The Ebony Lounge

[Sportsdude]

yeah they have to put in like thousands of man hours  

[kitten]

I guess that makes them appreciate the house even more, knowing how much work they put into it.  Anyway, good job, Sportsdude.  They really need it, as do many others.  Did you learn anything about the family?

[Sportsdude]

Oh yeah they've been in and out of different apartments for 10 years. There daughter goes to my community college, her sister goes to a local big high school. They've been trying to get into the program for 4 years.

[kitten]

You know, there's a program I used to watch called "Home Makeover:  Extreme Edition" that did a similar sort of thing.  I don't know if you've seen it, but what they do is go in and build a home to replace one that has been burned or is falling apart and the family can't afford to do anything to replace it.  I think the host, Ty Pennington, is a little over the top the way he carries on, but he genuinely cares about the people he's helping and so does his crew.  I found it quite inspiring, and hope they bring it back again this year.

[Sportsdude]

yeah I've heard of that show. Its pretty popular so I don't think the show is going away

[kitten]

I just remembered it was ABC that carried it.  If you get a chance, why not take a look.  That's what people helping people is all about.  The neighbours would chip in with food for the workers, and the construction gangs worked for nothing.  The furniture and clothing was donated by Sears, and they would frequently raise money for charity at the same time.  As I said, inspiring.  And there is no government interference to tell them they can't do this or that.  Often the fire or police department will get involved in helping the project go smoothly.

[Sportsdude]

cool. i never really watched it because some there's been scandals with that show and the host is annoying.

[kitten]

Agreed. He is very annoying.  Sometimes I turn off the sound toward the end of the show until he finishes ranting.  But it's the basic concept that I find so fascinating...the idea of helping someone just for the sake of helping them.  Of course there is commercialism involved, and it is geared towards the lowest common denominator of the viewing audience, but the fact remains that these truly needy people are helped.  That, I think, is its saving grace.

[Sportsdude]

yeah I don't mind the show.

[kitten]

What show or shows do you prefer to watch?  Other than political?  About the only station I watch is PBS when the are fund-raising.  That's when the best stuff comes on.  And the news, naturally.

[Sportsdude]

Smallville

Prison Break

Rescue Me

West Wing

Lost (just because everyone else does, I find it kinda boring)

  News

PTI

Around the Horn

[Sportsdude]

well its getting late and I've got to go to work. Talk later, good night, kitten.

[kitten]

Good night, Sportsdude.  Happy dreams.

[P.C.]

Did you finish the tiling, P.C.?  Was it difficult?

  I JUST finished.....I only had to grout it this morn.  It needs wood trim, but I won't put that on until it's in place.

[Gopher]

Too busy adding to your value eh, PC?