nightsky

But a self-aware and honest prick?? Kind of an oxymoron, in my book. Kind of like how I love to proclaim my "smartass"ness, b/c I would MUCH rather be called a smartass than a dumb one.

Perhaps we should rename the Soapbox: "THE KITCHEN: if you can't take the heat- stay out" Just to be clear though... does the rep have anything to do with whether we can continue to post in the forums? Hypothetically speaking, if someone gets a negative rep of eleventybillion and one, do they get put on probation or kicked out?

Really? (to the coordinated part, and that it was an assault). It was the soapbox, not the lounge. Isn't that the area in which members are allowed to debate? Yes, it got a bit hot-headed, but I thought everyone made nicey nice at the end (for the most part). I am sure Joey is a nice person. We weren't debating about whether we were nice people in the thread, we were debating whether we "believed" in evolution and why or why not. The percentage of people who believed to not believe was quite skewed, so perhaps that played a part in why it seemed he got "trashed" and that it was "coordinated." I thought the + and - were for us to use when we liked a post or agreed with a post. Some posts might be about beliefs. For example, if I posted that due to my religion, I am anti-gay rights/equality, I'm sure I'd get neg'd out the door. Thank goodness that this is NOT the case.

Agree! December birthdays are best!!! Even if you don't love it as a kid, with all the "birthday-Christmas" presents being combined, when you get older, you appreciate the choice of 2 sets of presents or ONE BIG present (er.. that's how it worked for me, at least). It's how I got my first snowboard.

For almost daily doses of kitten cuteness (cuteness overload is a good site too), check out the blog theittybittykittycommittee. THUD from the cute!

I wouldn't say too much negative about the boy. She obviously feels very close to him and likes him a lot. If you say something too negative, she may feel defensive and decide not to confide in you any longer. I would want to talk to her about what he does to make her feel good about herself, what does he do or say that makes her like him, and how does he communicate that he values their relationship? what does he do or say that lets her know that she is special to him? that he values her? when she can't give good answers, she'll probably come around to figuring out he's not great for her, IMO. BTW, it is a myth that asking if someone is feeling suicidal or like hurting themselves is going to give them ideas. Just ask her. "I'm worried about you and sometimes you say stuff that makes me think you're going to hurt yourself" or something. If she says she has thought about suicide, direct her to the national hotline (1800SUICIDE).

Tennis pretty much all my life. the outfits are cute Snowboarding since I was 11. Downhill... no crazy half-pipes for me. it is probably my favorite. I get a sense of freedom when I'm up on the mountain by myself, just me, the mountain, and miles of fresh powder for me to carve up. I feel in tune with nature, my body, and my mind when I'm carving. Lacrosse in school... club for a couple years in college. I loved the team camaraderie. And the cute skirts/kilts while being fierce on the field. I tried softball (I don't have the attention span & wow. those are some ugly uniforms!), soccer (omg. you want me to run while kicking the ball in an organized fashion?), and ice skating. I'd like to try surfing, I would guess some of the snowboarding stuff would translate, but sharks... <shudder>.

What's considered "classic"? The Princess Bride. my favorite all time. 16 Candles/Breakfast Club/St Elmo's Fire. Clash of the Titans. classic version.

Round 1: West: San Jose(1), Chicago(2), LA Kings(6) and DETROIT!!(5) East: Washington(1), Flyers(7), Boston(6), and Pittsburgh(4) Round 2: West: San Jose and DETROIT East: Washington and Boston Round 3. West: DETROIT East: Washington Stanley Cup Champions: Detroit Red Wings I'm basing these on pure guesses. If I can't watch the Wings, then I don't watch very many games.

Thanks. George is an engaging character, and I thoroughly enjoy his, uh, stamina and character. I love all the characters, but I am a romantic and want the HEA for him. But the life of a career navy man... maybe not so great for stable long term relationships? I guess I'll keep reading...

sorry for the vague statement. I meant, where are the links to review the rest of the bridgemont series?

I'll agree on the golden retriever puppies, but I'll challenge your cocker spaniel pups with rottweiler pups. And, after all is said and done, my cats are the cutest animals anywhere. Aren't I morally/ethically obligated to say and believe so? Does not every pet owner think that of their furries?

where's the rest of the bridgemont series? I read chapters 1-10 of Master and Commander yesterday... I have to admit that historical stuff isn't always my thing, and that I was liking George more as an adolescent/coming of age adult. But you know I have a thing for that age group (oh. did that sound dirty? )

IMHO, fighting about which is the bigger issue is an exercise in futility and makes no forward progress in the quest for equal rights. When people in oppressed groups argue about these types of things, then they aren't fighting together. It takes all sorts, fighting against all injustices to help bring to light how hurtful these types of actions can be. Personally, I know I don't have the energy to fight all the fights, so I'm glad for people who have the energy to take up where I didn't. I feel reassured that someone is fighting the good fight, so I can hold onto some hope that someone will speak up when it needs to be done. After all, "Your silence will not protect you."(Audre Lorde)

I'm not saying I cry to these, but they can put me in a mood... mazzy star's fade into you (just so depressing, really) sarah: I will remember you, angel, Pixies: wave of mutilation George Michael: to cheer myself up, I listen to something light and fluffy, like Metallica's ETA: How'd I forget Don't Give Up by Peter Gabriel? U2's One is still touching and goosebump inducing for me.

Glad I stumbled in here... and found out that there are three more chapters to go. I'll wait to start M&C until it's completed. I already zipped through the Gunroom and the Wardroom. is M&C the end of George's story? or will there be more?

Losing a loved one is difficult. Losing one at such a young age is a tragedy. My condolences on your loss.