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wedish State TV (SVT) has made its own Undercover Mosque as part of the investigative series call Uppdrag. Translated from Swedish by Nicolai Sennels, Sydsvenskan, May 16: "Women advised not to report to the police": With hidden cameras and secret telephone recording equipment, two women went to the country's ten largest mosques to ask for advice regarding polygamy, abuse and sex without consent. Tonight's Uppdrag, broadcast on SVT, documents that the advice of the mosque's representatives are often contradictory to Swedish law. ... Six out of ten mosques advised the woman not to report the beatings to the police. At...

My nine year-old nephew has been diagnosed with Adrenocortical carcinoma. My sister lives near Madison, Wisconsin, and is seeing a doctor there for him. He is on mitotane and probably some other drugs I'm not aware of. Apparently the prognosis is not good, like a one-in-five chance of making it through five years. A friend of mine mentioned the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia; apparently one of the best pediatric cancer specialists works there. My sister is doing everything, and I mean everything. Supplements, massage, Reiki therapy, in addition to everything the doctors recommend. She also has him enrolled in clinical...

Glenn invited people who had lived under communist rule to GBTV tonight. What advice did they have for people here in America?

I am a 52-year-old mother of three children - a 24-year old grad student, a 21-year old college senior, and a 13- year-old 7th grader. I am a public school teacher of Math to 7th graders. I am concerned about the welfare of our country, our Constitution, and the hope (NOT Obama's) for our nation. PLEASE help me to understand what is happening to our country. I am dismayed by the garbage I am hearing and reading. I have been involved in local politics. I could NOT suffer the bullsh*t, so I resigned from the county Republican Executive Committee, after...

After saddling the country with as much new debt as the rest of the world combined in one year flat, one would think that Uncle Sam wouldn’t have the cojones to dish out debt advice to others. But one would be wrong. In an unwitting self-parody worthy of Froma Harrop on The Daily Show, the Federal Trade Commission has created a step-by-step web guide for Americans “Knee-Deep in Debt.” The first step, says the agency, which represents a government that went over 800 days without passing a budget, is: create a budget! Get a “realistic assessment of how much money...

I've been here ten years and this is my first post. I know many here have experience in the different services, but I have none. My son, who is 24, wants to enlist and make the military a career, but does not know which branch to enlist in. He has a high school diploma, no involvement with drugs, and no criminal record except, unfortunately, a DWI and several traffic related misdemeanors. He is intelligent, fit, athletic, and handsome. His interests are ice hockey, video games, and girls, in that order. He is a quiet person with a low arousal type...

Hey, fellow FReepers. I've seen threads like this over the years but darned if I can seem to find or access any of them, soooooooo..... I'm looking for advice on a handgun purchase. The gun will be a Christmas present for my lady friend who happens to be a professional armed security officer (and supervisor, trainer, etc.,etc.). She currently owns a Glock .40 cal semi-auto (her work weapon) and a pretty sweet S&W .38 revolver. She's a CCW permit holder; well-trained. Since there are SO many FReepers here with scads of experience in such things, I'm looking for some suggestions...

My daughter is a full-time college student working part-time (minimum wage) for a large, national corporation. Last week, she went to her bank kiosk to deposit her check. The check was supposed to be for just over $300. The computer changed the amount to more than $1,098,000. She came straight home and reported the error to the bank. They said that it would take 24 hours to fix it. Apparently, the 'fix' was to drop the $1,000,000 and just give her the $98,000 and change. Her company honored the check and deposited that amount. She's really frustrated. It's been four...

In January, I'm planning on having a major surgery and I cannot have this operation until I quit smoking. I've been trying to quit for the last 17 years and I haven't been able to make it for more than a month. I can get past the immediate horror of it all. I'm using Chantix to help me with that. (Chantix was the easiest way to quit that I've found so far.) But what always gets me are the 'crazies that don't go away. Even after the habit is broken - after the cravings are gone - I find myself...

O.K. All of you firearms experts: I had hoped to go to the range today and sight in my new Remington 700 .308. However, the winds here are 20mph with gusts in the 30s. Not conducive to an accurate zero. I also realize that I'm probably going to want to put a better scope on the rifle than the cheap one that it came with. So, what rifle scope would you recommend? What should I look for in a good scope. What should I avoid? What scope, in your opinion, represents the best value for a reasonable price? What tips...

If you haven't been paying attention, Goldman Sachs shares have been in freefall. They lost over 3% Friday amid a slew of headlines about imminent subpoenas related to Blankfein, the firm's activities during the crisis, and just generally for being the much-reviled Goldman Sachs. The stock has lost over 10% in just the last week since Matt Taibbi wrote his latest takedown, costing the firm over $8 billion in market cap. From its 52-week high made earlier this year, the stock is off 24%. At $134, it's only barely above its $129 book value, meaning that either A) people don't...

