DEBRA: HAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA now that's gotta be in the top ten of burnout stories. HAHAHAHAHA

MARY: Either definition will do nicely.

BEN: Really liked your shorty. Great twisty end.

HEATHER: ooer, well done, was cringeing while I read it.

Jerry, I hope you have a better day tomorrow too!

:o) Heather

Hey, Debra, I just read your post, and it sounds to me like the recount of your day WAS your shortie on burnout. I really hope you have a better day tomorrow!

You know, I think I can whip up a shortie for tonight, but not the one I had planned earlier this week. That story doesn't need to be read. It's not great, it's not awful, it's just not terribly interesting. Well, perhaps it was simply a case of 'you had to be there'.

So instead, I post another.

And I think the shortie night plan for tomorrow night is a great idea - it's been a week I think we'd all like to see pass, and quickly. Tomorrow's shortie night will be like a fresh ladeling of creativity. One, I think, that will re-inspire us, give us that excited feeling that no matter what we imagine for our own shortie, we will always have an amazing smorgasbord of imagination to read from here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Every ounce of flesh oozes lactic acid. My calves are on fire, my chest feels like iron, and for some reason or other, my eyelids are itchy. The itch is the worst of all; they bound my hands yesterday, and all there is to see is straight ahead. The lights are never turned off. I stare at the clock while the itch lounges around, almost passive in its nibbling. The red second hand on the clock is as loud as machinegun fire, and has begun to imitate my rhythmic movements, or I have begun to imitate it.
The nervous twitching in my legs relieves the cramping, yet brings me a lesser agony. The way they've strapped my wrists behind the chair has my ribs stretched so far back that each breath is a struggle. They won't let me die. Not ever.
They just hold me ever so close to it.



Heather

I am a bit short on the shorty side tonight myself. I was messing around with this new 56K service and managed to put a check in a box what shouldn't have a check. This was at around 4:00 PM. Now I pride myself on my ability to fix computers, and I have been known to repair a computer that was rejected by the repair service as totaled, but be damned if I could find the problem. Earlier today, the ISP went down, and when it came back up, they sent an email about, so I just figured it did the same thing again. Not so, and around 10:30 in frustration I sent a note to the owner of the ISP telling him how glad I was to have signed up for the new faster service since it was down more then it was up. Shortly thereafter he replied saying it had to be my problem, as he was able to get anywhere, and had no other complaints. I went and checked, and when I saw what I had done, did one of those palm to the forehead things. So this means I spent about five hours trying to fix something that I broke myself, and had to call on the guy who usually calls me when he is having a hard time, to ask how to fix it. At least he told me that it was my problem, but you know I usually wonder when he says that because he is usually lieing about it. Anyhow that is my excuse, be it as it may. I shall indeed try to get a short-shorty in tomorrow. Sorry about that Mary.

Well I must sign off and get a bit of sleep, it has been a very long day, and I have to go to moms in the morning and fix her stool, as it keeps running and she doesn't want to call a plumber. I still haven't convinced her that these chores are hard on my back, but I guess I can suffer a bit for her, when I think of all the suffering I put her through from the time I entered this world until I was full grown.

Good night all, hope everyone is having a better day then I have.

Jerry

PS The link above is our fair city's home page, in case your interested in where I live, it is a neat place, take a look. We are very proud of our fair town.

I am a bit short on the shorty side tonight myself. I was messing around with this new 56K service and managed to put a check in a box what shouldn't have a check. This was at around 4:00 PM. Now I pride myself on my ability to fix computers, and I have been known to repair a computer that was rejected by the repair service as totaled, but be damned if I could find the problem. Earlier today, the ISP went down, and when it came back up, they sent an email about, so I just figured it did the same thing again. Not so, and around 10:30 in frustration I sent a note to the owner of the ISP telling him how glad I was to have signed up for the new faster service since it was down more then it was up. Shortly thereafter he replied saying it had to be my problem, as he was able to get anywhere, and had no other complaints. I went and checked, and when I saw what I had done, did one of those palm to the forehead things. So this means I spent about five hours trying to fix something that I broke myself, and had to call on the guy who usually calls me when he is having a hard time, to ask how to fix it. At least he told me that it was my problem, but you know I usually wonder when he says that because he is usually lieing about it. Anyhow that is my excuse, be it as it may. I shall indeed try to get a short-shorty in tomorrow. Sorry about that Mary.

