MikeL

Down at the street corner... Tommy: Hey, Jimmy. Whatcha doin'? Jimmy: Wavin' at the cars. Tommy: Any of them wavin' back. Jimmy: Yeah, but some of them ain't usin' all their fingers.

zemirah (Hebrew religious song sung at Sabbath meals)

omnigatherum (miscellaneous assemblage or collection)

Contractors and consultants can really cost a business a lot...not just their fees, but the damage they do to morale. Only CEOs are a greater burden. I'm not sure why you have to fire the innocent employees. I would guess your intrepid CEO earns at least 10 times what you do. He should bear the glad tidings. Of course, he could hire a contractor to do the deed.

Doesn't work. ustulation (burning; roasting)

Sign of the times...

I read your definition of a beta reader vs. an editor with a good deal of interest: The first link you provided above,Ten Tips to be a Better Beta Reader by Corrine Jackson), has a slightly different take on the function of a beta reader: My own experience helping several authors with their work is that they define the responsibilities of editors and beta readers differently. The assistance I provide includes all the functions these definitions cover. I make suggestions about the story line, the characters, and improvements in wording. I would never overlook a spelling or grammar error. So, which am I? I don't think it matters. As long as an author has several people reviewing his work, there's a good chance all bases will be covered. Most important, I think, is that everyone realize that producing a story requires teamwork and the author is the team leader. The final decisions are always his. I don't get upset if the author declines to use my suggestions.

ideophone (word that is spoken but not written)

Get with it, John.

I have noticed a large number of people implying, with bad jokes and anecdotes, that Louisiana Cajuns are not smart. I would like to state, for the record, that I disagree with that assessment. Anybody who would build a city 5 feet below sea level in a hurricane zone and fill it with Democrats who can’t swim is a damn genius.

A gay cookie?

kyriolexy (the use of literal expressions)

Long past time I would say.

Yay! Congratulations, Nephy.

The chapter numbers are now looking a bit like Roman numerals. So the latest would be chapter 1,001? Cliffhanger? Depends on who is currently receiving a fax, does it not?

Won't work. pediculous (lousy, phthiriasis)

anadiplosis (repeating last word of clause at beginning of next clause)

You would likely pee upon being offered a role with Zac Effron as would I upon being offered millions for anything.

Happy Anniversary, MJ! I've been a GA member for 6+ years and arrived the same way you did...followed an author I liked to his home place. He's no longer here, but I am. As far as I'm concerned, that's a fair exchange.

Well, I finally got around to reading this story. It's one of several amazing works that I have managed to overlook in the last couple of years. Andy is not reluctant to write about a great variety of subject matter. I really liked this one and hope he finds the time to expand the story. I'll not allow another of his stories to go unread longer than...oh...two days.

smaragdine (emerald green)

alembicated (over-refined)

Beautiful, Bleu and beautifully done.