Kamin Furniture, Harding and Parker Drugstore and Chick-fil-A are yet another fine example of big hearts in a community that has an abundance of caring, giving, selfless residents.
Does the Vice President have anything to back up his contention that the negative publicity surrounding their Vegas jaunt is misplaced? Surely the WF people would be defending their position if what the VP says is totally true. I have seen nothing in print even alluding to WF having repaid any of their bailout funds. Could your VP be mistaken about his information? That aside, however, extravagant spending on unnecessary and undeserved perks does not demonstrate that the folks in charge have learned anything about fiscal responsibility. They are only showing the world that they are back to business as usual regardless of future consequences. They have opened themselves to public scrutiny and must, therefore, expect the public to scrutinize their wasteful practices and call them out on this waste. You don't plan a vacation to Disney World Europe if all you really can afford is a backyard barbecue.
allfiredup. So much said in so few words. Perhaps one should reread the history books when a bonnet was virtually mandatory for the virtuous female, and skirts showing ankle was a disgrace and moral outrage. Pregnant women were resigned to the indoors when their voluminous skirts no longer covered their delicate condition. The Victorian high society's display of bosom in their females' wearing appaprel certainly did not mean American women should lower those high necked, lace encircled collars. Why a woman could be thrown out of the church for such immoral conduct. A man was obliged to remove his hat indoors and when addressing a lady. Didn't matter whether it was a manly cowboy or a dandy in a bowler. Rules still applied. If I remember correctly, it has not been that long in American history when a lady wore a hat, complementing her outfit, of course, whenever she ventured from her cook stove to the public outdoors. Many a hat shop folded in the aftermath of the female revolt against wearing the obligatory hat in public. We have no idea what nuns are hiding under those habits or if the face behind that veil is actually a real female. That's it. Time to outlaw traditional nunnery wear. If the Vatican can't subscribe to the American hatless, veilless, ankle displaying customs, then send all the nuns back to them.
Huhhhhh? Methinks you are letting a few examples taint the entire well of good men available. I believe America is a country full of people who lose sight of the fact that it is the world's "melting pot", and was founded on the premise that everyone should be allowed to practice their religion, lifestyle, and beliefs as THEY deem fit. One easily forgets their history lessons when condemning certain things which don't fall into their personal belief system. Though we want to believe that all the men, those named by you and others, deserve to be placed high on their pedestals, they too had faulty judgment and ways about them that others were eager to chastise. I find it annoying that TV appears to be pandering to the gay cause with the ever-growing fondness for using men who "lisp" when doing commercials, news, weather, sports, prime time shows. But alongside the lispers, in real life are all the men with manly voices who serve to balance the scales. Most of the men whom you accuse of kowtowing to the outside influences are, unfortunately, from your and my generation. I hate to say it but our generation was raised in a bigoted, prejudiced, everyone should stay in their place and damn well like it/live with it, society. June Cleaver was the ultimate female icon and John Wayne the man's man. OUR generation fought diligently to impede Robert Kennedy's vision of equal rights regardless of skin color and heritage. If I recall correctly John F. Kennedy was (gasp) a Catholic which would never do for leadership of our country (in the 1960s). McCarthy and J. Edgar would do the ole "turn in their graves" at the audacity of today's society to treat others equally. Equally on the surface whether or not they believe it in their hearts. I could write a book about the wrongs committed by the white man in demanding society do it his way instead of the American-guaranteed right to do it your way with no man leveraging his influence on you to change. KKK comes quickly to mind, where they did everything in the name of religion and preservation of the American way. Much as the Spanish Inquisition did everything in the righteousness of religious beliefs. Salem Witch Trials? Did you know that the Northerners were so infuriated when President Lincoln invoked the military draft, Northerners (the great emancipators) were hanging black people from New York City street lights. Because it had to be the Black's fault that there was a war anyway. Right? I must disagree with your viewpoint that men are becoming a majority of pantie waisted, pinkie posturing, she-males. When our military men (and women) start wearing uniforms with a pink tutu around their waistband, I'll start believing men have all gone to the gay side. The male part of our military forces look mighty darn manly to me, and actions portray 100% masculinity. Examine why there is a rush to outlaw headgear for women, Muslim women. Let's take it to the ultimate step and outlaw all the ridiculous hats prominent at the Kentucky Derby, and forbid the bride from wearing a veil in her wedding march down the aisle, and refuse to let our girls wear that Easter bonnet to church. What in the world do you think American Tradition entails? The merging of the thoughts, ideas, and hopefully best parts of all nationalities choosing to reside