Well I must sign off and get a bit of sleep, it has been a very long day, and I have to go to moms in the morning and fix her stool, as it keeps running and she doesn't want to call a plumber. I still haven't convinced her that these chores are hard on my back, but I guess I can suffer a bit for her, when I think of all the suffering I put her through from the time I entered this world until I was full grown.

Good night all, hope everyone is having a better day then I have.

Jerry

PS The link above is our fair city's home page, in case your interested in where I live, it is a neat place, take a look. We are very proud of our fair town.

OK People, tomorrow is shortie night this week and the theme is POVERTY. Let's see if we can get it right this time. (Myself included. As leader of shortie night, it sucks big time that I didnt write one. Unfortunately I was busy doing sit-ups for Paulie then washing mini-blinds at the real estate office I clean one night a week.)

Speaking of sucks big time, the true definition of dork isn't exactly what someone else here said. That is for the slang term 'dork'. The real definition of dork is a whale penis. Don't believe me? Ask Shamu.

HOWARD: Congratulations on your award! Big hugs to you!

RACHEL: Hugs to you from everyone in my family since you are having one of those days.

DEBRA: Bless you, you have written my shortie for the night.

LITTER: So glad to see my favorite Scot. I miss your story, but I certainly understand. Tomorrow perhaps?

It seems that all this Ima business is blowing over, so I hope that everything is back to normal here tomorrow and I will have shorties to read Saturday morning. Please? Pretty please?

WELL! I haven't read all the posts yet, but we seem to be very short on shorties. Where is everyone? If we don't get a good turnout, I am making shortie night tomorrow too! Teekay this means Saturday for you. A double header.

Is IMA really dead or is she like a horror movie bad-guy that keeps coming back until you behead them, or shove a stake through their heart?

Yes, TEEKAY does give more than she takes. I think that her crit of Laura's work probably stung, but was she wrong? I didn't read Laura's piece so I don't know, but I doubt it.

HOWARD: You are a doll.

back to the posts........

I wanted to write a story about BURN OUT, but I couldn't. I'm sorry.

I got up this morning to find son has spilled milk all over the floor. I crawled around on the floor cleaning it up because the dogs can't clean up an ocean of milk witout making the mess worse. He had to eat dry cereal which he complained about for twenty minutes. Then he mentioned I needed to pull some sort of costume out of my ass. He did apologize for not telling me until this morning. Mean while I had to whip up something to eat for my twins and the little girl across the street I watch before she goes to the bus. We haven't been food shopping in almost ten days.

After my son and the little girl left. I chaced my twins around trying to put their clothes back on. It is freezing in this house and they insist on wearing nothing but red patton leather shoes and a diaper. I did that about seven times, then I had to empty the dishwasher. I did three loads of laundry and then took the dogs to the groomers.

By the time I got home it was lunch time. I gave my girls lunch which they quickly ate most of then threw the rest back on the floor. I was again crawling around on my hands and knees cleaning up food. The dogs couldn't help they were still at the groomers.

I decided to put the twins to bed. The threw out the pillows and blankets, took off their clothes and lost their binkis. I repeated going in and out of their room for over an hour until I was exhausted and decided I was too tired to give them a nap.

Later the dogs were ready, I had to take my two older children and two of their friends as well as the twins to pick the dogs up. It was dirty and slushy out so someone had to carry dogs to the car. I was carrying the twins. So I deligated the job to two kids. Everyone was willing to fight to the death to be the one to carry the dogs to the car. There were six kids and only two dogs. It got ugly when my son elbowed my daughter in chest and she told everyone he wet the bed. The groomer had to carry the dogs himself when the fighting continued in the establishment.

