MikeL

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof? Tennessee Williams? No memorable songs there. It wouldn't be a very cheerful song given the subject matter...morphine for example: ~ Big Daddy Pollitt

For the record, the committee members were not permitted to vote until all had taken and passed a breathalyzer test. The legal limit in Tennessee is 0.8. We also moved to a nearby, untainted pond to ensure no backsliding. All this activity necessitated a lengthy delay in the voting. It should be understood that, as a careful reading of the certificate itself will reveal, an Amphibian Certification is awarded in recognition of an author's reaching a cliffhanger-free status at the conclusion of a story. It does not absolve any responsibility for cliffhangers which may be found in the work at any interim point nor does it apply to any other works of the author cited. A certificate is an ad hoc, purpose built document pertinent to the within named work.

Fiddler on the Roof (Tradition, If I Were a Rich Man, etc.) On the rooftop (that rainy night) ~ Mariah Carey Rain on the Roof ~ The Lovin' Spoonful

I expect Cole and Dale to get together eventually. Why wouldn't they? I mean at some point, they will go uninterrupted.

Fattening diet

Delivered doughnuts

Artist supplies

Young guys in their teens and twenties have no idea how much the world has changed in fifty years. I understand you still have to be careful and you can still be embarrassed or humiliated by someone's reaction upon learning that you are gay. But even that is an improvement. My whole life, prior to graduating from high school at 17, I new only one openly gay guy. He was shunned or worse by everyone. I mean everyone; straights, homophobes and other gays. Closeted gays could not risk being outed. They had to stay carefully hidden away. Anyone who describes homosexuality as a lifestyle choice would choke if they knew how things used to be. There was no choice then. You had to be straight or appear to be. We've come so far in liberalizing the public opinion and reaction to gays, why to we have to be hung up ourselves on age difference? Wen, yours is a battle between the heart and the brain. Use both in liberal measure and make your own wise decision. We cannot do it for you.

I've always heard that the Japanese people are rather xenophobic. See: http://en.wikipedia...._in_Showa_Japan and http://www.letsjapan...phobia-now.html. The latter article includes a few indicators for modern day Japan, including several proposals on how Japan may recruit foreign workers to supplement its declining work force: The Japanese seem to be afraid of foreigners and don't want to encourage immigration. That said, there is no reason why you can't have a successful year of study there and be well rewarded for your efforts. You just have to accept that the Japanese will be wary of you. As soon as you master some of the culture and become more relaxed, you will probably find more acceptance. It's not unusual for Americans to stare at people who seem "strange". I found myself doing that a few days ago when I crossed paths in a parking lot with a man who was walking along talking to himself. I don't know why such a thing still prompts that response in me. It's not unusual to me since both of my parents suffered from dementia in their last years. I can only suggest you work to get comfortable with the Japanese way; they will then no longer see you as stupid. Have a great year in your studies. Relax and have fun.

Chapter 7 is broad ranging and an apparent turning point in the story. Our heroes are no longer running for their lives...they are now the aggressors. A lot of action reveals a real chance for success in their overcoming the evil that has captured Elijah. The final scene is disturbing. Has Jeremy become a prophet of events he does not want to see? Or does he just have a vivid imagination? We must hope it is the latter. It is now obvious that Jeremy is not a pawn in some plot; he was not framed for assassination as I once expected. How far above that will he rise? Will he be a hero? Will he be king? Great chapter...great story, Chase!

Hypocritical or not, there is some merit in the suggestion. They've told you about their families and dating, etc. Have they not asked about you? Perhaps they don't need to ask. Their gaydar may be better than yours. Have they made any disparaging remarks, told any jokes about gays? There's no reason from your side of the relationship that they can't be good friends.

Life preserver

True. Age and time are artificial concepts...a man made measure that exists only for the sake of convenience. Listen to your heart.

Yonder mountains

That's shorthand for "Luke and Rory in the end". It refers to a popular sentiment that arose during the serial release of Dom Luka's story Desert Dropping. It would not be fair to those who haven't read the story to reveal the ending. If you haven't read it, you should. Desert Dropping

The Latin motto Sic Semper Tyrannis (literally "Thus Always with Tyrants") is the state motto of Virginia. John Willkes Booth shouted "Sic Semper Tyrannis" after he shot President Lincoln, rather than something more appropriate like "$@%#, I broke my ankle". His meaning was that tyrants should always be killed, thus referring to the deed he had just done. The phrase Sic Semper Caprinae literally means "Thus Always with Goats", not "Death to Goats". The implication here is that cliff-dwelling goats should strive to redeem themselves and be recognized for their success...not shot or barbecued. Sic Semper Caprinae goat and good health.

Dished delectables

When it rains it pours, Vic. Your LRITE thing works...I could read it.

It was a long night but the committee finally sobered up and finished it's work. We are pleased to present an Amphibian Certification to Cliff James in recognition of his attaining a cliffhanger free conclusion to his most recent story Changing Lanes.

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It was a long night but the committee finally sobered up and finished its work. We are pleased to present an Amphibian Certification to Cliff James in recognition of his attaining a cliffhanger free conclusion to his most recent story Changing Lanes.

Grrrr! This makes me mad! We've had to suspend our deliberations for a while. Someone spiked the pond with tequila. Who would do such a thing? Probably some goat or some dude from Vegas. I'll get back to you later.

Just an update... This thing may go well into the night. We've hit a little bit of a snag. Will keep you informed.

Chapter 6 is another good one, Camilo. It seems Case and Luca's relationship is improving...up to a point. Is there some chemistry between them? I think so. I now know more about rowing than I ever expected to. Nothing new on David. Sigh...

A most satisfying conclusion to an often raucous story. I loved every minute of reading every chapter, but is always my favorite part. The committee are currently reading and rereading the last chapter and epilogue. We will gather at the pond later this evening for our final deliberations. In the interim, does anyone see any unresolved cliffhangers in Changing Lanes?