C James

Pencil: I find them easier to write with, and much less prone to leak. Tar or Feathers?

I can't wait for Kevin to go to bed either, so I can go post something about him.

Yes indeed! It's snowing, and I need a new waterproof jacket. The person below me needs a new snow shovel.

YES! That would be great. I'm horrible with languages. Do you wish that it would snow?

Hmmmm. I think you have had blue hair, and I know you like to walk, so I'm going to say that the liee is that you like mustard greens.

And you being active last year is why the forums stayed more active. Kevin, you are less than 200 posts way from your 2000th! And, the only reason I have more posts than you is that you have been here longer than I have.

Hi Jack! I agree with you on a great deal here. Nancy Pelosi, it appears, doesn't get a great many things (the importance of ethics, or the importance of putting someone who has some actual knowledge in as chair of the Intel committee), so it is sadly no surprise that she seems equally clueless on Iraq. The simple fact is that we are there, and if we cut and run, Iraq will be left with areas that are best described as Afghanistan writ large: Ideal grounds for terrorists. Even more importantly, we will have proven ourselvs spineless, without resolve, and that is the twin of weakness. We will truly become the "paper tiger" of the international stage. So, common sense alone dictates that we cannot cut and run. However, the present policy seems, clearly, to be not working. I'm disgusted with BOTH parties regarding Iraq. The Baker report does ID some of the major problems, especially the dynamics driving the "insurgency", which is almost entirely Sunni (I said the same thing over two years ago, but I digress...). The big problem is that IMHO the Baker report takes the right data and draws the wrong conclusions. Their answer to the Sunni issue? Basically, more of the same. They also stress that the US must redouble its efforts to prevent a civil war. They never bother with the question of "why?" The Sunnis have been the heart of the "insurgency", and it has widespread public support amongst them. They have tried hard to provoke a civil war. They comprise about 10% of the Iraqi population, with the rest being mainly Shia and Kurds, both of whom were victims of genocide at the hands of Saddam's Sunni regime. The fact that the Sunnis seek civil war is patently nuts, but none the less true. My opinion? When something isn't working, try something else: Let the Sunni and the Shia have their civil war. We are the only thing stopping it, so we could begin it be merely withdrawing forces from certain regions of Iraq, and no longer stopping Shia forces from heading for Sunni areas. From our strategic point of view it would be very beneficial: It would eliminate the Sunni threat, as well as both weaken and satiate the Shia anger (Shias have been the primary targets of the violence so far) and might well trigger an "Islamic civil war" between the Sunni and Shia segments of Islam (as the Sunni states have indicated that they wouldn't stand by while their fellow Sunni are destroyed) throughout the middle east (also beneficial for us, if played correctly). The problem I have with US policy in general is that it is so undynamic, and slow to take advantage of opertunities. One of the basics of war is that if things aren't going your way, and you have the opportunity to change the dynamics of the situation, you do so. We have, to our peril, ignored this for too long. Is this bloodthirsty? Indeed. However, so are our enemies, and I've always opposed the "take the high road" approach to war, for I feel that in war, there is one, and only one, goal: winning. Also, taking the high road gives your enemies on the low road a perfect vantage point from which to shoot you in the ass.

That was a really great chapter!! Very romantic, and that camping trip sure sounds like it will be a perfect adjunct to this chapter! Hmmmm, sounds to me like Jonah's dad suspects his son was involved in the brawl, or at least has thoughts in that direction. Sky's Mom being a fundie does not bode well. Great chapter, Rick!!!

Surely, it must be a coincidence!

I know of several people who are offline for holiday or travel related reasons. I also notice that posting has picked up a bit in the last 24 hours.

Keep reading, Kurt, the story only gets better and better as it progresses. Steve (shdowgod) has long been one of my favorite authors, ever since I discovered his wonderful "shot of Bourbon" several years ago (yep, Steve is a true old fossil in in net writing! ) Seriosly though, he's damn good, and I've always loved his work. POSTAHOLIC ALERT!!!!!

I've been waiting to see if anyone brings it up, but I cjust had to comment on the fantastic "hiding place" of the Atrix bolt-hole! Now that's sci-fi at its best! And in case anyone hadn't noticed, the location, on the opposite side of the Sol empire, plus having a fast route to it, is of monumental strategic importance: Garret has the ability to place a fleet "behind the lines" and in Sol's rear! THAT could get very interesting!!

Nope, but sure seemed like it, becuase I had three flat tires within a dozen miles! (fortunately, I carry more than one spare). The person below me loves having all the games and humor posts in one easy-to-find place!

In case anyone missed the announcement and is wondering where they went, the Games and the Humor threads have been moved to the new Games and Humor forum (a sub-forum of the Lounge) that was requested by many members.

:king: Happy Birthday Kitty!! :king: Best wishes on the special day, and many happy returns!

:king: Happy Birthday!!! :king: Many happy returns!!!

Happy Birthday Rob!!! Many happy returns, my friend, and have a great day!!!!!!!!!!

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ross, thanks! Now that's my kind of xmass music.

Yeah, I just checked in today and saw hardly any posts. I've been prety much absent from GA for a few days due to the flu, but I was really surprised to see it go this quiet. Must be the holliday season?

Those were two great chapters, too. I'm really wondering what is coming up in DOH. Anyone else thinking that this is "the calm before the storm"? Edit to add: I was really impressed by the way DK portrayed Billy and Garret's night. He Didn't show it, but left it unshown, which made it special somehow. I can't quite explain it, but it really impressed me.,

I'm probably not qualified to comment, but my hunch is that you could smooth out some of the translations (in a few places the wording was slightly off) with the help of a good editor. Multi-lingual people such as yourself have always amazed me: I have enough trouble writing in one language, and I can't even imagine trying it in two! I liked the circumstances in the first chapter with the university and its policies. CJ

I won't mention it as it is a HUGE spoiler, but wow, I sure never expected THAT!!! I loved Sky's confession. Very sweet and heartfelt. Now we see how they ended up in a long-distance relationship!

That was my favorite part of the chapter, too. LoL! It was fun to write. Poor Steve: he's not dumb, but he has his "blond moments" on occasion! I suspect he's right: his freinds won't be letting him live it down any time soon. I was originally thinking that Chris would catch him, but when I wrote that he darted between the cars, I had to do it. What? No sympathy for poor, lovable Eric? He's being dragged off for a long stay in Juvenile hall. But Rick, I did say at some point that they would get to sleep together, and now they are!