raven1

Hey Drewster, Did you have another scary nightmare? Your comment is a very common first reaction to a nightmare when waking up.

When a child learns to read depends on many factors, Clo. My younger brother and I were subject to the same parents and teachers. I learned to read words by age 5, but he struggled a great deal. He was dyslexic. My father read stories to me almost every day after work, and on Sunday mornings, we spent at least an hour reading comics in the newspaper. He gradually went from pointing out individual letters to sounding out letters and then syllables. By age 5, I could recognize about 100 sight words and decode words I didn't know. I suspect I could have done what Celine Alvarez is doing if my father had started teaching me earlier and had more time to work with me. Kids' minds are very plastic, and as a teacher, I quickly learned never to underestimate what a child can learn. I taught my 10-year-old students how to solve algebra equations. They also learned how to use a science lab to do experiments at the same age. Algebra skills resulted in a big increase in the state math testing scores in all areas of math. The science experiences resulted in better analytical writing skills and logic because they had to learn to write hypotheses and detailed instructions, organize data, and form and support logical conclusions. In reading, I had my students read a variety of books whose theme was the effects of war on children. One parent, a teacher, complained that the subject matter was well above her daughter's level. When the unit was complete, the same parent thanked me and told me she didn't realize that she could have an adult conversation with her 11-year-old daughter. She was very pleased. The only thing I thought ill advised about the work Celine did in Gennevilliers was using cursive instead of block letters. Cursive is a dying art. I hope this helps you, my friend. Since this sounds like more than your curiosity, by any chance, is this a research project?

Hey Clo! We went to our usual pub, Orion Bar. Had a good time. I played and won two games of pool. 😄

I have to say Good Night, Everyone. Going out with the gang tonight! Have fun!

Hi Albert!

Everything you said @akascrubber, and you nailed it with this! It is magical!

Remember Michael and Stacy sang "You're The One That I Want"? You should check out the original video to see Sandy and Danny. Here's the link:

Stacy would belt this out for sure. I got a lot of laughs from the lyrics, thinking about Stacy singing about push-up bras and satin jeans.

The little (very short) devil is driving me to drink! I'll see you all later after I've visited my local bar!

This is the first time I heard this. Thanks for sharing this beautiful song. You know when you get to the end of a song there are several other songs to listen to? There was an old favourite of mine there. If I could change the word 'woman' to 'my man' in the song, it would be a great song for Max and Stacy.

And nuking innocent species like our beloved Frogman or Pagey and Clo is not violent?

Thanks, Andy Craig's choice of the song was inspired. I played the song on YouTube as I read this many times. You are very right. Charlie and Michael are beginning to realize they have a new start in life. They may not realize their dream yet, but with the support of all the wonderful people in their lives, I think they may soon realise that. Thanks for your support!

Another good one, too!

You shouldn't critique stories when there is no evidence you have read them.

Dammit! I have warned everyone to stock up on tissues, and I forgot to get any when I went to the store today. Michael singing "Wind Beneath My Wings" has me teared up every time! What an awesome and emotional moment that was. I like Michael's idea of another Christmas show. Let's hope @Mancunian isn't a Grinch. I would have loved watching Stacy and Michael performing "You're The One I Want". Great news that Harry's going to be home tomorrow! There is so much happening in the chapter I was searching everywhere from Sandy and Danny performing the song in Grease to The Gents Hairdressers. Here's one of my favourite finds. Apples for Kids at Unicorn

Yep, and if you do say something, I'll sic Missy on you. She'll clean your clock...crotch!

My bad! 😄 Now I have something to look forward to on New Year's Eve. What a great start to the year 2024.

I feel for them. Give them my best regards.

A great supernatural adventure and romance story like this is a wonder. I love all the crazy stunts, humour and chilling adventure in the story. At times it is fun, and other times damned scary. There were many times I was enticed to explore all the wonderful and new places where the action takes place. I highly recommend you read this fascinating tale.

I guess you are saying you are irresponsible. That rings true. No Drewth there, for once.

That is exactly why I like the first picture, even if the hair colour is wrong. I guess I should keep trying, but the boss has me so darned busy. He just keeps writing and writing. It's tough to keep up with a mind as creative as Craig's.

I enjoyed yet another wonderful, relaxing weekend with the boys. (Relaxing if you don't include Devin's heroic saves.) Again, you had me using Google to find pictures of the interesting places they visited. I am very much looking forward to Book 2! When will you start posting that? Also, Bill, don't forget to hit the Complete button so all of the readers who have enjoyed this story can give it a great review!

It is confusing, and maybe Craig can fix that. That image was one of my first AI attempts. The ones that came out with the correct hair colour had too many hands and too many fingers, looking like identical twins of different races or greatly different ages. I did it again and posted a better picture in the comments of Chapter 1, page 2 of the comments. Sorry for the confusion.

This is one prank where everyone was hurt, but I think the reconciliation has quickly established a bond between Michael and Brad. They both realize how much the other cares for Charlie. The crew's request was a surprise, but it shows the true character of the people Max has hired. The two that were fired at the start of the story do not represent the fine people working for Max. I'm glad you took the tour. I imagine the guys may go Christmas shopping there and some of the malls mentioned. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Chinese New Year and Pride!