in America. Right now I am so proud of our kids, male and female. They are more accepting of diversity, more ready to welcome all races, creeds, nationalities than their ancestors. This will be the first generation, barring overbearing parental influence, to introduce someone as their friend who works in the computer sector, rather than , "one of my best friends is (fill in the blank) black, Iraqi, Irish, Italian, Mexican, etc. Color or ancestry will be one of their least concerns. The person inside the one with brown skin or foreign accent will rule the day. America is now becoming more American than it has ever been. A Constitution guaranteeing freedom of choice may after more than 200 years become a reality through our current and future generations. We have a lot worse things to worry about than a few "lisping" males. The media makes it seems as if there are a lot more lispers than there are actually. Have you also noticed how all the advertisers and show makers have rushed to include black faces in all their endeavors? Omigod, they're displacing the white American manly male and white feminine female in every venue. YIKES!!!
Make it Dutch exclusively, and there should be no false hopes or expectations. Could be a lot of PO'd females and lonely men, however. Ahhh, the sacrifices we make in the pursuit of true love. P.S. If that 48 year old woman was sitting in one of those trees on Juan Linn or Water Street, better grab her. That's a pretty frisky older woman. Beware of dangers, however. I can hear it now. "911. What is your emergency?" "My 'john" got stuck in the crook of this tree while trying to get his raincoat on." Dang, forgot my camera phone.
Lack of self esteem? Hardly. A city lacking self esteem would resemble little hope or self motivation for self improvement or pride. Victoria has the prestigious Wells Fargo Bank building overseeing a downtown area with a pleasant mingling of the historic and modern. Granted Victoria doesn't boast the New York Philharmonic or Boston Symphony, yet it has cultural offerings quite nice for a city of its size. Let's not forget the many people donating their time and talents to making Victoria an even better place to live. Friends of the Library, social organizations, volunteer emergency personnel, and the extensive list of others. Don't make your usual right onto Rio Grande from downtown. Cross over to the adjacent neighborhoods. The homes are anywhere from the breathtakingly magnificent to the pleasant cottages Most are well maintained, evidencing a lot of pride and self esteem. Driving North, and once past the plentiful car dealerships on Navarro, many and diverse retailers line the city's main drag. WalMart Superstore catering to those of us being made poorer daily by economic downturns, borders to City's north. Cross the road to the East side and the bustle of new construction evidences a city growing steadily. An abundance of self esteem on display. Did Friday, your job applicant from Boston, first consider the opening because it offers more money, prestige, experience, upward mobility? Does he really know anything about Victoria, or assume that a city of this size would offer an environment more pleasing in many respects than Boston's? I have visited and lived in small towns which would make Boston a much more desireable place to live. Actually, Friday's answers are not all that surprising to anyone who has lived in larger cities. Boston is a wonderful place both historically, culturally, and architecturally. It is, as are most large metropolitan areas, great places to visit, but I no longer wish to live there. I am a transplant to Victoria, who ten years ago was more than ready for the slower pace of a smaller community. Crime rate, cost of living, school rankings, churches, cultural offerings were my priorities. Others may have different criteria, such as night life, shopping outlets (designer retailers), etc, I have no children, yet believe a good educational system says a lot about a community Some might argue the point, but the existence of a diversity of churches indicates a strong community value system. When compared to other areas, the Victoria crime rate is incredibly small. I'm talking major crimes, not petty theft, DWI's, or a couple of prostitution arrests. South Texas summers can be harsh, particularly if one has asthma/allergies. All in all the seasonal temps are quite nice. Anyone who has shoveled, and rocked, their car out of ice and snow and slid their way to work, minus any true tire to pavement contact, can appreciate South Texas weather. Salaries are fairly pitiful here. The value for the money cost of living though is far superior to big cities CoL. I was looking for a more tranquil environment, so money was not my main motivator. Others might find the money a priority criteria. I reviewed, of course, the city web site, Chamber of Commerce information, and the local newspaper. Wasn't aware there were three Chambers of Commerce until relocating here. Victoria has a Sears, Radio Shack, 24-hour WalMart, Walgreens, K-Mart (at that time) and, least we forget, multiple dollar stores, as selling points. Of the top ten places I ranked as good relocation possibilities Victoria was fourth. After visiting the others, Victoria soared to first. Additionally, less than two hours away, Houston, San Antonio, Corpus, offfer most any amenity not available in Victoria. The hospitality factor added to its many other attributes, makes Victoria a very attractive, people friendly, city in which to live and work. I would make only one wish for Victoria. Can someone persuade Waffle House, Captain D's, and Brahm's Ice Cream to locate stores here and make this an even better community?
