition- so you think we can all use a good bowel movement, eh?

Yea Jojo, that 1844 rapture prediction stuck in my head (huh?). I still can't figure why they sold all their belongings to 'prepare'. Krsty was right about Heaven's Gate thinking the space ship was behind the Haley- Bop comet; waiting to beam them up. They dressed like star trek characters for their suicide event and the article noted that one was the brother of a star trek actress.

In a way we read these Think Tank contributions through the perspective of how they relate to our own world, or views of it. The issues and dreams discussed in Think Tank II all read relevant to they world I live in too, so.....

I agree tsetse! Your post rings very true with me and much appreciated. To me the personal experience lends greater credence to what is discussed in theoretical/ ideological terms (intrinsically idealistic and naive). Actual experience may embrace our flawed perceptions and reactions but, we live with the consequences to learn and adjust in the face of cold hard fact- (IMO) it's our true nature rather than an idealized version of what we "think" we would or should do without ever being tested.

Krsty- if people like you did not come forward with personal experience, our laws would not have changed. The best we can hope for is to learn from others' real experiences without having to suffer the pain first hand. I think it is brave (not vain) to share what makes you feel vulnerable.

Jeremy- (Personally) I don't think of dreams as 'omens' (per say)- more like a memo to self. I think when we dream our subconscious thoughts or those nagging little feelings in the back of our mind come to the surface. At times, to pay attention to our intuition or; what our instincts or our hearts are telling us and we are too busy during the day to examine them more closely.

[jojo]

my questions still haven't been answered, i assume they won't, either. in all the sites i'm a part of, the dream sites are by far the most insecure.
i'm not very liked on dreamviews, but they at least understand it's not personal, and know how to properly debate.

let me give you an example: the questions i asked above would have been answered, and then redirected as such:

• what is to be said of an individual who intentionally displays the god complex?
• why would anyone need more than 1 user name?
• is this individual full of pride, or full of shit?

These particular conversations are non existent on this site because its members lack the necessary wisdom to appreciate them.

once again, you guys have let me down....though i'm not the least bit surprised

Why would any one care how many accounts you have here? so why ask.
People are full of everything, this is the internet.
Do people lack wisdom or do they have better things to talk and think about then trivial stuff? idk

@ KRSTY and Brake4wind, parousiabunnydog frowns at all of us!
Those cult members dressed in star trek costumes, I hate to laugh at the dead but, that is lame. why are some people so weak minded that they will follow any one with a silly agenda and give up their lives for it.

[parousia]

the entire post was directed at me, slick

if i address an individual in an indirect way, they should respond accordingly.
if you don't get it, that's fine, but don't pretend like you do. jesus christ

i'll leave you brainiacs to it

[RockPillow®]

• what is to be said of an individual who intentionally displays the god complex?
• why would anyone need more than 1 user name?
• is this individual full of pride, or full of shit?

I think that an individual who intentionally displays a god complex is trying to figure out their ego and want to take their fate into their own hands. They want to create and destroy. As for the username thing, I think it's case by case. This individual is probably full of both pride and shit.

[Nostalgic]

Rock seems to understand you green?

I only get People when they're obvious. I'm crap at picking up sutleties.

[parousia]

rock seems to understand many things, he is indeed dreamy.
humm...what's to be said of the individual who judges other people's photos without having actually posted one of them self

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

I posted one of my dog. He's cuter than me anyway. I'm working my way up to anything else, even links.

Actually I would like to know why some people have multiple user names. And how many computers do you have access to create all those user names?

When my son tried to create an account from my computer, he got some kind of message that said there was already an account in use from this computer. IDKW.

[jojo]

the entire post was directed at me, slickette

if i address an individual in an indirect way, they should respond accordingly.
if you don't get it, that's fine, but don't pretend like you do. jesus christ, i love you, praise the lord.

i'll leave you brainiacs to it

Oh, ok.

[jojo]

I posted one of my dog. He's cuter than me anyway. I'm working my way up to anything else, even links.

Actually I would like to know why some people have multiple user names. And how many computers do you have access to create all those user names?

When my son tried to create an account from my computer, he got some kind of message that said there was already an account in use from this computer. IDKW.

I just saw your dog, Spike, he's cute. Not that many on the forum post pics, KRSTY, so no big deal.

You don't need extra computers, only different emails. My bf has 2 accounts on his site he goes on, each account he registered on his computer, only used a new email for each.

Maybe your son used his same email, idk.

[misha666]

OMG ppl im gone for a couple a days and Mr. P is at it again.

KRSTY- im so sorry about your son
jojo- thats a cute pic and looks just like Mr. P
Nos- i can't make contact with him hun, im so afraid of his rejection and
my mom has poisoned him for life againts me. sadly but true.

[jojo]

Maybe he is scared of the same thing with you, misha? and wishes you'd make the 1st move.

I hate when others try to poison people's minds like you said your mom has done, what is in it for her that she is happy you and your brother don't talk?

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

@ Misha,

I hope you try to contact him. You can just say he has been on your mind and you wonder how he's getting along. It is Christmas and what better way to celebrate than making that first step to reconnect. Sorry, I don't mean to pressure you. I kind of know how not knowing is, and thanks for your kind words Misha.

