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Happy Birthday, Steve!!! Best wishes for a great day.

I did notice...about a week ago.

What did I do?

There's a Straight section on Nifty?

Dude!! You're old!! Sending you sunshine, lollipops, Hershey's kisses and rainbows! Best wishes for a great day.

Preferably after this weekend since I'll be out of town until Sunday night.

Happy Birthday, Robert!! Looking forward to seeing you and Dan in DC come January.

No, actually, I didn't. I responded to your comment about never meeting a 14 year old ready to make sound judgements for their lives. I have and I used my kids as an example. As a parent, I do think that by the time your child is 14 they should be able to do just that, start making sound judgements regarding their life. Notice I said 'start'? They need to feel that they have some control in how their life progresses. How else are they to learn to be productive members of society? You're the one that brought up 14 year olds moving out on their own. I just rolled with it to amuse myself while blowing smoke up your ass.

Of course they did, Sweetcheeks. It is a testament to my awesome parenting skills. But, just so you know, they didn't file for emancipation. It wasn't necessary, as it's a time honored tradition in my family to let your young ones fly early. They were tall enough to reach the controls on the washing machine, so they were good to go. I guess it never occured to anyone where Mark gets his ideas. Cake!!!

You know, I've been trying to be good, really I have. Keeping it classy. But sometimes it's like listening to the adults in the Charlie Brown comics. "Wah wah, wah wah...wah wah. Wah wah wah." Just as a small side note: I have met a 14 year old ready to make sound judgements for their lives. Actually, two. Specifically, because I raised them that way. To start thinking for, and deciding for, themselves. It's what made them the wonderful young adults they are today.

Don't we all? Don't worry Poodle, we'll be here.

The Darkside vs Rainbow Kisses...the sequel. *Poodle, you are awesomness personified.

Uh huh. *Note to self - do not open email that's titled 'Hey, I need a favor'.

Libby is an excellent author. Her Running Far Afield is probably one of the best things I've ever read online. If you've never checked out her work, I'd highly recommend you give it a whirl.

No.

Happy Birthday, Mike! Best wishes for a great day!

Dude! It's like you're channeling me! Sweet!

Eh...if I posted more often, I wouldn't sound so profound.

Some thoughts: I have always been a big fan of serialized fiction. The anticipation of whatever twists and turns are coming in the next chapter, having the satisfaction and/or disappointment of how my predictions pan out, these fourms and enjoying the way you guys batter points back and forth. The best part, though, is everyone reads fiction a bit differently, so their view of how a story is presented varies. One of the things that makes Mark such an excellent author, is his ability to step into whichever character he's writing. Those of you who have commented on Brad being 'out-of-character' are, in my opinion, overlooking an important fact. When we've had Brad as the narrator, we've seen him as he sees himself. A bit of an arrogant ass, rich and powerful, but charming none the less. And he gets great sex scenes to keep you horny dudes happy. In this story, we're seeing him through Wills's eyes. And he's not measuring up to his son's expectations. Will, at 14, is half child, half man. He's seeing that his father isn't that perfect person that Will always saw him as. You expect your parents to 'do the right thing'. And most of the time they do, it's just their idea of the right thing sometimes differs from yours. Having the advantage of being several chapters ahead, I'll just suggest everyone settle in for the ride. Story's not done yet. Let's let it play out the way Mark intends.

1 28oz can whole peeled plum tomatoes 1 14oz can tomato sauce (might be 15oz – whatever is the standard sized can) 1 6oz can tomato paste 1 medium onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, minced Olive oil ½ cup wine (I’m guessing here – I just pour a good sized shot, I mostly use red but white will work) 1 tablespoon dried basil* 1 tablespoon dried oregano* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary* 1 teaspoon dried thyme* ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper Pinch red pepper flakes Pinch sugar *If you have a good Italian seasoning blend, use that instead of the herbs, about a tablespoon and a half. I make this in a deep (three inch) skillet with a lid. Drain the tomatoes into a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl. Using a spoon, press as much liquid out of the tomato meat, and into the bowl, as possible. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet on medium high; add the onion and the red pepper flakes and sauté until the onion is soft, about five minutes. Add the garlic, sauté for another minute. Add the tomato meat and let them brown about ten minutes. You want to put some color on them. This is what gives the sauce that all day simmered taste. Push everything to one side and add the tomato paste to the cleared spot. Use the back of your spoon to spread the paste out and let it brown for a couple of minutes. Blend everything together; add the liquid from the tomatoes, the tomato sauce, and the wine. Add your herbs, the salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything smooth, cover and let simmer on low about thirty to forty minutes stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust your seasoning if needed. And voilà! Basic marinara sauce.

Just doing my part to keep things classy.

Stefan. Variety is the spice of life, therefore polls need more than two choices.

Sweetpea, I can teach you how to make a red sauce from scratch that only takes about an hour and tastes like its been simmering all day.

The William Carter Series is my all-time favorite. I have read these stories over and over. Having a new one in the works is excellent news!!

I do. I have always felt that Calvert is the one for George for the long haul. I could be wrong. It does happen occasionally.But only occasionally.