What a silly, lopsided story this is, and it prompted equally silly, lopsided remarks. Such as: "Two that's nothing, there (sic) also on Juan Linn, Water Street, hiding in trees. They usually come out at night, Just ask all those old men who pick them up with nice trucks and cars. Can't mention any cause there (sic)married and have nice lives. I just hope there was some protection." Why can't you mention any names, Mr. Poster? They're just as guilty as the ones selling. Can't sell if there aren't any buyers. I am S-o-o-o-o Glad to see misogyny is alive and kickin'.Oh, by the way, are the astute observations by some here made as participants or voyeurs? Holier-than-thouers and hippocrites crack me up. Any newspaper that names the sellers ought to be brave enough to name the buyers. Papers having the guts to print the buyers' names, have prompted hilarious results. Divorce rates escalated. A lot of nice cars and trucks changed hands. And prostitution crime rates took a downward spiral-until the backlash quieted down, that is. What fun the VicAd would be if cops followed and caught the buyer and seller consumating the deal, arrested both, and names of all parties to the crime were published. Play fair, boys. I dare ya!!! You could make it a Valentine's Day special edition.
Your observation is correct. The VA has changed from a community newspaper to a defense attorney deciding to thwart effort at the prosecutorial attempts to get at the real truth. Whoever gets to the Defense Attorney Advocate first wins all the toys, the prize being news slanted in their favor regardless of other extenating facts which may exist. At least two boo hoo stories recently apparently had absolutely no research done or the truth would have come out. One was an individual known for insurance scams and another claiming duress because their truck could not be licensed because of the big, bad, malicious authorities. Lies and half truths were pervasive throughout each story as presented by Defense Attorney Advocate. A good reporter one would think delves into the other side of the story to present a truly factual news report. Why did a teacher send another child into the restroom alone to deliver a message to the purported out of control child? Did the message deliverer take too much authority upon herself and perhaps played bully? What steps does the school plan to take to correct any failure to act,? Too many unanswered "whys" to conclude who was absolutely right or wrong, and to conclude the story is not slanted in favor of one regardless of other facts. Shame.
One of the shows, 20/20, Dateline, can't remember which, did a study on this several years ago. The investigator visited a number of nuclear reactors and found not a few of them wide open to sabotage or other unacceptable activity. One facility was so lax that the back door was propped open with no guard or security whatsoever at that location.
Any reactor is only as safe as its human caretakers. We have been made aware of government shortcomings tragically through mine disasters, cranes toppling, whistleblowers whistles being silenced by the administration, government scientists being muzzled, etc.
Not even the resident experts on this forum can assure us 100% that stupid won't creep into this nuclear site endeavor. One doesn't have to be in fear constantly, but neither does one need to invite the potential for disaster into their home. No nuclear is good nuclear.
Mike, Shhhhhhhhh. George Bush Idolators will fight cha to the death over that remark. Ronald Reagan gave a pretty decent speech, too. It kind of went with his past occupation. So we can't give him full credit for his skills. One can only pray better selections for the SC and cabinet leadership are made. Someone has to return America to the American people. I'd vote for the Purple People Eater if he'd help America out of its overload of garbage-spewing politicians and their handmaidens. (And we can reform his people eating ways, which we have been unable to do with Big Business thus far.)
