MikeL

Go gays!

It's like pruning a bush. It strengthens the branches and promotes more luxurious growth. Maybe "shrub" would be better than "bush".

You won't like this idea, but it could save you a lot of money. Don't buy a radar detector and don't speed. My experience, which includes a little driving in New York, is that you can go up to fives miles per hour over the limit and you won't be stopped. Happy driving!

Happy Birthday, Camilo! The Big # 18 You still can't legally buy or drink liquor, but you can vote and you must register for the draft. But first, let's party!

Shower. The whirlpool tub is great but requires a big investment in time and water.

I, too, am glad to see you back at work writing a new story. Unfortunately, I have to disagree on the origin of the name Wendy. Peter Pan, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up was originally a play by J. M. Barrie first produced in 1904. The book was first published in 1911. The name Wendy has been used as a given name for girls born in the United States since 1828. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy and other references linked there. See ya, Spitfire.

I didn't think five was very good either. If you don't get it right away, you have to kind of train yourself to look at - not read - the word. I get 100% the first time every time I try it now.

So, you've played computer games and every title on those pricey little boxes. You have developed great coordination between your eyes and your hands. You are king of this and master of that. (You will notice I haven't actually named any of the games. That's because I don't play them and, while I've heard of a lot of them, I haven't made a great effort to remember the names.) OK. Eye/hand coordination is great, right? What happens when you have to add your brain to the mix? Eye/brain/hand coordination? You mean "brain" as in school? Yes, that brain. Try this little test. Call it a game if that makes you feel better. Relax. Follow the instructions. Don't search the 'net for cheats; there aren't any. Just do it. Let everyone know how you did. It took me five tries to score 100. That's not so bad, is it?

Welcome to the blogosphere, Cammy. Your first attempt is quite a tour de farce. Sounds like Connecticut is a happening place. It's like Perks; I'm already looking forward to the next installment. You do need to explain one thing in more detail: What is it about a girl sitting in your lap that would cause her to question your sexual orientation?

The plural of hiatus is hiatus or hiatuses. In any event, I'm glad yours is over and hope you feel better. I thought the Mexican restaurants out there were supposed to be good.

Thanks for bringing this story to out attention, Jan. It is a very good story...touching and informative...and exceptionally well written. Testicular cancer tends to strike young men in their teens and twenties while prostate cancer is largely found in older men. Everyone needs to be aware of both diseases and of the warning signs for each. Emulated Love's story seems to be very accurate in it's depiction of testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment.

This is a joke told by Red Skelton, when he met Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Red Skelton: I turned to Margaret Thatcher and said, "Ain't this beautiful?" and she replied, "Not ain't, isn't. Don't you know the Queen's English?" Red replied, "I heard she was, yes."

Scallies? Scousers?

I know it's good to read a story in one's own dialect. I've read a couple of chapters and have a bit of trouble with the dialogue. I can usually figure out what a word is based on context. I'm curious to know what the dialect is. I don't know if it's Cockney or hackney or just slang. I do know it's not the received standard or received pronunciation. Would appreciate one of the UK members enlightening us.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

Tim, do you drive from Texas to Oklahoma to do your Christmas shopping?

Happy Birthday, Steve!

It is I...the newest member of C James's team. There are two things that I need to say at the outset. 1. I am pleased to be working with one of the best authors at GA and I thank him for the kind things he said about this humble amphibian on his team page. The other frogs are green with envy. 2. I hereby disclaim all responsibility for any cliffhangers which are found in C James stories past or future. As the author himself acknowledges on the team page, "Although the writing is very much a team effort, as the author I'm in effect the manager of the team. I'm the one who decides if something is in or out, and I decide when a chapter is ready to post."

My best wishes for your friend. I hope he will be found free of cancer or will, at the very least, not require treatment. From personal experience, I can tell you the whole process can be long and unsettling for those diagnosed with the disease.

The current issue of the National Cancer Institute Bulletin contains a report on the recent discovery of a previously unknown virus which appears to have a link to the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Early studies indicate that the xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) clones itself and positions itself next to the growth promoting gene of each cell in a tumor. This indicates that some forms of the cancer may be caused by the infection of a single cell. If the virus is found to be transmitted from person to person by seminal and cervical fluids, the best prevention method may safe sex practices. It will be some time before studies are complete and it is known for sure if XMRV causes, or is a marker for, prostate cancer. If it does, a simple blood test could be the first that would identify aggressive cancers which require treatment. Unnecessary treatment of less aggressive cancers may then be avoided.

My, how times have changed! I don't understand the hesitation some have expressed in exposing their bodies to other men in certain situations that, as a matter of convenience, would call for it...namely in locker rooms and communal showers. Is the younger generation a bunch of prudes? All through high school and college, we were all exposed in the locker room and showers after PE classes. The same was true in basic training and Officer Candidate School in the Army. As the saying goes, "There's nothing private about a private." Or a private's privates for that matter. None of this ever bothered me because of my early training. I learned to swim at my local YMCA. Not only did we use a large changing room and a communal shower room, we swam in the nude. That's right...no swim trunks, just skinny dipping. The Y was all male then and swimming suits were not permitted. Men and boys of all ages were in the natatorium (how appropriate a word is that?) at the same time. I lost my inhibitions early.

Happy Birthday, Tom! Tanjoubi omedetou!

Matty, when I was your age, being a young adult meant military service. I can tell you now, don't feel like you're being cheated by not having to serve. I made the most of my three years active duty, but I can't recommend it to you as something to consider.

Great pictures, Will. It looks like you enjoyed the trip. Hope you have a great year in school.

No complaints. Growing old sure beats the alternative.