Cuba might finally get a bit of a break from the U.S.

Restrictions loosened? Cuba, long a political hot potato, could see some loosened restrictions on the U.S.’ end, including Obama lifting a limitation on family travel to the country. The infamous trade embargo, which has been around for-freaking-ever, probably won’t go, but it could be the first step to easing relations with the communist nation. source

Restrictions loosened? Cuba, long a political hot potato, could see some loosened restrictions on the U.S.’ end, including Obama lifting a limitation on family travel to the country. The infamous trade embargo, which has been around for-freaking-ever, probably won’t go, but it could be the first step to easing relations with the communist nation.
Cuban-Americans want action It’s a bit of a carrot and stick situation for the country; they want Cuba to change along with their mood. “The Cuban-American community doesn’t want to give up everything for nothing in return,” said Andy S. Gomez, a senior fellow at the Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at the University of Miami. source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

Model prisoners Charles Manson’s followers in the late 1960s – the ones who killed Sharon Tate and numerous others – appear to no longer be a danger to society. They all have spotless prison records; they all seem to show remorse and personal responsibility for their crimes. Yet, Susan Atkins (who’s terminally ill), Charles “Tex” Watson (who’s a minister), Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten probably will never be let out of prison. source

Model prisoners Charles Manson’s followers in the late 1960s – the ones who killed Sharon Tate and numerous others – appear to no longer be a danger to society. They all have spotless prison records; they all seem to show remorse and personal responsibility for their crimes. Yet, Susan Atkins (who’s terminally ill), Charles “Tex” Watson (who’s a minister), Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten probably will never be let out of prison.
No shot at parole? Despite the records, what’s working against them is the sensationalism of their crimes. They keep going up to parole boards, only to get shunned. There are reasons it makes sense to let them go: Prisons are expensive. California’s broke. But it may not be enough. For the record, Tate’s sister doesn’t want them paroled, saying the slayings were “so vicious, so inhumane, so depraved, that there is no turning back.” source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

Oh, love! And forgiveness, and friendship, and family. You know, family, faith, friends are the core of my life and I don’t know anybody whose life is smooth sailing.
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton • Who took a break from saving the world to talk on a Turkish talk show about her husband, her fashion sense, and carefully avoid talking about the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which is what she did here. • source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

She finally got her discharge. Finally. 27-year-old Lisa Pagan of Davidson, North Carolina, was out of the military for a good few years and had started a family when she was recalled. Her husband has a full-time job, so he can’t take care of the kids. But she showed up at Fort Benning, Ga. – with her kids – on Monday, at which point, someone with a brain finally gave her that discharge she wanted. Oh boy. source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

What do you suggest she should have done? She refused to have them killed. That is a very painful thing.
The new grandmother of the children • on the doctor-suggested possibility of the mother losing some of the embryos. The grandmother says that the octet’s older siblings are excited about their new family members. • source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

05 Apr 2009 10:54