[parousia]

what do you people think of this:

Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) Lyrics

There’s a stranger in my bed
There’s a pounding in my head
Glitter all over the room
Pink flamingos in the pool
I smell like a minibar
DJ’s passed out in the yard
Barbies on the barbecue
Is this a hickey or a bruise?

Pictures of last night ended up online I’m screwed, oh well
It’s a blacked-out blur but I’m pretty sure it ruled, damn!

Last Friday Night
Yeah, we danced on table tops
And we took too many shots
Think we kissed, but I forgot
Last Friday night
Yeah, we maxed our credit cards
And got kicked out of the bars
So we hit the boulevard
Last Friday night
We went streakin in the park
Skinny dipping in the dark
Then had a menage a trois
Last Friday night
Yeah, I think we broke the law
Always say we’re gonna stop op owwhoaa
This Friday night, (do it all again)
This Friday night, (do it all again)

Trying to connect the dots
Don’t know what to tell my boss
Think the city towed my car
Chandelier’s on the floor
Ripped my favorite party dress
Warrants out for my arrest
Think I need a ginger ale
That was such an epic fail

Pictures of last night ended up online, I’m screwed, oh well
It’s a blacked-out blur but I’m pretty sure it ruled, damn

Last Friday Night
Yeah, we danced on table tops
And we took too many shots
Think we kissed, but I forgot
Last Friday Night
Yeah, we maxed our credit cards
And got kicked out of the bars
So we hit the boulevard
Last Friday night
We went streaking in the park
Skinny dipping in the dark
Then had a menage a trois
Last Friday night
Yeah, I think we broke the law
Always say we’re gonna stop op o whoaa oh
This Friday night, (do it all again)
This Friday night, (do it all again)
This Friday night

T.G.I.F, T.G.I.F, T.G.I.F, T.G.I.F, T.G.I.F

Last Friday Night
Yeah, we danced on table tops
And we took too many shots
Think we kissed, but I forgot
Last Friday Night
Yeah, we maxed our credit cards
And got kicked out of the bars
So we hit the boulevard
Last Friday night
We went streaking in the park
Skinny dipping in the dark
Then had a menage a trois
Last Friday night
Yeah, I think we broke the law
Always say we’re gonna stop op oh whoaa oh
This Friday night
(do it all again!)

her fans are are 11- 21

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

I think she's a pretty bad influence then, but that's what young people do now. Look at Paris Hilton and the other silly girl (what's her name?) Oh Lindsey Lohan...they exemplify that song. Maybe they inspired it...IDK.

[tropicalheatwave]

i thought the video was pretty funny http://youtu.be/KlyXNRrsk4A

i think overall most musicians are in the business of making money so its about the fans and what they want to hear.
just like fast food restruants. its not about who has the healthiest food menu but about what people enjoy eating.

[SharA2]

Hey Shar- your research was excellent and you have such a nice way of making people feel comfortable. Seems like you have reached others too. I agree, HIV is painful not only as a fearful affliction but also the stigma placed on the afflicted. I do see lots of improvements; not only in treatment but also in attitudes. People have become more accepting and compassionate. It's hard to imagine being ill and feeling that people are angry with you because you are ill; that seems almost unbearable. It's hard to understand why anyone would even consider kicking another when they are down. By the grace of God are any of us even born without afflictions; so where does this pride come from? Do we accomplish this ourselves or is it a gift? Hopefully we can all recognize that we each have unique strengths and weaknesses and that sharing our mutual support is our greatest strength.

Thank you. My sister has quite a few friends who have HIV/AIDS, lots are doing well, some have since passed on-- but I feel saddened when people are judged harshly when they contract either and sometimes families will shun them along with friends. It is a time when you need more support and love, not less. What you wrote was beautiful and a wonderful sentiment for others in this Holiday season.

@ KRSTYSTCLR-- That was a terrible ordeal you were made to go through at the hands of your ex-- it is difficult for a mother to have a child torn away from her and not know how they are, if well, alive, happy and more. Despicable actions on the part of your ex and selfish. I am sorry that you learned his life was a difficult one during his absence and that he now has HIV.

I wish in 2012 you and Misha can move closer in your relationship with your loved ones and their healths continue to strengthen. Blessings.

[SharA2]

Haters aren't hatin' on people as much as they are hatin' on what they see in others
that they have in themselves and dislike.

In a way we read these Think Tank contributions through the perspective of how they relate to our own world, or views of it. The issues and dreams discussed in Think Tank II all read relevant to they world I live in too, so.....

I want to thank everyone who has participated in these discussions.

I think it's no coincidence that these people (you guys) hold dreams in more attentive regard than the average person... It reflects an ability (or at least a desire) to know yourselves better. I'm not here as much as I used to be, but it's still my favorite site on the Web

I condensed your post somewhat, but I appreciated all that you had to say, tsetse22-- very thoughtful words to all, I too believe dreams are an important part of us and help us get through our lives when we understand what our minds want us to know and the others who help us see ourselves more clearly.

[KRSTYSTLCLR]

Beautiful Post card Shar. I want to steal that.

Anyone know if Dorn made his move? Merry Christmas wherever you are.

[SharA2]

You may steal it, KRSTY, I did off google. Dorn is away on his holidays now-- but I am sure he will check in here during that time.

I will not be back again until after Christmas-- so here is a Think Tank Question for the holidays.

What does Christmas mean to you?