Shamu

Case should be in the hands of the 6 woman jury today.

@@Gatorgirl Orange it is then. Good cooperative effort!

I am l trying Elegant at the moment but cannot say I like it. Perhaps if I try a Red it will work on both? Although Red looks angry. Maybe Orange? I certainly see why White does not work with Elegant. Had a hell of a hunt to find where to change theme.

@@Gatorgirl Sorry Gator, suggest another color instead of the stock color which I find difficult to read. We shall compromise, you are not the first to make that comment. I just do not like the original text color, I find it drab and not clearly defined.

But will they actually exercise the law? I expect only financial resolution and no criminal charges entailing jail time.

The prosecution is panicking because I believe they feel they have lost the case. Now they are scrambling for any kind of guilty verdict they can find. Simply to try and get a conviction and avoid radical public reaction. The case is no longer, and maybe never was about Zimmerman, it's now about controlling radical reaction at the expense of fair justice. If the judge approves their request I would consider it compromising our legal system and warranting a mistrial at the very least. If anyone should be on trial here perhaps it is the prosecutors.

A Country Founded by Geniuses but Run by Idiots by Jeff Foxworthy If you can get arrested for hunting or fishing without a license, but not for entering and ...remaining in the country illegally — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If you have to get your parents’ permission to go on a field trip or to take an aspirin in school, but not to get an abortion — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If you must show your identification to board an airplane, cash a check, buy liquor,or check out a library book and rent a video, but not to vote for who runs the government — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If the government wants to prevent stable, law-abiding citizens from owning gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds, but gives twenty F-16 fighter jets to the crazy new leaders in Egypt — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If, in the nation’s largest city, you can buy two 16-ounce sodas, but not one 24-ounce soda, because 24-ounces of a sugary drink might make you fat — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If an 80-year-old woman or a three-year-old girl who is confined to a wheelchair can be strip-searched by the TSA at the airport, but a woman in a burka or a hijab is only subject to having her neck and head searched — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If your government believes that the best way to eradicate trillions of dollars of debt is to spend trillions more — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If a seven-year-old boy can be thrown out of school for saying his teacher is “cute,” but hosting a sexual exploration or diversity class in grade school is perfectly acceptable — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If hard work and success are met with higher taxes and more government regulation and intrusion, while not working is rewarded with Food Stamps, WIC checks, Medicaid benefits, subsidized housing, and free cell phones — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If the government’s plan for getting people back to work is to provide incentives for not working, by granting 99 weeks of unemployment checks, without any requirement to prove that gainful employment was diligently sought, but couldn’t be found — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If you pay your mortgage faithfully, denying yourself the newest big-screen TV, while your neighbor buys iPhones, time shares, a wall-sized do-it-all plasma screen TV and new cars, and the government forgives his debt when he defaults on his mortgage — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. If being stripped of your Constitutional right to defend yourself makes you more “safe” according to the government — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots. What a country! I suggest recruiting Jeff for membership.

If the Free Trade Agreement we have with Mexico is any example I am totally against it. It's bogus, ill managed and creates an unfavorable competitive market for the US. I wish it could be revoked. Unless the countries are somewhat economically equal the country with the better living standard comes out a loser.........big time.

Toby Keith again, not one usually heard on public radio. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQy48qysTss

As for capital punishment I do not care if it or is not a deterrent. I just feel some crimes deserve the death penalty not life incarceration or rehabilitation. For example were Hitler on trial today, or after 1949 in West Germany, he would not get the death penalty. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/03/AR2005060301450.html Something about that would not be right.

Hmmm......if true shame on the Justice Department. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/07/10/did-justice-department-support-anti-zimmerman-protests-after-trayvon-shooting/

Perhaps you can see where many of us stand on capital punishment. Some people just really do not deserve to live, let alone have the prospect of parole. Capital punishment cruel and inhuman? I don't think so considering the methods available, they just go to permanent sleep in some cases. Parole? For those you sighted absolutely ridiculous and foolish. And certainly no ones business but yours. Life imprisonment without parole? Possibly crueler than capital punishment. Certainly more costly to government. Going even further on capital punishment I believe members of the victims family should have the option to administer the final justice under controlled conditions. I do feel it would help bring closure to some of the victims family. If someone killed one of my family I would want the honor of ending his/hers. A bit radical I know but it is how I feel.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/10/world/americas/canada-runaway-train/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 I still wonder what accountability there will be. It should not be just bought off with the dollar, someone should be accountable. We most certainly have yet to see the final death toll. Many may have been burnt to ashes and will never be found. Sickening.

I have been surprised none of our Canadian friends posted this topic, it seems to be a constant topic on the web sites I visit. Initially it seemed to be just a horrendous accident where the final death toll and loss of property is yet to be decided. I now see a criminal investigation has begun. Not sure the direction the investigation will take but it looks like a violation of corporate or state safety rules may be an important part. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/09/quebec-train-death-toll_n_3568464.html?ncid=webmail1 I am curiously following the news because because here in the States with regard to a corporate type "accident" rarely is an individual held accountable and only a financial settlement is imposed on the corporation. I often think if there were some individual criminal responsibility for corporation failure we might be a lot safer in the workplace. It might inspire corporate management to do a better job. PS: Hmmm.......I suppose the union side of me is showing. I am however bipolar, I also have a very conservative management side..

