AFriendlyFace

I agree with Mark; I think believing in ghosts and believing in UFOs are two completely different things and aren't closely related to the same thought processes. By and large I also agree with his assessment. I would say that other life out there somewhere in the universe is pretty much a given. Statistically it just seems ridiculous to think otherwise. I think that other intelligent life, advanced enough to travel around space - and visit us in particular - is much more iffy, but certainly possible. Ghosts? I'm remarkably neutral. Intellectually I'm inclined to not believe in them; spiritually I'm inclined to give them some credence. If I had to pick I'd say I don't believe in them, but it's not a "no way" kind of a no, it's more of a shrug with a "I don't really think so." I'd take the whole thing pretty casually. If it turned out ghosts did exist the extent of my reaction would be along the lines of, "oh well, guess I was wrong." Sort of like saying, "nah, I don't think it's going to rain," only to hear thunder an hour later. No big shocker, just not really what I was expecting. I don't really care either. I have no particular reason to assume they are either unilaterally malicious or benevolent. If they are the incarnation of people deceased, then I imagine the vast majority are pretty well balanced between mean and kind - just like living people. So I don't really care if they exist either. I mean not from a, "oh no they're going to get me" perspective nor from a "yay someone to protect me," perspective. If anything, I'd just be a bit annoyed that they might be invading my privacy. Eh, just my thoughts, -Kevin

Congrats you guys!! I'm celebrating summer!

I have a few thoughts on this: -Carrie Prejean is irrelevant and stupid. -Perez Hilton is a jerk. -Tami Farrell is slightly more sensible, but considerably less attractive than Carrie Prejean. -I believe in total gender equality and would enjoy a highly visible male version of these pageants. -People who base their value on their looks are standing in quicksand. That about covers it, except: I suppose it matters where you put the emphasis when you read this sentence. For example "Nope, not in my past," makes you sound like a good girl. However, "Nope, not in my past," conveys a completely different message! LOL, I won't ask you to clarify

Welcome to the forum! It's fantastic to have you with us

Well, for what it's worth, I think you should wear whatever you want.

Have a great and happy birthday, dude! I hope your day and year are terrific! -Kevin

Good luck and hang in there! I'm proud of you and rooting for you -Kevin

Happy Birthday, Vic!!!! GA wouldn't be GA without you and we'd all suffer the loss of an excellent friend, contributor, and Domaholic! May your year be even half as good as you deserve and twice as good as you're expecting -Kevin

Furlough By Mark Arbour **Spoilers** This story was quite unlike any I had ever read before. I don't generally read historical pieces or war-based pieces; however, I found this story extremely enjoyable! The setting was very well depicted and I really felt myself transported back to WWI days. The characters were so vivid. I found myself very fascinated with Gabriel and what kind of life he must have now had. I was also intrigued by Jack's curiosity and exploratory nature. I'm very much wondering what happened next for these characters. What happened after the furlough was over? Of course it goes without saying that the story was also hot to read. It was sexual and erotic but also sensual and quite beautiful. Well done, Mark! I really enjoyed it -Kevin

First To The Sun by C James **Spoilers** I loved this story!! It was absolutely hilarious! I'm deeply impressed that CJ was able to maintain the style and effectiveness of the joke for so long and finally drive it home in an uproarious crescendo! I'm a big fan of humorous pieces and this one was sensational! I it is my hope that CJ is only moistening his chops for lots more juicy mastication! Way to go, CJ! -Kevin

Eight decades isn't nearly a long enough period of time for the world to share and experience all the wisdom and joy which are such an inherent part of Old Bob! Your posts always resonate with a kindness and insight refined through many years of varied experiences. Your advice and perspective are invaluable and I'm extremely honoured to call you my friend! Have a fantastic and happy birthday, Old Bob! -Kevin

I'm a die hard Firefox fan! I used IE, by default, for several years, but as soon as I heard about Firefox it streaked ahead and I've never even considered going back! IE sucks so bad compared to Firefox, IMO. Firefox will do that! LOL I've used Iceweasel on a friend's computer before and I like it because it is similar to FF. I have tried Opera and Safari before, but while I didn't really dislike Opera, I didn't like it nearly as much FF. As for Safari, frankly I don't like it at all. There's really only one thing I don't like about Firefox, I can't open a limitless number of tabs without it doing the scrolling to the side thing. I hate that! I wish it would just keep making the tabs progressively more narrow like it does with the first 10-12 or so. If there is a way to keep it from doing the scroll thing and just making the tabs themselves smaller and anyone knows please let me know! I shall be eternally grateful. Indeed, I refuse to let my tabs scroll to the side. Whenever it starts doing that I grudgingly close stuff or just give up and open a second page of Firefox.

Excellent advice, Eric! LOL, 15 reminds me of an old saying I like: -A friend is someone who is willing to help you. -A good friend is someone who is willing to help you move. -A best friend is someone who is willing to help you move a body. A bit morbid and disturbing I know

#2 is probably the one that stands out the most to me: I think this is very important, at least I know it's very important to me. I can deal with disagreements till the cows come home and I'm fine with people expressing their hurt and anger by talking about it, or even pouting if talking isn't possible. However, as soon as someone yells at me I get really angry and hurt and pretty much shut down. It also feels like a major violation of trust to me. I suppose a lot of it is personal expression style. When I'm angry, beyond the point of being able to continue talking about it rationally, I become really icy and sarcastic. I can in turn deal with that from other people (not that it's a good thing at all; it certainly isn't). I don't do the yelling thing and when other people do it freaks me out big time and my respect and trust for that person suffers a major blow.

NICK!!!! I've really missed you! Second let me just give a big AWWWWWWWW and my deepest congrats! I'm so happy for you and proud of you! -Kevin

Now wait, let's not jump to any conclusions. It's always possible that his niece has a very butch look and style and enjoys wearing formal menswear, whereas Matty on the other hand may have a very youthful, feminine appearance. We mustn't make assumptions! LOL, good picture, dude!

I love these quotes and this thread! Good find, Jack

Welcome, Drew! I'm glad everything worked out -Kevin

Welcome to the forum, Nicole!! It's great to have you here -Kevin

It was my understanding of the chapter that The Scar had not seen them, or rather not noticed them. Crammed into the Jetta on each other's laps? Or maybe strap a few to the roof and stick Jane in the trunk Very exciting chapter! In many ways it does seem like the "calm before the storm" yet it was definitely exciting and eventful in its own right! I can't wait to read more -Kevin

Happy 23rd birthday, Luigi! (The scary thing is that you were still a teenager when we met! At this rate you'll pass me up in a couple of years ) -Kevin

I just wanted to wish Luc a very special and happy birthday All the best for a fantastic year!

Dude, this is so awesome!! I'm so happy for you! It's so great that it all worked out so well! Congrats! -Kevin

Happy Birthday!

I believe the term has been coined. I've personally used it on several occasions and also heard it on television before (Queer As Folk I believe).