Any Freepers familiar with or living in the Nags Head/Outer Banks area of N.C.? To celebrate our upcoming 50 year wedding anniversary, our five children have rented a very large home for a week that will accommodate all 20 of us in Nags Head, right on the Atlantic Ocean, with elevator, pool, hot tub and many other amenities. None of us have ever visited that area, so even though I’ve received their travel guide about the area, I would put more credibility in personal experiences. Any suggestions for restaurants, deep sea fishing, golf courses, etc.? Any points of interest we...

My co-worker has a pretty good idea for April Fool's day next week. Every Friday the dozen employees at our office take turns bringing in donuts or something for breakfast for everyone. Next Friday, April 1, is his turn. He is from Thailand, so his idea is to bring in some nasty dish and tell everyone it is some traditional Thai food that his mother cooked up for everyone that morning. We've been trying to come up with ideas of what this treat could be. Any ideas?

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What I do for a living is coming to a stand still; of existing jobs. It worsens by the day. I've been laid off then got a job and have been at this job less than a month the hours are becoming less than 40 and my paycheck was the only one that didn't bounce last week. I am beyond shocked. Next week it will be mine possibly that bounces. I am the top money maker at this company but I know it is coming. I have VERY LITTLE equity on my home as I bought it 3 years ago....

With Japan's nuclear disaster and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid blocking the disposal of spent nuclear fuel in Nevada's Yucca Mountain, prospects for approving more U.S. nuclear power plants are dimming. But what about oil and natural gas? With crude oil over $100 a barrel and gasoline prices surging in some U.S. regions towards $4 a gallon, America's options include: (1) Getting more American oil out of the ground; (2) Tapping our 727-million barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (3) Discouraging production of oil and gas in America; and (4) Using less energy. Today a subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce...

We have a black lab/golden retriever mix. We noticed that there was a smell coming from our dog's ears recently. After inspection, there was a lot of black ear-wax like discharge on the inside of her ear. She is not digging or scratching at her ears, but there is the discharge and smell. After doing some research, the consensus seems to be that she may be suffering some kind of ear infection. Do the FReepers here have experience with ear issues? The site I linked to generally speaks of a remedy of apple cider vinegar and water in the ear....

Need advice regarding home inspections. We will be purchasing a new build and are talking to a few sources for home inspection and I'm not sure what I should be doing. In previous buys, we got a final inspection but those homes were pre-existing. For a new build, we will have several opportunities to "preview" certain stages of the build primarily the foundation laying, pre-drywall, and pre-closing. This is a reputable builder in Norther Virginia that is providing a ten year warranty on structural/roofing, plumbing and electric. Should we have a structural engineer inspection, independent of the final home inspection...

I am contemplating making a road trip in January to visit friends out in Middle America. This thread is to solicit advice from fellow FReepers on winter travel in the West. See the map below for my planned itinerary. A few things to consider... I have driven in the Rockies (Montana, Wyoming) in the late spring, including during the late May 2010 snowstorm in Wyoming and the Dakotas, so I'm not entirely unfamiliar with mountain driving. My car is a four-door sedan with front wheel-drive and Michelin Weatherwise II tires with 25K miles remaining. I do plan to have a...

I've never posted a vanity before so I'm ready for the scolding I'll get for doing it, but I need help. My wife and I are considering buying a handgun and while I've fired a variety of guns previously at a range with friends, I've never bought or owned one. I know FR is full of 2nd amendment advocates and was hoping I could get some help as to what to buy. It would be for both my wife and I for occasional use at a range and, in the unlikely event of a home invasion, self defense. I don't...

Over a year ago, Bill Clinton offered Democrats at the Netroots Nation a Nancy Pelosi take on their political prospects by advising them to pass ObamaCare and see all the popularity that would be in it. Now, facing a potentially historic meltdown, Bill Clinton has another message for Democrats — my bad (via RightNeworks): Former president Bill Clinton, a champion of healthcare reform, admitted on Sunday that he made the wrong prediction about the popularity of President Obama’s healthcare bill.Initially, Clinton had predicted that the polls in favor of Democrats would be boosted as soon as the legislation was signed...

siding back on the. When the crew was here, they noticed a lower ding on the siding and asked me if I wanted to have it caulked. I said yes (husband wasn't home) and it was no big deal as it's hidden behind the AC unit and behind a shrub. No one ever sees that area. Well, the insurance adjuster did. To boil it down, he said they would only pay to reside the front and back of the house as the caulk job showed we will accept some damage. The problem is our siding is likely discontinued. It will...

