MikeL

Lacey said in chat all he had planned was to go to the mall. I realize he might not feel like doing a lot so soon after his surgery, but it really doesn't sound very exciting.

I would also prefer the hopeful one. I like happy endings. I don't object,though, if that's not what you want to convey.

Nashville, TN may get as much as one inch of snow today. That's roughly equal to our annual snowfall...all in one day. All the schools are closed.

Excellent poem, Ricky. It tells quite a story. I'm reading it as the last verse being the thoughts of the second person, the one whom the boy hopes will be his benefactor. Am I right?

Atta boy, James. You do charge a premium rate for adverse working conditions don't you?

Oops! I forgot the most important thing. Don't forget to register for the draft, Lacey. Sorry, just didn't want you to get into trouble.

What day is it? December 6? Yep. Epiphany? Yep. The twelfth day of Christmas? Depends. What is it really? Lacey Cross' 18th birthday! GA's Newest Young Adult . (Happy Birthday to Lacey's mom, too.)

I like the chapter. It not only has some action, it raises all sorts of possibilities: ■ Trevor's parents were getting a divorce because his mom had learned that his dad is gay. ■ Trevor's dad makes regular trips somewhere (not Miami) to meet with his lover. ■ Trevor's mom is not dead; she is in Australia where he will find her during his circumnavigation (strictly a guess). ■ Or something else that only a goat could imagine. The problem may be clues we didn't see at all.

It's no surprise that so many European groups sing in English. English has become nearly every European's second language...except in the UK of course. An English language CD by an Estonian rock band is going to garner more sales and play time on radio all over the continent than one in their native tongue. As such groups gain popularity in Europe, their promoters will get them into the US market. Essentially, as English becomes the primary international language, every market will be open to everyone. I enjoy music in a number of languages and own CDs or MP3 downloads in Italian and Gaelic (my two favorites) plus Spanish, Greek, Hawaiian, and several African languages. I enjoy the variety of music styles even though I can understand a little of the Italian and absolutely none of the others. We heard a folk music group in Prague several years ago; didn't understand a word but loved the melodies. Sorry to hear, Kevin, that the "Great Firewall" is back in place.

Lou needs a good alibi just in case. Being in California at the time of Davey's disappearance is a good alibi.

Are cell phones a necessity? An equally pertinent question: Are jeans a necessity? I almost never put my cell phone in a pocket...pants or shirt. I use a holster or leather case that attaches to the belt. That makes it much easier to get at the phone when it rings. If I had it in the front pocket of my jeans, I would have to stand up to get it out. My cell phone is just for calls. If you have something really fancy - some kind of smart phone - wouldn't you want it out where people could see how sophisticated you are? Of course, if you are one of those people who talk all the time, storage is a moot point.

Another great chapter, Jack. Several different kinds of action and several very different problems resolved. Lou, Jr. avoids catastrophe while Jack Gamble seems to have things going his way. It will be interesting to see how and when he is reunited with Cray. I'm still looking for that "blowback".

Jack has released Chapter 11 of Shifting Sands..."Thunder and Summer Breezes".

Very good picture, Will. Good to see you again.

I think the end of chapter 27 indicates a pretty good chance for reconciliation:

If all the economists in the world were laid end to end, they still wouldn't reach a conclusion. If all the economics students in the world were laid end to end, they would be more comfortable. ~ Anonymous

What a great way to start the new year. Thanks, Dom.

It is a rhetorical question...no cliffhanger.

Happy New Year!

Thanks, CJ. I really appreciate your comments. No doubt you recognized the absence of any cliffhangers.

I strongly recommend you check your state's law on indecent exposure before you engage in any such activity. Just Google: (state name) indecent exposure law. In Tennessee, the penalty is six months in prison and/or a $500 fine. This is the same penalty as applies to prostitution. The law apples to any sexual activity (including masturbation) which takes place in public or in a private place which may be seen from a public place or from the private property of another. "Fun" activities such as mooning or streaking are also covered. If you drive through our fair state (the greenest state in the land of the free) and need to go to the bathroom, hold it until you can reach the next rest area or other public restrooms. State troopers arrest persons for indecent exposure even when they can't see what is being exposed during a roadside potty stop.

Cammy started this. Now there's a picture I can't seem to shake out of my head: Cammy as a cheerleader for GA.

Thanks, Sam. I started writing poetry about a year ago. So far, I've completed only two, both of them posted here on GA. The first poem? I'm still working on it; I'll finish it someday, I'm sure. It's a bit more personal and has been more difficult to write. Edit: I tried to respond to your comment in the reviews, but the system doesn't seem to be working. I appreciate all your comments.

I have published a new poem titled Reconciliation. You may read it here and discuss it in this forum.

I agree. First, it was changing his screen name. Next, came the episode in chat when he was hehe-ing everything anyone else said no matter how serious. Now, he gets hung up on an article. We need to get Matt to sit down and have a man to man talk with Cammy.