By the time it was time to make supper I was feeling a little dizzy. It is a blur how I made it threw since my husband had made arrangements to leave before cleanup to help someone paint the inside of their new house.

I sat down in my comfy chair after the kids fell asleep with my pad to write a burnout story and nodded off.

I'm sorry I couldn't paticipate.

Debra

Ummm CHRISTI? Don't you have some exciting news to share???

Huh? Huh? Go on! Go on! Go on!

And yes, shorty night was abandoned because of you. I hope you're satisfied now.
:-D

Sweet dreams Christi, and there's no need to slink. Straighten that back girl! You'll get humps if you walk that way.

Christi - Hi you :) Hugs back at yah.

Is it my fault that shortie night seems to have been postponed? Keeeerikey!

Americo, I don't know why I say mean things, when I know I won't be able to sleep after I've said them. I'm sorry about the hypocrite comment and the other one. (But not for what I said about Teekay.) I really was glad to see you back; you just hit a nerve. Friends?

HUGGGGGGGS to everyone! Heather, Teekay, Eddie, Rachel, Americo, Litter, Howrad, John, Richard, Ben, Rhoda, Rosemary, Hallee, AND a partridge in a pear tree! Bah dump dah!

Mary? Where are you?

Ima, We'll miss your spunk. Go towards the light!

Slinking away,

Christi

TEEKAY: I absolutely, positively agree with you...except for the part where we disagree. haha. Writing a novel is SO much easier than writing a short story. (grins) Oh yeah, ((((BG HUGS TO YOU)))) I would mirror what Heather said, but I did already in the critique section.

HEATHER: (((BIG HUGS TO YOU))) I owe you an email. This morning my brain took a while to kick in. By then I was writing. (shrinking away apologizing). Oh, and Tina said what I was going to say - you look exactly as I pictured you. Except, I pictured hair to your shoulders. But, wow, just what I imagined (and beautiful).

TINA: I should have posted this earlier. (((MAY THE MUSE BE WITH YOU))). Sorry you're down on writing. But, good for you doing housework. Head south and hang a right to get to Florida when your done with yours. Hahaha.

I have no shorty this week. Ironically, I'm burnt out.

Love to all,
Hallee

(((((((((((((hugs to Teekay))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((hugs to everyone)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Kick in the scrotum to Americo.

Ahhh, now that's therapy.
And creative too.

Thankyou Tai-bo and my anger management course.

Okay, now none of you can probably see how this is at all relevant to writing.
Well it is, I have placed some spelling errors in cirtain places.
See if you can find them.

Join us tomorrow for excercise 2.

Heather - Thanks for the hugs. Thanks from Sebastian too! It has turned into one of those days when there can't be enough hugs in the world (smiles).

Take care you,

Rachel

Come forth and at least have the courage of your convictions.

Ain't no one here, but us chickens ma'am.

da da daaaaaah
da da daaaaaaaaaah
da da daa da da daaaaa
da da daaahaaaaaaaa

da da daa!
da da da
da da daaaaaaaaah

(that was taps, by the way)

Ding dong the wicked witch is dead!

I hereby stand before you all. humble pie at the ready.

It was not so long ago that I, in all my innocence and misguided....ness. (couldn't find a word to go there) That I said that writing a short story and writing a novel were pretty much the same thing, and that I would stand by that unless I proved myself wrong.

I have done that. I am wrong. It is heaps different. Writing a novel is soooo much harder (for me at least) i just can't believe how hard.

So here I am, eating my words and my humble pie.
They're both delicious BTW. i don't know why sometimws such a fuss is made of it.

*chomp* *chomp* ~slurp~ #gulp#

HEATHER: Thankyou for yor kind words and also thankyou for the reminder. Your talk of posting things made me remember that I sent 'midworld' on Monday and you should get it next week.