Kamin Furniture, Harding and Parker Drugstore and Chick-fil-A are yet another fine example of big hearts in a community that has an abundance of caring, giving, selfless residents.
Does the Vice President have anything to back up his contention that the negative publicity surrounding their Vegas jaunt is misplaced? Surely the WF people would be defending their position if what the VP says is totally true. I have seen nothing in print even alluding to WF having repaid any of their bailout funds. Could your VP be mistaken about his information?
That aside, however, extravagant spending on unnecessary and undeserved perks does not demonstrate that the folks in charge have learned anything about fiscal responsibility. They are only showing the world that they are back to business as usual regardless of future consequences. They have opened themselves to public scrutiny and must, therefore, expect the public to scrutinize their wasteful practices and call them out on this waste. You don't plan a vacation to Disney World Europe if all you really can afford is a backyard barbecue.
allfiredup. So much said in so few words.
Perhaps one should reread the history books when a bonnet was virtually mandatory for the virtuous female, and skirts showing ankle was a disgrace and moral outrage. Pregnant women were resigned to the indoors when their voluminous skirts no longer covered their delicate condition. The Victorian high society's display of bosom in their females' wearing appaprel certainly did not mean American women should lower those high necked, lace encircled collars. Why a woman could be thrown out of the church for such immoral conduct.
A man was obliged to remove his hat indoors and when addressing a lady. Didn't matter whether it was a manly cowboy or a dandy in a bowler. Rules still applied.
If I remember correctly, it has not been that long in American history when a lady wore a hat, complementing her outfit, of course, whenever she ventured from her cook stove to the public outdoors. Many a hat shop folded in the aftermath of the female revolt against wearing the obligatory hat in public.
We have no idea what nuns are hiding under those habits or if the face behind that veil is actually a real female. That's it. Time to outlaw traditional nunnery wear. If the Vatican can't subscribe to the American hatless, veilless, ankle displaying customs, then send all the nuns back to them.
Huhhhhh? Methinks you are letting a few examples taint the entire well of good men available. I believe America is a country full of people who lose sight of the fact that it is the world's "melting pot", and was founded on the premise that everyone should be allowed to practice their religion, lifestyle, and beliefs as THEY deem fit. One easily forgets their history lessons when condemning certain things which don't fall into their personal belief system. Though we want to believe that all the men, those named by you and others, deserve to be placed high on their pedestals, they too had faulty judgment and ways about them that others were eager to chastise.
I find it annoying that TV appears to be pandering to the gay cause with the ever-growing fondness for using men who "lisp" when doing commercials, news, weather, sports, prime time shows. But alongside the lispers, in real life are all the men with manly voices who serve to balance the scales. Most of the men whom you accuse of kowtowing to the outside influences are, unfortunately, from your and my generation. I hate to say it but our generation was raised in a bigoted, prejudiced, everyone should stay in their place and damn well like it/live with it, society. June Cleaver was the ultimate female icon and John Wayne the man's man. OUR generation fought diligently to impede Robert Kennedy's vision of equal rights regardless of skin color and heritage. If I recall correctly John F. Kennedy was (gasp) a Catholic which would never do for leadership of our country (in the 1960s). McCarthy and J. Edgar would do the ole "turn in their graves" at the audacity of today's society to treat others equally. Equally on the surface whether or not they believe it in their hearts.
I could write a book about the wrongs committed by the white man in demanding society do it his way instead of the American-guaranteed right to do it your way with no man leveraging his influence on you to change. KKK comes quickly to mind, where they did everything in the name of religion and preservation of the American way. Much as the Spanish Inquisition did everything in the righteousness of religious beliefs. Salem Witch Trials? Did you know that the Northerners were so infuriated when President Lincoln invoked the military draft, Northerners (the great emancipators) were hanging black people from New York City street lights. Because it had to be the Black's fault that there was a war anyway. Right?