You've read the satiric blog posts. You've laughed at the Know-It-Alls online. Now check out the paperback! That's right, Advice to Sarah Palin From the Know-It-Alls: A Satirical Journey, is now available on Amazon for less than the cost of a steak dinner ($10). What a deal! Relive the 2008 election in an introductory mea culpa from a Know-It-All rogue agent. Become an expert in the Know-It-Alls' strategy to convince Sarah Palin to return to housewifery. Learn all about the Know-It-Alls' plans for America, inspired by Know-It-All icon Cass Sunstein, naturally. Enjoy the Know-It-Alls' condescending and surprising outreach to the...

It suddenly all makes sense why the White House thinks it can decide what they’re doing is legal or illegal –they must be taking advice from a former president who would know.

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” Proverbs 19:20 (NIV) “You’ll shoot your eye out.” If you’ve ever watched the classic movie “A Christmas Story,” you might be able to relate to Ralphie who was trying to convince his parents to buy him a Red Ryder BB gun as a gift. In the 1940s, the Red Ryder was a popular boy’s toy. We can all remember similar advice from our parents like “wash behind your ears,” “do unto others,” “bundle up or you’ll catch a cold,” and the list could go on. Our...

The news media loves to report on sensational stories, and the more drastic the news the higher ratings are estimated to be for any type of story. Health care news is top of the table coverage for media outlets especially now. On occasion, you will see reporters talk about outbreaks of E. Coli in the nation's food supply. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Escherichia Coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause...

A strange thing happened tonight. While reading the sudden onslaught of threads asking for advice on various topics, I suddenly remembered that my sister, who loves to hunt moose, really has a problem buying cheese. Does any FReeper have advice for a piece of software she can use to select the cheese?

Alright my fellow Freepers. Have been offered a 1943 Mosin Nagant as a gift. Will be used for target shooting and deer hunting. I know jack squat about this rifle. Pluses, minuses, thoughts, advice... Thanks!

I am sure that Scott is feeling pretty confident after that historic win. He might even think that somehow he is different from other Republican Senators and will be able to work with Democrats. I think it is time to give Scott some advice from Conservatives.

From bankruptcy to pre-nups, I've drilled deep into our analytics for 2009. Here's your top ten favorite (most viewed) posts of the year: 1. Bankruptcy for Christians Facing Financial Meltdown?2. Google Gives Glimpse of Legal Struggles Christians Face3. Good News on the Law: Can President Obama Change the Supreme Court?4. The Litigation Trap and the Christian Conciliation Alternative: Christianity 9 to 55. Good News on the Law: You Can Be a Christian at Work6. The Madoff Scandal and Three Essential Questions on Wealth7. Christian Lawyer: Not an Oxymoron8. Mortgage morality meltdown: Law prof says go ahead, stiff the bank!9. The...

Like many toddlers, Zak Hessey was a fussy eater who refused his mother's healthy home cooking. Concerned about his falling weight, his parents sought the advice of doctors. That simple act triggered a shocking chain of events that led to the youngster being put into foster care for four months. Paul and Lisa Hessey believe in the long-term benefits of healthy eating and rejected advice to feed their two-year-old son high-calorie snack food To their horror, social workers put Zak into foster care 'to assess his needs' and allegedly threatened the couple with the loss of their parental rights if...

In a fast-paced world, life can sometimes be daunting. Fortunately, the state of Michigan has online advice for almost every aspect of life, from shopping to gardening, eating to driving. Sure, some of it may be painfully obvious, nitpicky or bizarre, but just remember: The state knows what's best for you.

Much will be said in coming weeks about Sarah Palin and the Republican Party -- especially after the Democrat "upset" in New York's 23rd Congressional District and the "over-the-top" Republican gubernatorial wins in Virginia and New Jersey. First of all, Palin will not leave the Republican Party. "As independent-minded and anti-establishment as she is," says Villanova University political science professor Lara Brown, "she seems to understand well one of my favorite quotes from political scientist John Aldrich from Duke University: 'The standard line that anyone can grow up to be president may be true, but it is true only if...

Conservatives are taking too much solace in the precipitous drop in Barack Obama's approval ratings, and too many of us are overconfident that his administration is merely a replay of the hapless presidency of Jimmy Carter that was easily swept out in a landslide election. Today's situation is far different, far more conducive to our political adversary's political power, than that which faced Carter. And Obama is an entirely different breed of cat. He's more ruthless, more tactically savvy, and has far more dangerous objectives. A drop in his poll ratings isn't as serious a setback for him as similar...

So, my daughter thinks she lost her favorite D.S. games in the back of the car. It either went behind the seat, or down that little hole where the seatbelts come out of. Is there a way I can get it back short of shoving my hands down blindly in there?

