MikeL

This is not a 12-step plan. It is a set of actions and attitudes intended to improve loving relationships between any two people. It applies to gay couples as well as to straights, married or not. Give them a try. -------------------- 1. Never both be angry at the same time. 2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. 3. Yield to the wishes of the other as an exercise in self-control, if you can't think of a better reason. 4. If you have a choice between making yourself or your partner look good, choose your partner. 5. If you feel you must criticize, do so lovingly. 6. Never bring up a mistake of the past. 7. Neglect the whole world rather than each other. 8. Never let the day end without saying at least one complementary thing to your partner. 9. Never meet without an affectionate greeting. 10. When you make a mistake, talk it out and ask for forgiveness. 11. Remember, it takes two to make an argument. The one who is wrong is the one who will be doing most of the talking. 12. Never go to bed mad. -------------------- I've been thinking of posting this for a while; I'm doing so now because I know a couple who could benefit. I wish them and you peace and love. Your comments are welcome.

Metro Nashville schools have revised the software which previously filtered out gay- and lesbian-themed Web sites in response to an ACLU lawsuit filed two weeks ago. The change will affect more than 100 school districts in Tennessee. Tennessean article at Nashville schools unblock gay-themed Web sites.

You are right about the Internet but I still subscribe to Fortune, Money, Smart Money, Wired, ESPN, and Smithsonian.

As an American, I am frequently perplexed by other countries' criticism of American support in times of need. I suspect many of them are looking at US Government support only and not considering contributions made by NGOs and the private sector. A Wikipedia article on response to the Christmas 2004 tsunami shows that the US Government supplied $950 million, while the US NGOs and general public contributed twice that amount. The same is true of a number of other countries. Other US corporations and religious groups provided direct, in-kind services that aren't included in the totals.

We have another hero...Michael! Just get used to it...to a 10-year-old, you are"Sir". I suspect he is getting a pretty good upbringing despite the financial difficulties.

My mention of Hillary was both parenthetical and gratuitous. I did not intend it to interject politics into the discussion nor question CJ's fictional politics. I know he has said the story is set approximately five years in the future. So, CJ is not referring to our current political leaders...at least not intentionally. Since we are discussing politics, I would point out that five years is a short time. It is entirely possible that our current political leaders will still be on the watch five years from now and could then be facing a situation with Iran similar to that of which General Bradson speaks in this chapter. There will likely be no rock band or mercenary band, but there will likely be a nuclear-armed Iran. I predict that, if Obama can tame the current recession, he may well be President five years from now. I also predict that Hillary Clinton will not be Secretary of State five years from now regardless of Obama's success. That said, I expect chapter 40 will see more action and less politics.

Thus far, no one has used the word " ", not even our illustrious goat/author, who would normally be protesting the use of the word even before it had been used. The reason would seem to be obvious. There is definitely a storm brewing...nearly a perfect storm. Instinct and company find themselves facing a murderous enemy, a defensive, vindictive US State Department (who would want Hillary on their case?), and an unpredictable volcano...all with no apparent means of escape.

Prize? I get a prize? Hopefully not a week's stay on a goat farm.

Cliff James has released Chapter 39 of Changing Lanes.."Zeus Triumphant".

Chris? I thought it was Cliff.

Excellent story, Graeme. This was a unique and refreshing plot which lead to a lot of smiles. Thanks.

Susan Boyle has finished second in Britain's Got Talent. See: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,523459,00.html Showbiz rumor has Simon Cowell spiriting Susan off to Prague next week to cut her first album. Ironically, the album is likely to be released first in the US where she has proven to be more popular than in the UK. Go figure.

Great blog, Chase. While reading it, I tended to forget that you were sharing a part of your life with us. I felt like I was reading a short story. You could have published this in the GA anthology with little, if any, tweaking. You might want to consider writing some short stories and sharing them here. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your summer. Mike

I see one major problem with the recipe: Seven to nine innocent goats will lose their raison d'

I would definitely take the extended warranty even though I would never buy one. What would I do with a goat? Teach him to write?

Another great picture, my dark-haired Swedish friend. I must say you are aging well.

A , Cliff. And there is a likelihood that more will follow. I don't guess there will be a sequel if . I sure no one will consider this chapter to be free of cliffhangers. Indeed,

Spooler or Spoiler?

Hooray!

Michael, How did you get to be 1/6 Cherokee? Those fractions are usually 1/4, 1/8, or 1/16. There's probably a story there somewhere. Glad you are having fun. Don't burn yourself out. Mike

Chase, Having spent just a few days in Newport Beach, I think I understand something of the culture from which you come. It's certainly an affluent community. I think the people there are like people everywhere, rich or poor. Some are fun to be with; some are real jerks. I hope you remain active with GA. I hope you are inspired to write and share with us. Friends there may think you shouldn't share yourself online...dare to be different. Your true friends will remain friends. And virtually everyone at GA will be your friend. Some of us may say something with which you disagree, or even be judgmental at times, but we are still a friendly lot. Hugs all around, Mike

Mark has the right answer. Graeme's question is not quite right: Bell was a Scotsman who moved to Canada as an adult. So, how do you pronounce Graeme?

Exactly the way I pronounce it. The h in Graham is silent. It's not 'Gray-ham"

Trying to pull a fast one, are we? Graham is two syllables, not one. Graham flour is made from wheat. Gram flour is made from chickpeas, a/k/a garbanzos. Graham crackers are made from graham flour. Falafel is made from gram flour. Two different things - two different names - two different pronunciations. Why not just ask Graeme how to pronounce his name?

OK. Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graeme