Ain't no mud slinging going on here. Nope. No siree. Nuh uh.

Hi All,

HORAWD -- Way to go on the award.

FRENCH EDDIE -- I looked and now I'm scared. I'll go back and read when I conquer my fear…

Shortie -- I was going to post one but there is too much angst and upset, so it'll have to wait until next week. I have a feeling that literary effort is going to be overlooked whilst great wodges of mud are being slung. Don't feel much like hanging around until things die down a bit.

Litter

John, I don't think you're a dork!

Ben, an excellent shortie! I didn't think the subject matter was 'off' at all. Hey, that sort of thing happens in reality. Maybe not in any court bathroom I know of, but I really don't 'know' any! Mmmm. That's a GOOD place not to have personal knowledge of.

I really should pay this parking ticket that's been sitting in my purse for three weeks, or I just might gain that knowledge.

Teekay, I love ya. I think you are honest and sincere in your critiques. If you didn't say what's on your mind, the critique wouldn't be genuine, and it wouldn't help anyone.

Americo, I adore you, and I was very surprised to see you join in... the flames have already blown over.

Christi, HUGS TO YOU!
Hallee, HUGS TO YOU TOO!
Rachel, (((I'm reaching to HUG both you and Sebastian!))))
Viv! I might be able to dredge up a Canadian business letter, but I'm bad enough remembering to send out letter or BOOKS that I should have two months ago (right Tina?) and should get to both of those things in a short time. Tomorrow, actually. I have a few other parcels to mail too!
Good thing I remember to return movies and mail my bill payments on time. I am doing at least TWO things right.

Hop, yes, was what you might call an urban rebel, but I had my reasons. I wasn't a REBEL without a clue.

Hugs to everyone, and a bandaid to anyone with a bleeding heart.

Heather

Yea!!!!....ooh oooh oooh ....gonna get drunk tunight baby!! yeah!! These databastards are history!! I'm outta here!

I'm done. I'm goin' home

Laters!

Damn Tootin'! Screw the databases! Let's go get sloshed!
More sloshed!

Ah...yer drunk again

JOHN: Shouldn't you be building a data base there man? See me in my office ASAP!

So, TeeKay, uh...Does that mean I ain't a dork? I don't know what anal means and I never take myself serious...Don't have a strong arguement on the fool part though... Well...Let me know

Tony,

Avoid any agent who charges money up-front. I learned this the hard way after many people warned me. Yes, Mr. Robert Lubbers submitted my work, but half-heartedly. I could have done a much better job myself. I hate to mention this subject because I find it a bit embarrassing, but if anything I say helps you to avoid a costly mistake then it is worthwhile.

Avoid any agent who charges a reading fee. Agents should make their money selling an author's work, not feeding on the efforts of writers trying to break into the field.

There are so many desperate writers who just want their work to get noticed, and unfortunately there are too many "agents" who take advantage, so be very careful.

As to the names of these people, I cannot say, for they are legion.

As for good ones, go only with established ones who have sold real books and will list their sales. There are lists of agents in the Writer's guides and such. Not all the listed ones are good, but there is enough information to make a judgment.

If you are currently unpublished, submit the work yourself to publishing houses and get an agent after you have sold something.

Rhoda

Howdy

I'm just sittin' here at work, rebuildin' a database...hm hm hm....yep...just rebuildin' a database. I'm so bored, I cain't think a nuthin' to write about, so I just thought I'd write nuthin' so here I am writin' nuthin'.

Dang...I gotta see someone about this

Hi All,

HEATHER: I just love that 'wisdom'painting. Every time I see it I love it more.

HOWARD: HAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHHA on both counts.

YURA: HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH *GASP* HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAA

AMERICO: What can I say?? You're just one great big pompous ass! But I do get a laugh out of you, so don't stop. HAHHAHAHHAHHAHHAHA Dork. I don't know if they have Dorks in your country, well obviously they do, but I don't know if you know what it means, So-o-o-o Dialect word for the day:
DORK(m):Totally anal idiots who tend to take themselves rather too seriously and look like fools in the process.
DORKESS (f)

MARK: No, this is not a reference from Websters.

