Update On The Coral Ridge Mall And The Floods

I just received an update from the Coral Ridge Mall, which has addressed many concerns, which I had earlier today, about why we are open. While there have been some upset customers contacting the mall and asking why we are open, there have been Thankful shoppers who were extremely happy that we were here, for clothes, supplies, food, and a place to go, instead of being cooped up in their hotel rooms, as they ride out this disaster.

As you could tell this morning, I was annoyed that the Mall employees were put in jeopardy, just to get here and avoid being fined for not opening, or for not opening on time (or so I thought). The memo that I just received indicates that they Do understand that some people will not be able to make it in tomorrow (Saturday 14th) as we will be open regular hours. They also advise everyone to check the routes to get here, before trying to drive in, by calling 511 through the Iowa Department of Transportation.

My view from the aspect of shoppers "thinking" it was safe to come here, "just" because the Mall was open, and when they call guest welcome center, they are told that we are open, and I do not think most people actually know how bad it is, or how bad it will be, unless they were here in 1993. I did not live here then, but came down to visit my brother, his wife, and their children, so I saw the devestation, and can only imagine what this 500 year flood is going to do, when an additional 5 feet of water gets here this Monday.

IMPORTANT: Monica Nadeau ~~General Manager of the Coral Ridge Mall, mentions that the Mall is one of the few businesses in the area, not expected to flood. She also says that one of the ways we can reach out to the community, and offer assistance, IS by keeping the doors open and welcoming everyone during this difficult time. I have also had a chance see many frustrated parents, just glad they had a place to bring their children for the day, before going back to their "new" home at the hotel, so I will consider that we do offer a service by being open. It is also nice to know that if someone cannot get here, due to the floods, their business will NOT be fined, as there are extraordinary circumstances. This is particularly important for small businesses that may have only one employee, or may be the only employee, so they will not "kill" themselves trying to get here to be in compliance.

A little understanding on all sides will make the continuing, and worsening situation a little better. Sometimes I am impulsive and a "know it all", when I should wait and get all the facts before letting my Diet Dew soaked brain write anything, which I did not do this morning!! i was annoyed by the drive-in with "idiots". I was "what the hell are we doing here", and I was "positive" I was right, and so the Mall must be wrong~~information is an awesome thing, in looking at things from another perspective, which I have now done!!

My thanks to Monica for clarifying the Malls policies for everyone, employee and visitors alike. Come see us, if it is safe for you to do so, and with children be very cautious, but we SHALL be here for you!!

May we have a Great Deal of Luck over the next days, and weeks, as we pull together and keep these cities, and this state from deteriorating into chaos!!

Have a Safe Friday~~and Remember to NEVER Cross water running over the road, as just a few feet can wash your auto away, with you in it!!

Update On $7 Billion Fraud

There is an update on the story of the rogue trader who cost France's Societe Generale bank more than $7 billion by making bad stock market bets was taken into custody on Saturday for questioning, judicial officials said.


Financial police in Paris were to question Jerome Kerviel as part of a probe into Societe Generale's announcement Thursday that the 31-year-old trader had put tens of billions of dollars at risk in one of history's biggest frauds, judicial officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

As more information becomes available we will update again. Thanks and have a Great Weekend, as we are expecting highs in the 20's and 30's~~Heat Wave In Iowa, So Please Get Out, Be Patriotic, and Spend Some Money!!

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O.J. Update

I am so upset that I am having so many computer issues and could not write anything until tonight! In what has to be Karmic Justice it looks like O.J. may actually receive justice and Go TO Jail!!!!

News conferences, a slew of felony charges, a perp walk in handcuffs and detention in a holding cell without bail — it's clear authorities aren't giving O.J. Simpson any celebrity breaks. Police insist such treatment is prudent for a man whose name is synonymous with a slow-speed chase from officers in a white Ford Bronco. But legal experts are questioning whether Simpson is being singled out for extra-tough prosecution in his casino-hotel robbery case as payback for his murder acquittal more than a decade ago.

May the Prosecution get it right this time, and put this "monster" away once and for all!!



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September 1 Iraqi Deaths Update

This is a post to update the number of United States military and Iraqi civilian deaths and the current circumstances on the ground as of the 1st day of September, 2007.

Civilian deaths rose in August to their second-highest monthly level this year, according to figures compiled Saturday by The Associated Press. That raises questions about whether U.S. strategy is working days before Congress receives landmark reports that will decide the course of the war.

Figures compiled by the Associated Press from police reports nationwide show that at least 1,809 civilians were killed across the country last month compared with 1,760 in July. That brings to 27,564 the number of Iraqi civilians killed since Associated Press began collecting data on April 28, 2005.

As of Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, at least 3,737 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians. At least 3,061 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.

Sadly, the deaths continue unabated, despite the "success" of the surge, and there looks to be many more deaths to come as we continue to bring "democracy" to Iraq.




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Update On The Last Supper

I just received a comment on one of my blog sites that is from a Derek Bair, and he says that he has written extensively about The Last Supper, that I wrote about the other day, and the link shows the images if you wish to see them.

Mr. Bair's website that shows the Last Supper, and has more information about Da Vinci and the supposed "hidden" images and their meanings.

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