I think regardless of evidence and testimony in the trial, and whatever the jurors decision, I do not think it will change anyone's preconception of guilt or innocence. Most will continue with their preconceived opinion that he is either guilty or innocent. The trial will not change their opinions. Opinions have already been formed and are not likely to change especially within the radical mindset. My prediction? A mistrial because of a hung jury. Then the question is do they try to try him again. I think not. What is a shame is that often the person on defense does not have the financial resources to survive in our justice system. Even in civil suits the allegedly aggrieved party can get a lawyer for percentage of the potential financial winnings ( 30-40% ) with no cost to them if they lose. Meanwhile the defendant has no financial protection and very easily can wind up in the poor house defending themselves.

One good reason to allow live TV of the proceedings so the press cannot control and distort distort the reporting to suit their own mindsets or perceptions.

What I think is that those in government are afraid of the public consequences should Zimmerman have walked free without a trial. If he gets off by having a trial the anger may be dampened just a wee bit. Not much, but a little. At least the prosecution will be able to say they tried. Right now the prosecution is killing itself: http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/crime/item/15909-zimmerman-prosecution-imploding-analysts-say

The lead post was about the potential for violence in soccer considering the World Cup is scheduled for Brazil. It seems have remained consistent by focusing on the violence but not the game itself. In fact it has even somewhat stayed focused on Brazil even though there is great potential to drag other countries into the discussion. Personally I have admitted I do not find soccer entertaining and my posts have made that clear but I never denigrated the game itself, only the violence surrounding it. The topic seems to have remained consistent to date.

@@JohnnyDos Did I not hear in game you are going shooting somewhere? If so I hope you enjoy it. Guns are an odd difference between the U.S. and Canada. When the countries were formed guns were part of both of our countries cultures. For us much dates back to the revolution against England after which our citizens were guaranteed "the right to bear arms" in our Constitution and Bill of Rights, Second Amendment, developed in 1791. I suppose because we revolted against England for independence our mindset was formed much differently with regard to citizens having the right to own and have firearms in their possession. BTW.......I just bought my son a Canon SX50 for his birthday. It has a 50X zoom and amazing clarity even zoomed out all the way. Not on your camera level but still quite good, pics he has taken are awesome. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-sx50-hs

@@Sonovabich A lot of unsavory people gamble on major sports but don't necessarily go out and murder a player for an error. Bill Buckner in the 1966 World Series would have been a likely candidate for murder if anyone was so inclined. http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2008/10/21/top-10-world-series-moments/slide/bill-buckners-error/ Granted too that the drug cartels are certainly not your average fan base and cannot be compared to the norm. Fact still remains that he was murdered over soccer. Regardless of who committed the violence a soccer play initiated the action.

@@Bama Thanks, ordered 6 boxes, 220 sub sonic.

@@DEEJAYKEG I am rather sure violence has historically been prevalent in soccer matches more so than any other major sport. Granted all sports have their bad moments such as the one you linked to however I just think soccer has lead the way because of the rabid fan base. Also note most American incidents such as the one in Oakland are usually after a win or loss in the finals of championship game. Other games have their moments but the finals are worse. Winning a championship can be painful for the winning city. Not saying ugliness cannot be found anywhere you look but it has been my impression for many years that soccer fans have been the most problematic. Much has been done to control the matter by both the countries and leagues and certainly the event in Brazil is not indicative of the sport in general. I also acknowledge it is improving.

@@ANGU5 A good table for reference. I have a Remington 700 Sendero 25-06 that will reach out and touch someone........ oops, target. http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_trajectory_table.htm

My newest purchase. Title says what it is but the perk is it can shoot sub-sonic ammo and when equipped with the can / silencer I have I will be able to shoot it off the porch of my Pocono house and not disturb the neighbors. Sitting on top is a Nikon Omega scope 3 X 9 power The caliber comes from a .223 casing modified for a .300 bullet. My problem is I can't find anyone who has the ammo available, it's made by both Hornady and Remington but is all sold out. An indication of it's current popularity. It is also called .300 AAC BlackOut, http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/just-enough-gun-sw-mp15-300-whisper-review/

I guess because I am not a soccer fan I cannot see what stirs the passions of players and fans alike in soccer. The emotions of players and fans alike seem to far exceed that of most other professional sports and unfortunately often resulting in bad behavior. I guess I just don't understand what drives the passion. I will follow the World Cup as a casual observer, maybe watching bits and pieces of a game or two but mostly relying on the Internet for results. The game action for me is just too slow and boring to maintain my interest. I am also quite ready to admit I do not understand or appreciate the nuances of the game which would certainly compromise my appreciation of the game. Why the fans can become so violent and destructive is beyond me. Perhaps over time it has become an ingrained culture, something that had become accepted behavior. Until recently. Kudos to soccer organizations for trying to control fan behavior while still trying to maintain the team passion of the fans. A very difficult task, no easy job. It will take time. Lots of time.