Bernice: I know, it is sad. He's one of the greatest author's of today... Much better than that Harry Potter woman. The Belgariad series is far better ;)

Yet it looks like he will turn his illness into a blessing for the rest of us Brits. Finally we will lawfully be able to die in dignity.

here is what Terrty Pratchett has....courtesy Alzheimers UK...

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), also known as Benson's syndrome, is a progressive degenerative condition where damage to brain cells is particularly focused at the back (posterior) of the brain, the region responsible for visual processing. This damage to brain cells leads to cell death and loss of volume or 'atrophy' of the posterior cortical regions − hence the name. In the vast majority of cases the underlying cause is Alzheimer's disease.

The death of brain cells is accompanied by accumulation of toxic proteins, amyloid and tau, that form plaques and tangles in the same way as is seen in typical Alzheimer's disease. PCA may therefore be referred to as an atypical variant of Alzheimer's disease.

Although PCA is caused by Alzheimer's disease, it can also be due to other diseases including dementia with Lewy bodies and Creutzfeld Jacob disease. PCA is a rare condition, thought to affect less than five per cent of people with Alzheimer's disease, although epidemiological studies are lacking and PCA has been under-recognised in the past.

Artful Dodger: A Scotsman picked up the cheque when we went out for dinner the other week, it does happen

(V): ok thanks...I did notice he had trouble reading from one of his books at a Uni he was giving a lecture at....he kept saying a shadow was falling over the page....so sad.

Bernice: Let us say he did the 34th Richard Dimbleby lecture on Feb 1st this year and Tony Robinson had to deliver it for him. It was called "Shaking Hands with Death"

(V): "Assisted suicide has been basically decrimilised in the UK. A recent case in court where a mother helped her daughter die with
dignity ended in no prosecution"

We had a similar case in Canada, but the father was put in jail

http://www.robertlatimer.net/story/tracysillness.htm

Artful Dodger: No, he said there has not been a "Columbine" type killing spree by a black kid in a school, in that he is accurate. There has not been a case of a black kid doing a "Columbine".

as to black on black crime, it happens as does white on white, asian on asian, black on white, etc, etc.

If you want less kids shooting kids, tighter gun control would help. I thought it was crazy when a few months back I saw a kid in the US showing off his gun collection. He had over 10 firearms. What on earth does he need them for?

(V): I watched Terry Pratchett story 2 nights ago....that was in 2008....how much worse has he gotten since then. For those that dont know him he has Alzheimers - the one that affects the rear of the brain, not the one that affects the frontal lobe. My friend has that, (FRONTAL LOBE) she is 60, and in 18 months she has gone from working in an office and being completely lucid to being completely in another world....she has no idea who she is or where she is going....so sad.

Artful Dodger: The story you are speaking of was dated last July.The comments made by Jones(long gone from the Obama admin), were made in 2005.What is your point?

.. Sorry, she did get prosecuted but the verdict was not guilty.

Ferris Bueller: Assisted suicide has been basically decrimilised in the UK. A recent case in court where a mother helped her daughter die with dignity ended in no prosecution. The likes of Terry Pratchett have helped to state the obvious...

.... We put animals down if they are in terrible pain or terminally ill, but humans till now have had to die horribly in the UK or go abroad to countries where sense prevails and folks are allowed to choose to die peacefully.

It's not a case of the person assisting making the choice, but only helping the person who wants to end their suffering to do it.

(V):  It can be a very fine line between assisted suicide & murder.  I tend to fluctuate in my opinion on that.  All I know is I never want someone to put me in the position of making that decision.  It is terrible either way.

Artful Dodger: True... dead is dead, but you were going on about what someone was saying about shootings at schools. Not terrorists killing kids, or gang killings but what the guy was talking about ie "Columbine" style mass shootings.

The article does not state for whatever reason who is doing the shooting as in a statistical breakdown. Of the shootings who did them? Is it all by kids or young adults, how many were by adults? How many were at schools?

I ask this detail being given as it gives a more accurate understanding of the figures and what they mean in relation to your post.

It's like a recent debate here over assisted suicide. One guy who was against it said a number might try and use it to get a quick inheritance. But that by nature is not assisted suicide, but murder. A different matter and one that should not effect the rulings on letting people end their lives with dignity.

Artful Dodger: Where is the breakdown of 'who dunnit' to back up your statement?

Yes, 500 kids shot, 36 fatally according to the article you quote. But where does it say they were done at school? All it says that they were kids and indicates that this is street violence rather than going into school and going crazy with guns like a "Columbine" type horror.

So, at this moment in time regarding mass killings in schools in America, white kids lead the league.

Best if you report accurately. ;)

Bwild: A little diversion from intense political discussions every now & then never hurt anyone. LOLOL

somebody help UE find the sports discusion board??http://brainking.com/en/Board?bc=56

Übergeek 바둑이: They might do a better job, or we could become something like the book "Lord of the Flies" once they got into power. Absolute power can mean absolute corruption, even for a 10 year old. :-)

Artful Dodger:

> The halls of congress would be empty

... or the country would be run by a bunch of rather nerdy 10-year-old kids

Tuesday:

> I could get more from a 6th grader than her.

I think that all politicians should go to that show "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" Those who fail should not be elegible to run for office.

Pedro Martínez: soccer

Tuesday: But she's a hockey mom. Domestically she'd be great.

Ron Paul's stock is rising....just saying

Artful Dodger: Well, you can't seem to resist adding personal attacks on people here. LOL

And another thing. You keep saying posters should not desparage Sarah Palin for her lack of ideas: yet, I haven't seen you cite any of them.

Artful Dodger: He meant 47 states, with one more to go, plus Alaska and Hawaii which he was not allowed to go to.

Artful Dodger: he said he been in 57 states with one left to go.....would he be counting the multiple visits?

Artful Dodger: You Betcha!

Artful Dodger: I f my purpose for posting was the need to measure up to anyone elses opinions,I'd be hurt.

Artful Dodger: " Well if you read my post below you would see what I already had to say about that"

So you are saying she makes a good town crier

even in the guise of a village idiot?

Artful Dodger: I understand she just got a whopping 7% of the vote in a presidential straw poll within CPAC, a conservative group. That would not indicate much support even from the "right". Maybe people are starting see through her charades.

Artful Dodger: When McCain chose her as runningmate it gave her credability, as it should.People trust the position of Vice Presidential running mate not to be taken lightly.McCain clearly felt she was ready to be President over a year ago,people trusted his judgement

Artful Dodger: I agree,she has support,but it is very marginal

Artful Dodger: Obama?
He has been a wimp,.Americans like strength, not some guy who allows the republicans to bully him

kinda like a man who thinks their are 57 states shouldn't be president

Tuesday: She must be related to Ed Rendell