100%. That’s how many of my comments have been censored by local Lexington TV Stations, dropping any credibility for a real attempt to build a community online.

I wonder….If you have something “thoughtful” to say, perhaps not jibing with the bible-beltish, hyper-conservative viewpoints, would it ever be published? From what I can tell, the only thing that makes it in are “God bless our troops” or short, brain-dead “hollerin’”

All of my comments were SFW. I’m not a trouble maker, well, not really, nor am I a minion ready to “cute” my way on the screen.

“We have to keep our comments family-friendly” — oh really?

So that is why you post Santa with a M-16. Yee haa.

Holiday stress, money problems, and more causes child abuse to rise during this time of year. During this time it’s more important than ever to keep a watchful eye on the kids who are part of these situations.

This list, from a release posted at St. Louis University should be read by every parent.

1. Use common sense to determine how many “extras” really need to be done during the holidays. Don’t attend every holiday party, do lots of extra cooking, baking and decorating, mail cards and spend days shopping for perfect presents if the demands of caring for a child already are leaving you feeling stressed.
2. Stick within a budget and spend what you can afford on gifts. Pass on buying your child the extra-expensive gift he is requesting in favor of something else he wants that is within your means.
3. Try to get out, even if the weather is cold and gloomy. A change of scenery can prevent you from feeling so boxed in.
4. Know your personal limitations. Some people can’t handle the incessant crying of a colicky newborn but are fine dealing with a pre-schooler’s non-stop questions.
5. Talk to your spouse about the potential for child abuse. Make the topic a legitimate part of your communications. Don’t be afraid to ask for a break from caring for the children, and conversely, be willing to take over childcare responsibilities if your partner needs some time away.
6. Recognize when you’re about to lose your cool and do something about it. Make sure your child is in a safe place and leave the room. Counting to 10 is another way to cool off.

USA National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD
(1-800-422-4453)
TDD: 1-800-2-A-CHILD

National Numbers and Weblinks by State is here

To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Kentucky call 800-752-6200.

From their site: “Every Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel is designed to make guests feel closer to home, providing them with all the comforts, convenience and privacy of home for the price of a traditional hotel room. [sic] ” The industrial cleaner ["Warning: Poison" on label] with cleaner-soaked brushes (including a children’s toothbrush) didn’t give me the warm fuzzy feeling I get when I’m at home. I waited 10 minutes before I told someone. I think it would have stayed there for hours.

Sitting in traffic I looked over to see this. You can’t see it, but the towel is WET with Diesel Fuel.
What kind of dipwad does this kind of stuff? And how do they get away with it?

In a report in CRN Australia, Xerox Chairman and CEO Anne Mulcahy said Friday the company would have little use for Lexmark if the company bought it out, tossing cold water on a question over whether they would buy Lexmark: “There is nothing that Lexmark would bring to the table that would really be value-creating for us.”

“….Lexmark, Lexington, Kentucky, is in the midst of a difficult year in which it has seen sales and earnings under pressure, an underperforming consumer business and pressure in the part of its business that makes and sells printers to OEM customers, like Dell….”

Lexmark reports its earnings Tuesday. It is one of the largest employers in Lexington, and the biggest employer of high-tech talent in the city. It has been the subject of increasing takeover chatter in recent weeks despite stock upgrades by some analysts last month.

A little Lexington news to share. 400 will be hired to staff a variety of positions at Amazon.com’s facility here in Lexington. This is a response to Amazon’s excellent growth, of course, and very good for Lexington. The Lexington Fulfillment Center was established in November 2000 and fulfills customer orders for products from Amazon.com.

These are mostly warehouse, maintenence, operations, and human resources positions.

Amazon has been consistantly praised for its successes in offering a huge variety, an excellent affiliate program and some of the industry’s best customer service.

“Lexington has been a great success for Amazon and our customers,” said Michael Passales, general manager for Amazon’s Lexington facility. “As we continue to expand our product and category selection, we are looking forward to hiring even more individuals who will help us deliver a great experience for our customers.”

Amazon is hosting weekly job fairs every Wednesday through the month of October from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its facility located at 1800 Mercer Road in Lexington, and information about upcoming Open House events is available by calling 859-381-2299. Management positions can also be applied for online at www.amazon.com/careers.

For qualified people in Lexington currently working at smaller, old-fashioned warehouse ventures, this represents a chance to get involved in one of the most advanced logistical systems in the world. The high-tech warehouse environment at Amazon will offer outstanding experience with modern systems with great benefits and a terrific entry into your career history.

One side-note about the photo above. Note the vacant field next to Amazon? I’m pretty sure they’re not planning on growing corn.