MikeL

Possibly one of the most appropriate avatars yet...9.9.

With all those questions, who needs cliffhangers?

Cliff James has released Chapter 36 of Circumnavigation, "Safety in Numbers".

All the manure left behind by the goats will only make the regrowth faster and more lush.

I can't see how it's ever possible to be too nice. I agree with you that the idea itself is absurd. Any attempt to argue that you can be too nice would be an example of a reductio ad absurdum.

Tim, I have to rate your avatar a 6.0. The artwork is good, but it doesn't fit your name or persona. While I tried to avoid it infringing on my evaluation, I have to say that some avatars you have used in the past are much more appropriate.

Excellent beginning for a story. Very well done, West.

Thank you, CJ and phana. I did hope for readers to get both a smile and a little useful philosophy from Sacred Cow. If we can laugh about stale traditions and exalted ideas, it may just provide the creative spark we all need.

An update: All four of my sons now use cell phones exclusively. When we move to a new home(if we ever sell the old one), it's goodbye land line.

Happy Birthday, Good Buddy!

Lugh and Graeme, thank you both. My questions are answered.

Anyta may be right, John. But I really suspect Cedric will have no problem falling for Danny. I'm thinking he already has. Danny's mother seems to be in favor of that. How many people (characters and readers alike) are you willing to disappoint? There are other issues to be resolved. Besides Cedric, there are Joey and Liam as potential boyfriends for Danny. Even more perplexing is Lee's sudden change in demeanor. Is he upset that Danny spent time with Joey? Has he just learned that his roommate, Liam, is gay? Has Liam revealed his attraction to Danny? Or to Lee? Anxiously awaiting the next chapter.

Part 5 is a great chapter, Riley. It's good to see Olly and Owen becoming better friends. In both of your stories, relationships are building rather slowly, yet there is plenty of action to hold readers' interest. Keep up the good work.

Happy Birthday, Anyta!

Lugh, I have a poem completed that fits the theme for the Winter 2010 Anthology. If the new rules for a poetry anthology happen to disqualify a completed, but not yet released poem, can said poem be grandfathered under the old anthology rules? Can it be published in the existing anthology since it fits the theme even though there is a separate anthology for poetry?

I think the Australian government has a good case. The yacht was obviously too close to the whale. I mean, do you like it when someone crowds your space?

Chapter 18 is a very sad story of parting. I hope that someday Andy and Matt can recapture that element of love which has gone missing from their friendship.

Thanks to all three of you for your kind comments. We "poets" don't get many readers and get far fewer who will say what they think of a poem. I'm still very much an amateur poet, but I feel that I am gradually improving in my efforts. The Simple Man isn't really my favorite...some poems are more personal...but I am satisfied with it. Thanks again to all who read and especially to those who will take the time to review or comment.

Happy Birthday, Procyon! Still the brightest star in Canis Minor.

I appreciate your response, Martin. You made a very good point about lesbians' reception on GA. As for the first three responses which you disliked, you may not be aware that Camilo and Matt (TetRefine) are the closest of boyfriends. We were merely having some fun at Camilo's expense and the humor was very close to what Camilo himself frequently dishes out. One additional point on the paucity of lesbians at GA, I think, is the fact that gay men, by definition, do not like the thought of sex with women. Most of the members would not read such stories, much less review or comment on them. They may well have good female friends of all sexual orientations, but have little if any interest in reading about lesbian sex. If this seems to be a distinction without a difference, please keep in mind it comes from a straight man. It's just an observation. Hope you are doing well. Have not seen you in chat for quite sometime. Please join us there soon.

Cliff James has released Chapter 35 of Circumnavigation, "The Art of the Deal". And does he ever have a deal for you!

Appearance and ease of reading are probably the most important factors to consider when selecting a font. If you print a lot of documents, you may wish to save ink usage by using Century Gothic (seen here) . It consumes one-third less ink than Arial.

I doubt I'll be there, but I have to say the Jack the Ripper tour is great!

Happy Birthday, Emanuel!

Jake has known for some time that his parents were going to kick him out of the house when he turned 18. Since he was so forcefully removed from his prior "employment", it makes sense that he has hidden some money away. If Jake did come out of the closet, it would make things very complicated for all three of them. We have to wonder if and how Corey and Brett will eventually learn the truth. Then, how will they resolve their dilemma?