Okay, I am looking for an easily concealable 9mm handgun for my wife. Main qualities (not necessarily in order), 1) Reliability, 2)min. size/weight 3) Preferably under $400, used is okay if with a lifetime warranty. 4) approx. 10 round mag. 5)Double action only trigger so that there are no safeties to fumble with Disqualifiers: cheap junk, Taurus semi auto. I had almost talked myself into believing that Taurus had improved their semi-autos, and today I looked at a brand new Taurus PT-111 that was inoperable. Thanks. BoT

President Barack Obama wants to hear from the chief executives of some of the country's biggest banks as he caps a week in which he clarified his overall plan for stabilizing the financial system. The president was set to take the temperature of the bank CEOs on Friday at the White House. The session will be the latest in a series of such meetings Obama has had with financial industry representatives and business executives since taking office amid the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner also will attend the meeting.

ot that anyone recalls President Obama asking, but ex-President Bill Clinton has some advice for his fellow Democrat in the White House this morning: Tone down the economic despondency talk some and ratchet up the optimism a bit. All gloom and doom could worsen the situation. Scare people. "I just want the American people to know that he's confident that we are gonna get out of this and that he feels good about the long run," Clinton tells ABC's Chris Cuomo on "Good Morning America" today. [Snip] Clinton likes the fact that Obama "didn't come in and give us...

It’s tough out there and may get tougher. Job cuts, pay cuts, and expenses are going up. What’s a conservative to do? Conserve, of course. That doesn’t mean you have to eat less healthy food, or eat foods that aren’t so good, or eat less. With a few of the right ingredients, some practice, some planning, and some time, you can produce excellent quality nutritious meals for surprisingly little money. The catch, of course, is the time it takes. But if you are unemployed, or under-employed (like me), you have more time than money. Fine cooking is about treating good...

Jeroboam thought to himself that “the kingdom, will now likely revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam. After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt. 1 Kings 12:26-28 Advice is good. Bad advice is, well, bad. How can...

i have 40 $.she is 60. 4 christmas

Becoming a successful man in America today, as always, includes giving due consideration to your father’s admonitions and wisdom. For the most part, your father is wiser than you are—and he always will be. Wisdom comes chiefly through getting older. Since your father will always be older than you, he will always be wiser. Men should also read the words and deeds of great men of the past—especially fathers. One such example is that great Virginian, Robert E. Lee.

[snip] It was Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas (1939-1975) who said, "The right to be left alone is indeed the beginning of all freedom." Keep that in mind as you consider the following suggestions. * Prepare to hunker down. Interpret this as you will. * If you have any, hide your money – otherwise it will be spread around. The best way to spread your own wealth on your own terms is to hire people to work for you. But of course, you knew that already. * Take your kids out of public school. Schools are going to become...

A friend of mine has approached me about being a County Chair for the Republican Party. The seat is open and no one seems to want it. I am not active in the local party. Any thoughts/advice/insights would be appreciated. TIA

First of all, please forgive yet another vanity in a time when there isn't a bonfire big enough to consume all the ones so far. I consider the people here on FreeRepublic to be some of the most intelligent and also just downright decent people I know. Thus I feel I can trust your thoughtful opinions on most things. I'm still kind of young (24), and there's a lot I don't know about life. Right now, I need some relationship advice. I have a girlfriend right now who I deeply love. We met online through another message board, and have...

Australia's economy is 82 percent free, according to our 2008 assessment, which makes it the world's 4th freest economy. Its overall score is 1 percentage point higher than last year, primarily because of an improved investment climate. Australia is ranked 3rd out of 30 countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is well above the regional average. Australia rates highly in virtually all areas but is most impressive in financial freedom, property rights, and freedom from corruption.

Below is what I just emailed Sen. McCain and his campaign director, advisers, whether they like it or not. Dear Senator McCain, We wish to thank you for your decades of service to this country! You are a real hero and a gentleman, seen through your concession speech. We admire your tenacity and endurance, at your age! We see No REAL Mandate on Obama’s victory!! You are SO close to clinching it! Few pundits are talking about the thin 3% edge Obama had in popular votes. Almost half of the people distrust him. There‘re still a lot of us who...

Okay, I could definitely use any advice from fellow Freepers as I don't know that much about financial planning. I am 34 years old, and my only investments are in a Rollover Retirement IRA with T. Rowe Price that I created when switching jobs and rolling over my prior 401K. This is invested in a single 'Retirement 2040' fund targeted for pretty agressive long term investment. The rest is in my current company's 401K plan with T. Rowe Price where I created my own long term aggressive portfolio that has generally performed about what the rollover account has done. The...

Can someone help?

Puppy Lesson: Establish The ALPHA Position All our dealings with our dog will be from a position of authority, or ALPHA. Being pack animals, dogs see us simply as members of their pack. A pack is a very structured society with a set hierarchy with an absolute leader (ALPHA) on down to a very definite subordinate. Following are just a few basic rules to follow that allow us to establish our ALPHA over our dog: NEVER HIT YOUR PUPPY - even a teeny, tiny flick on the pup's nose can possibly make it hand shy and defensive DON'T SCREAM OR...