I must disagree with your viewpoint that men are becoming a majority of pantie waisted, pinkie posturing, she-males. When our military men (and women) start wearing uniforms with a pink tutu around their waistband, I'll start believing men have all gone to the gay side. The male part of our military forces look mighty darn manly to me, and actions portray 100% masculinity. Examine why there is a rush to outlaw headgear for women, Muslim women. Let's take it to the ultimate step and outlaw all the ridiculous hats prominent at the Kentucky Derby, and forbid the bride from wearing a veil in her wedding march down the aisle, and refuse to let our girls wear that Easter bonnet to church. What in the world do you think American Tradition entails? The merging of the thoughts, ideas, and hopefully best parts of all nationalities choosing to reside in America.
Right now I am so proud of our kids, male and female. They are more accepting of diversity, more ready to welcome all races, creeds, nationalities than their ancestors. This will be the first generation, barring overbearing parental influence, to introduce someone as their friend who works in the computer sector, rather than , "one of my best friends is (fill in the blank) black, Iraqi, Irish, Italian, Mexican, etc. Color or ancestry will be one of their least concerns. The person inside the one with brown skin or foreign accent will rule the day. America is now becoming more American than it has ever been. A Constitution guaranteeing freedom of choice may after more than 200 years become a reality through our current and future generations.
We have a lot worse things to worry about than a few "lisping" males. The media makes it seems as if there are a lot more lispers than there are actually. Have you also noticed how all the advertisers and show makers have rushed to include black faces in all their endeavors? Omigod, they're displacing the white American manly male and white feminine female in every venue. YIKES!!!
Make it Dutch exclusively, and there should be no false hopes or expectations. Could be a lot of PO'd females and lonely men, however. Ahhh, the sacrifices we make in the pursuit of true love.
P.S. If that 48 year old woman was sitting in one of those trees on Juan Linn or Water Street, better grab her. That's a pretty frisky older woman.
Beware of dangers, however. I can hear it now. "911. What is your emergency?" "My 'john" got stuck in the crook of this tree while trying to get his raincoat on." Dang, forgot my camera phone.
Lack of self esteem? Hardly. A city lacking self esteem would resemble little hope or self motivation for self improvement or pride. Victoria has the prestigious Wells Fargo Bank building overseeing a downtown area with a pleasant mingling of the historic and modern. Granted Victoria doesn't boast the New York Philharmonic or Boston Symphony, yet it has cultural offerings quite nice for a city of its size. Let's not forget the many people donating their time and talents to making Victoria an even better place to live. Friends of the Library, social organizations, volunteer emergency personnel, and the extensive list of others.
Don't make your usual right onto Rio Grande from downtown. Cross over to the adjacent neighborhoods. The homes are anywhere from the breathtakingly magnificent to the pleasant cottages Most are well maintained, evidencing a lot of pride and self esteem. Driving North, and once past the plentiful car dealerships on Navarro, many and diverse retailers line the city's main drag. WalMart Superstore catering to those of us being made poorer daily by economic downturns, borders to City's north. Cross the road to the East side and the bustle of new construction evidences a city growing steadily. An abundance of self esteem on display.
Did Friday, your job applicant from Boston, first consider the opening because it offers more money, prestige, experience, upward mobility? Does he really know anything about Victoria, or assume that a city of this size would offer an environment more pleasing in many respects than Boston's? I have visited and lived in small towns which would make Boston a much more desireable place to live.
Actually, Friday's answers are not all that surprising to anyone who has lived in larger cities. Boston is a wonderful place both historically, culturally, and architecturally. It is, as are most large metropolitan areas, great places to visit, but I no longer wish to live there.
I am a transplant to Victoria, who ten years ago was more than ready for the slower pace of a smaller community. Crime rate, cost of living, school rankings, churches, cultural offerings were my priorities. Others may have different criteria, such as night life, shopping outlets (designer retailers), etc, I have no children, yet believe a good educational system says a lot about a community Some might argue the point, but the existence of a diversity of churches indicates a strong community value system.
When compared to other areas, the Victoria crime rate is incredibly small. I'm talking major crimes, not petty theft, DWI's, or a couple of prostitution arrests. South Texas summers can be harsh, particularly if one has asthma/allergies. All in all the seasonal temps are quite nice. Anyone who has shoveled, and rocked, their car out of ice and snow and slid their way to work, minus any true tire to pavement contact, can appreciate South Texas weather.
Salaries are fairly pitiful here. The value for the money cost of living though is far superior to big cities CoL. I was looking for a more tranquil environment, so money was not my main motivator. Others might find the money a priority criteria.
