I love this! So much to think about! Differentiation is the highest order of intelligence, right? First, I do differentiate between euthanasia or whatever it is called when a person is terminally ill, in pain, and doesn't want his heirs to be bereft because of appalling medical expenses. I put my very old dogs to sleep so why not myself in the same state? As to suicide, two men I cared deeply about croaked themselves as well as three women. They caused terrible grief and anguish to the people they left behind and in two cases, used gas so could have blown up many other people. But none of them impugned or slandered the people they absconded from. This suicide is a special case.

I will also say that I was a court reporter for over 20 years. I hated divorces because of the appalling viciousness sometimes. I agree that the system is weighted toward the mothers but being a woman who bore a child to a deadbeat, I think the system absolutely should be weighted in favor of the mothers.

Thanks. So many facets of interest! I would note that I never thought of a person who croaked him or her self as a victim. More as a coward with the persons they abandoned being in some cases the ones who are victimized. I would not call any judge an idiot, either, although some are clearly less than competent.

Please post the name of the judge, the jurisdiction and style of the case so interested persons can follow the proceedings. Thank you.

All those British statistics but wasn't the op talking about Ireland?

All those British statistics but wasn't the op talking about Ireland?

They are probably like McDonald's, local franchise operations. They have to meet base criteria such as uniforms but can make some local choices. One McDonald's near me uses artificial coffee lighteners which are poison to me whereas another uses what is labeled as actual cream, for example. They have differing decor but otherwise all similar.

This is fun because so weird. I was in a Subway once in April, a few days ago. I bought their featured sandwich of the month which was pulled pork with supposedly Chinese barbecue sauce. Charlottesville, Virginia area. Not Ireland. ..... no mention of Halal or butchering practices or other hogwash.

From what I know of Halal slaughter of goats, they are required to be conscious and standing, restrained only by holding one hind foot and lifting that leg. Local farmers' auctions sometimes have areas out of sight in the back where they allow this to be done to purchased animals on site rather than in a licensed and inspected slaughter house. I doubt very seriously that stunning is allowed if the slaughter is halal. Besides, the stunning process itself is very nasty, either electrical or with a bolt gun. Often the animals dodge so their suffering is increased, not decreased. I can't help but wonder how true all this verbiage actually is? I doubt the persons writing the ads or making the PR statements ever saw the "processing. "

What is with this black bag over this pony ' s head?

How many of us have made private statements which, taken out of context, recorded without our permission or knowledge, and then bruited about, would lead to consequences way beyond the original simple few words - to the gain of other parties by detriment to ourselves?

City folks tyrannies get stirred into already disastrous cattle situation added to consequences of last year's drought and slaughter of herds and breeding stock! Just what ranchers, dairymen and farmers (and consumers) do NOT need, more interference with basic livestock feed, win - win grain recycling and overburdened last fills.

I like the background, too - plus that it is muted. Adds lot of zing!

I am really impressed by these photos.

Grand portraits! I rather prefer the second one because of his dubious expression. I always wonder how such good portraits are made - what lens, what lighting?? And I wish you would post some horse portraits! !!

Marvelous! Light, exposure, colors, focus all so perfect - as all your portraits are! I, too, am interested to know what lens and details of your lighting? I did ask previously because you are my favorite photographer here and I can't read your exif data. I have four dogs and no exam table to get them eye level but yearn to make portraits (almost) as good as yours.