I'm new to this forum, (usually over at Building a Home or Kitchens), but had to respond to this. NOT trying to "enable" what some might consider a vice, but if you're like me and just love magazines... I stopped the two or three mags I was getting after we moved. Then on vacation I bought several new ones that I thought I might be interested in, read them cover to cover, and picked three. Then found a website that you can order subscriptions through for cheap (I'm talking like $4 and change for a year of Women's Health, etc) I figure I usually buy a mag or two at the checkout line, so for that same cost I get it all year long now - guilt free!

disneyrsh: "Hope you're feeling ok, BethesdaMadMan." Most people go to the beach for Memorial Day, but I have my own unique "vacation" plans. I'm going to the sun and fun capital of the world.......The Washington Hospital Center. I'll be checking in for my all-inclusive resort accommodations on Monday, May 28th. The accommodations package includes around-the-clock visits from various resort personnel (whether I want them or not). This resort is so much fun that I may never want to sleep. In fact, the resort personnel usually come by in the middle of the night just on the off chance that you've fallen asleep and wake you up. They want to ensure that guests enjoy every minute of the resort experience. I've even signed up for the extra-special amenities package which includes a six-hour visit to the operating room on Wednesday, May 30. I'll have my own personal attendants during that period of time - one of whom will even be giving me drugs! I told you this was all-inclusive! My resort stay will last about 7-10 days, with an expected check-out on Wednesday, June 6. I couldn't ask for a better vacation. In fact, this sounds so wonderful, I'm already planning my next "vacation" at this resort for sometime in July. Some people schedule two vacations at a time......I schedule two surgeries!

Les, that was an incredible report on your evening with Candice!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! It sounds like the Smithe brothers did a lot of fine tuning for the evening compared to when I attended last year. We had the same welcome at the door by two of the brothers. I even asked them to sing the Smithe song which they did without hesitation. Where they've improved since my visit is with the store set-up. At that time, we were in the back of the store and altho they had a "stage" area and some chairs set, many people, including me and my girlfreind, were standing wherever we could the whole time because there was only one screen for the slide presentation. They did, however, offer the same wonderful food and beverages, as well as the complimentary copies of Candice's book. And you are so right, she is so friendly in person. And wasn't it fun to get more background information on the show itself as well as some of the projects they've done? After reading about the evening, I'm really kicking myself for not attending. I don't dare share your report with my SIL, tho. She'll really be upset that she didn't go. I sure hope they have another signing in the near future. This is the second time they've used the Oak Brook store. They have their newest store in the Lincolnshire area which is just as nice and they've had only one event at that location. Thank you again for taking the time to write such a great recap of the entire evening.

Actuality I am very logical. Had to be in my line of work. Your water to gun comparison is not logical . Adding more water is not going to lessen or accelerate the devastation of flooding. Water is not the cause of the flooding. Flooding is cause by man trying to alter his environment. Just like more or less guns are not the cause of shooting deaths, but mans need to kill. Water and guns are objects that do not have brains and as such can not plan death or destruction. Most crimes are committed with illegal guns. Your not going to stop illegal guns no more than anyone is going to stop all illegal drugs. If someone has the money to buy an illegal gun it isn't hard to get one off the streets. And there is always going to be someone there to sell it to them. Stricter gun laws are not going to stop illegal firearms. Yes, I agree to back ground checks before you are able to purchase and resister a gun and it should be the same across all states. I should be able to carry anywhere in the US. Not state by state. But like everything else there are going to be people who fall though the cracks even if it is federally controlled . And if they are denied a registered gun they are just going to buy it off the street anyway. This current shooter did purchase his gun legally and I don't know Florida gun laws, but I didn't read anywhere that he had past crimes or was under psychological care or ever been in institutionalized due to mental illness. If there is no past history, nobody has ESP and predict how a person will use a gun. It is illogical to think if you make gun law stricter that there will be less guns, because legit people will still be able to legally buy guns and the people who can not get them legally will always be able to buy them from the black market.