I reviewed, of course, the city web site, Chamber of Commerce information, and the local newspaper. Wasn't aware there were three Chambers of Commerce until relocating here. Victoria has a Sears, Radio Shack, 24-hour WalMart, Walgreens, K-Mart (at that time) and, least we forget, multiple dollar stores, as selling points. Of the top ten places I ranked as good relocation possibilities Victoria was fourth. After visiting the others, Victoria soared to first. Additionally, less than two hours away, Houston, San Antonio, Corpus, offfer most any amenity not available in Victoria.
The hospitality factor added to its many other attributes, makes Victoria a very attractive, people friendly, city in which to live and work.
I would make only one wish for Victoria. Can someone persuade Waffle House, Captain D's, and Brahm's Ice Cream to locate stores here and make this an even better community?
What a silly, lopsided story this is, and it prompted equally silly, lopsided remarks. Such as: "Two that's nothing, there (sic) also on Juan Linn, Water Street, hiding in trees. They usually come out at night, Just ask all those old men who pick them up with nice trucks and cars. Can't mention any cause there (sic)married and have nice lives. I just hope there was some protection."
Why can't you mention any names, Mr. Poster? They're just as guilty as the ones selling. Can't sell if there aren't any buyers. I am S-o-o-o-o Glad to see misogyny is alive and kickin'.Oh, by the way, are the astute observations by some here made as participants or voyeurs?
Holier-than-thouers and hippocrites crack me up.
Any newspaper that names the sellers ought to be brave enough to name the buyers. Papers having the guts to print the buyers' names, have prompted hilarious results. Divorce rates escalated. A lot of nice cars and trucks changed hands. And prostitution crime rates took a downward spiral-until the backlash quieted down, that is. What fun the VicAd would be if cops followed and caught the buyer and seller consumating the deal, arrested both, and names of all parties to the crime were published.
Play fair, boys. I dare ya!!! You could make it a Valentine's Day special edition.
Your observation is correct. The VA has changed from a community newspaper to a defense attorney deciding to thwart effort at the prosecutorial attempts to get at the real truth. Whoever gets to the Defense Attorney Advocate first wins all the toys, the prize being news slanted in their favor regardless of other extenating facts which may exist. At least two boo hoo stories recently apparently had absolutely no research done or the truth would have come out. One was an individual known for insurance scams and another claiming duress because their truck could not be licensed because of the big, bad, malicious authorities. Lies and half truths were pervasive throughout each story as presented by Defense Attorney Advocate.
A good reporter one would think delves into the other side of the story to present a truly factual news report. Why did a teacher send another child into the restroom alone to deliver a message to the purported out of control child? Did the message deliverer take too much authority upon herself and perhaps played bully? What steps does the school plan to take to correct any failure to act,?
Too many unanswered "whys" to conclude who was absolutely right or wrong, and to conclude the story is not slanted in favor of one regardless of other facts.
Shame.
One of the shows, 20/20, Dateline, can't remember which, did a study on this several years ago. The investigator visited a number of nuclear reactors and found not a few of them wide open to sabotage or other unacceptable activity. One facility was so lax that the back door was propped open with no guard or security whatsoever at that location.
Any reactor is only as safe as its human caretakers. We have been made aware of government shortcomings tragically through mine disasters, cranes toppling, whistleblowers whistles being silenced by the administration, government scientists being muzzled, etc.
Not even the resident experts on this forum can assure us 100% that stupid won't creep into this nuclear site endeavor. One doesn't have to be in fear constantly, but neither does one need to invite the potential for disaster into their home. No nuclear is good nuclear.
Mike,
Shhhhhhhhh. George Bush Idolators will fight cha to the death over that remark.
Ronald Reagan gave a pretty decent speech, too. It kind of went with his past occupation. So we can't give him full credit for his skills.
One can only pray better selections for the SC and cabinet leadership are made. Someone has to return America to the American people. I'd vote for the Purple People Eater if he'd help America out of its overload of garbage-spewing politicians and their handmaidens. (And we can reform his people eating ways, which we have been unable to do with Big Business thus far.)