IMA: Perhaps you and AMERICO are soulmates? I wouldn't admit to it though.

CHRISTI: You go girl!!!!!

TINA (especially) and everyone else that's interested:
Have you seen these two pages? The first, probably, but the second is rather new. Both are images from space.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0011/earthlights_dmsp_big.jpg
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1137000/1137833.stm

I'mA -- R.I.P.

The last two pieces of my computer came today! yay! now I gotta put it together. The last time I had it together I forgot where I put it.

Daerest notebookers,
I and the rest of us here at the rocky rest would like to extend our heart felt thanks.

Last night when Ima didn't turn up for rest our, we held an exstensive search.

We found her here at the notebook. Autopsy reveals that she asphyxiated on a eeeerrggggggggghhhhhhhhhh. It was found lodged in the back of her throat.

On the bright side, and for those of you who enjoy happy endings, Ima would have been happy to go here. She loved you, her new found friends dearly, though she did say she found some of you to be somewhat emotional.
Do not take this as an insult. Ima loved emotional.

R.I.P. Ima, and if you do see fit to haunt anywhere, please make it here and not Rocky Rest.

AMERICO: Up yer bum!

J A C K.
Please Please archive.
Just for a laugh, I copied and pasted the notebook into word.
75000 words
We wrote a book!

This is the last time you will hear from me. I would like to be remembered for all of the good times I had here, so I will not contact any of you again. By now you will all know the reason for this last post. You will have heard it on the news.
They are outside, waiting. They shall not have me.
The phone link was set up so they could 'talk' to me, to get me to come out so they can beat on me.
They don't know about the laptop, I fooled them, I still have some go in me yet.
I think it all started the day they took my credit cards from me. That was such a blow, I still went into
the shops for a while after that, reaching for my wallet. Then it would hit me, no plastic.
You can't imagine how that feels, to be disenfranchised, ostracised. Welcome to the gutter friend.
Six months ago I was good. I was the best.
Six months ago I had a wife and a job. They looked up to me in that place, tried to be like me, earn as much as me.
It just stopped working for me, I don't know why or how but it did. Everything I touched turned sour.
The first one to go bad was the Mexico deal, those bastards! Then the East coast thing. My fault -
My stupid fault they said. They talked behind my back after she walked out on me too. They pointed at me and stared when they thought I couldn't see them. Stupid fuckers, who's fault is it now? Who's fault is it that they're lying in great big pools of their own piss and blood.
They shouldn't have treated me like that, laughing behind my back, sticking the knife in on those last couple of deals. I had the fuckers sown up. They did it on purpose, kick you when your down. Well I showed them didn't I. I should have taken the shotgun as well. I should have got them all, still five out of eight isn't bad. Ha…. old Watson shit his pants right there, right there in front of that tart Melinda. She won't be laughing anymore.
They are shouting for me to come out again, I'll have to go soon. Not out there to them, I saved one bullet for the Browning, I'll be using that one real soon now.
I was good.
Just remember that.
I was the best.
Wasn't I?

Star Wars RPG - III flame points

Writers Note Book - I flame point

XWA Legacy forums - IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII flame points


Fire reponse team, dampen the flames!

Curses! I find I must join in the fray. Apologies to all who are unfortunate enough to bear witness to it.
I wasn't going to get involved in this thing, but Americo, you've said some things I TOTALLY disagree with. Teekay critiques with her heart and soul and for her not to do this would be a travesty. Everyone has a different personality and a different style. Teekay is one of the only people here who consistantly reads most of the stories in the workbook and then comments on them or critiques them. In other words, she gives more than she takes. Personally speaking, she has ALWAYS made my stories better with her suggestions and has caught errors that surely would have embarrassed me. (Tina is also very good at this.) As far as I have seen , her critiques have always been right on target.

