MikeL

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Happy New Year!

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.

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.

The snow birds have already flown south, James. The relatively few still in Boston have had their wings clipped.

I would spend as much time as I could visiting with friends all around the world. I've already started that. I would also make new friends. Actually, I've been doing that for the last 3 3/4 years since I joined GA. All the arrangements have been made...the will, finances for my wife, and funeral plans. I don't know how much time I have left. I would guess it will be more than six months. I've already outlived my doctor's projection by almost eight years. I know the cause of death; I just don't know when. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy life all I can.

Dom, it's good to know you are still with us and getting plenty of exercise. Here's hoping you have the best year ever.

Very good picture, Lacey. How could we forget you?

Thanks for sharing your story, Tim. I hope it will help other young people swear off addictive substances including alcohol and tobacco.

Happy (4th?) Birthday, Jack!

Merry Christmas to all. I hope you have a great holiday with family and friends.

Rent-A-Ruminant LLC. LOL

Merry Christmas! Caption: An awkward moment at the Congress of Elves

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Do cliffhangers sometimes come in boxes?