As for her education, character, and intelligence, they can hardly be disputed. She isn't a psuedo-intellectual like some I've known. She is the genuine article. If you have a personal problem with Teekay, I would suggest that you address it directly to her in email form. You've attacked her personally, exactly what you have just accused her of doing to Laura. I find that highly hypocritical. I wouldn't have written to you here, but felt forced to because of your post. If you have a problem with anything I've said (or if you want to give me a big apology-kiss, ha ha), please email me at the address above. I don't plan on doing any more arguing in this lovely forum.


NOW, can we get back to writing?

I apologise to everyone for getting personal. Maybe it's the full moon.

Love to all and a hopefully happy and interesting shortie night,

Christi

I'mA -- Yes, your story is very good! I did enjoy it. Also Hop, John, and Laura! And I'll try to get to the rest of them shortly!
howrad

AMERICO: I believe that no one said IMA wasn't a talented writer. Her story is actually wonderful. She's just jumping in and being flipping weird about nothing at all -- and most things posted were actually in defense; therefore, she is getting the respect that she deserves. Being a good writer doesn't excuse social ill-behavior. Though, I agree, it should end now. It is getting kind of absurd.

Hallee

Mary,
Thanks for the article, I will read it later.
If anybody else wants it just go to the end and you will find a button which will email it to you instead of cut & paste et al.

Americo - You know me well. I don't like conflict. (hugs for you).

All - Don't even one of you dare think that I am Americo. He could never make such a mess with spelling, punctuation and grammar as I do (grins).

Okay, I really, really, really am going to go eat now...

Rachel

AMERICO: Very interesting article in the New York Times today that, in my opinion, would be an appropriate subject to talk of here. The link is above if you would like to read it and comment. Same goes for anyone else of course. :-)

Rachel,

I see that we are online almost simultaneously. You are probably as horrified with what has been going on on this page as me. I feel that I must inform the crowds that your post and my post were just a coincidence.

Ima,
see the trouble you have been causing on this place? There are people with serious feelings and thoughts and reflections here from time to time. Now, don't run away in fear and just tell us who you are and what you want.

Ima, Yura, hesa, shesa, wesa, PLEASEA!!!!!!

What is with this? Not since the advent of EJ and crew have I seen so much blither blather going on. Such temper, such claims. I for one did like EJ. I however, do not like all this crap.

Ima - Whoeva you ra. If you flub it up around here, the best thing to do is admit it, accept it, don't deny it, then get over it. People around this site are pretty good sorts, they just don't go for this dump and denial bit.

Dang! I keep doing things that I say I'm not going to do. I think Mary knows what I'm talking about (grin/wink).

Now I really am going to get something to eat.

Rachel

Jack,
I've noticed that there has not been an interesting conversation on this page for ages. With its yelling, chitchatting and kicking the NB has become an unpleasant place to frequent. Is there anything you can do to reestablish etiquette and a bit of discipline?

Howard,
What do you mean by corrupting the name of Ima? Your implicit suggestion that she could be someone else but a newcomer does not contribute to a healthy relationship here. Hope you clarify your "I'mas" thing as soon as you can.

Teekay,
I had a look at the short-story critique and was appaled by what you said about a Laura's story. That's no way of helping but a rude attempt at discouraging. I'm becoming fed up with your bad education and ill manners (let alone ill feelings and bad character). Try to behave yourself, will you?

People,
The best way to react to an unfortunate beginning is to ignore it. I became curious about the Ima's affair and had a look at it. After reading the story she published in the short-story section of the workbook, I concluded that she is an interesting writer and deserves at least the respect she has been asking for.

Ima,
Don't give up at this page. Tell us more about you and try to prove that the negative reactions you've had so far from some notebookers is unjust and not very intelligent. If you are a genuine writer you'll do that quite easily, by being honest and yourself. Perhaps a word of clarification of your intentions would do the trick. I did not see anything against you or your writing, though I agree that the gang-on attitude I'm observing against you is deplorable. Above all, do not feel antagonized by the world.

Please excuse me everyone. I hate it when I faint like that. It is hereditary.

I have taken some time to read the posts and I am apalled at how you have attacked my favorite second cousin on the Nidiot side.

Heather, If you really must know what books Ima has written, go to any book store and look for the "Nidiot's Guide to ____________", and plug in just about any subject! My cousin is a genius and you should all be proud to be in her company.

Ima was kind enough to recognize me in one of her books. She dedicated her 1998, "Nidiot's Guide to Shmoozing" to me. So kind. So kind.

Hallee - You missed my Birthday! I'm September 24th. Now, there will be no more of this missing my birthday thing. Many, many people missed it this year and I felt quite pissed about it at the time (sheepish grins). Funny how hinkey a person can get when people they care about forget them.

Teekay - I would have noticed if you hadn't posted. I hope you had a nice vacation :o)

Barnabas - Do you know that in the time you have been on this site, you have used two of the names of main characters from a set of books I am reading? That is some kind of strange...

Allein - Yes, I said party! I don't need a pity party any more. I'm feeling much better (grins). That was some kind of awful flu (very sad face). I have had a few more trips to the hopsital. My doctor is very antsy about me giving birth. I do it so quickly once I start that she sends me in at the least bit of anything. I'm getting a little sick of the hospital. Each time I go in the nurses all cheer for me (they really do). I guess we are all getting to know each other. I was in there for those ten days and had lots of nice visits with the staff. They are very nice people.

Mary - For breakfast I love to have toast with marmalade and a nice cup of coffee:o) I saw some talk of X-Men. My children have decided that I am either Matilda, all grown up, or that I am Rogue from X-Men. I think the Rogue thing has more to do with the one strip of gray hair that I have in the front than anything else. I make sure to keep it covered with colour these days (grins and laughter).

Ramone - Take care you :o) It's too bad you had to bug out before I got a chance to know yah.

Christi - Yup, that is quite the picture my little guy painted eh? I keep thinking about that one. YUCK! I would not want to try to yack up a baby. Daniel, my son who came up with the throw-up- baby idea writes. I think he is leaning towards horror with that one (grins).
Yes, I will take you up on the 7-up and crackers. I am still feeling a little bit off in the tummy department.

Heather - The glue came out of his hair very nicely (grins). I get the feeling that Daniel may want to try some other hair/clothing options that might leave me feeling a little surprised. I don't plan to make much of a fuss or bother about these things. After all, it could be worse.

Richard - I like what you wrote about perfection. I may post a short that I wrote about perfection in the workbook sometime soon. I don't tend to post much of my stuff on site. It's just a thing with me.

Heather - I have a couple of pieces that I am thinking of setting into your P* (hum, that sounds a little strange...) Well, you know what I mean (grins).

All - I better get moving. My baby is kicking me silly. I think he wants that toast I mentioned.

Take care all,

Rachel

IMA!! Is that you? I have missed you so much!

Do you remember me? I am your second cousin. From Boston. Yura Nidiot of the Boston Nidiots!!

SSSSHHHHRRRRIIIIEEEEKKKK!...........................clunk.

MARY -- I once bet a girl (and not as pretty as you) a buck, that I could kiss her and she wouldn't even feel it. She took me up on the bet. Cost me five bucks before she finally caught on. Would have cost me more, but she wouldn't take an IOU...

Shortie Night, obviously!!

The theme is BURNOUT for any stragglers who don't know it. As always, the theme is purely optional. Write about whatever you want to write about.

JOHN: You get a prize for being the only person out of three who kissed me. Rrramon supplied me with my first email rejection letter and Hop publicly freaked out at the idea. (Which is a real shame because Hop is such a cool name.) Methinks I am losing my touch. I knew turning 30 would suck.

back on yer feet!

Hi all,
Now we have SKREEMEERS too. (I spelled it that way on purpose)

IMA,
Perhaps you should try that rehab place JOHN sent TEEKAY to. Do you know I had to maximize the screen then move the bottom bar sideways to read the end of your rant? Now that's a RANT.

It sounds like BURNOUT is going to be the easiest subject this notebook group has had so far.

My small writers group that meets one Wednsday afternoon a month for a couple of hours has lost its meeting place. One member requested space from a nearby church who said sure we could use the space. Then last evening they requested a 'mission statement' for their board meeting. Our group usually concentrates on short stories, grammer problems, you know, basic things. We do not collect dues or follow long involved rules. A mission statement is overkill for us. The food court in a small mall is more our speed.

I would dearly love to see a shuttle launch. I'm getting a craving for the lush greenery of that part of our great country. Really miss giant trees covered with drippy green things.

Okay, okay. I'll shut up and go away for now.
Rosemary

VIV: Ok, I tested that link and it worked for me. That doesn't mean it will work for you, but at least you know it is worth a shot now. Goof luck.

VIV: I have no idea if this link will work or not, but there is an article on THEMESTREAM about teaching english in japan and I thought you might enjoy reading it. I haven't read it yet myself, so I can't vouch for it, but the title made me think of you. If this link doesn't work, I can email you one.

HEATHER: Visiflex seels has thousands of models available to fit all the different keyboards out there. They don't really look like keyboard condoms because they are molded with impressions for each key and one size does not fit all. ;-)
Since I found out about them, I have seriously considered ordering one for my home keyboard because I am constantly dripping coffee or the kids pour kool-aid down into it. Hubby dumped a whole spoonful of chili on it once. Crumbs and things don't end up on my shirt because there is nothing there to land on...lol. Straight into the keys in this house. (o)(o)

JERRY: I am a touch typist, but I still have to look at the numbers if I need to hit those in. Or special characters. If someone like my husband needed to use a keyboard and couldn't see they keys.....oiy!

Forgot the 'http' part! This one should work.

Howard, just to calm your wildly imaginative thoughts, 'other things' would be science toys for kids, binoculars, science books, and funky nature stuff. It's the telescope part that I love, not the 'other stuff'! The link above takes you the store where I work.

Heather, I checked out your link and you are absolutely as wonderful an artist as I expected! And you're the first NB'er who looks something like I expected, too. :-) I love the 'Angel's Wake'.

Hallee, I just recently heard that there's a space camp for adults, too. Oh so tempting! When I was little I wanted to go to space camp, but there was no way that my family could afford it. NOW, you never know!
That teacher would get my vote!

Going now,
T.J.

I'm A -- sounds like a classic case of the old "kink in the Depends(tm)" syndrome. Don't worry, you'll get past it. Maybe you just need a dry pair...

I just got my copy of "Writing Down the Bones." Looks good! But I had no idea it was a "Pocket Classic." Neat!

JOHN -- Interesting chat! Small world, too!

TINA -- (can't resist this one) You sell telescopes for a living and other things? :-)

back on yer heads

Mary! I just found out the topic for Thursday night is burnout! Oh fantastic! That's exactly what I need to describe this cybercafe. Oh fun. Gotta' go! You're a genius! Somehow these topics don't get in the way of what I want to say. Thanks. Hope this works! See you all when I get done.

Ima seems a bit upset.

HOP: The "Lah" would certainly be useful quieting a three year old in church. You wouldn't have to do one of those harsh whispers, you could just speak quietly. "Sit still or I'll take you outside and spank you, lah!"

TINA: My mother in law is a teacher for gifted students at an elementary school here. She wanted to take the kids to Space Camp this year, but couldn't get the principal to agree to the cost. So, she tried to take them to NASA for the day, and the principal wouldn't allow it because of the liabilities of a day trip or something like that. So, she contacted NASA, and discovered that they have a free program for schools in Florida where they actually bring space camp to the kids. Astronauts, modules, movies, this huge truckload came to the school and spent the day. PBS caught word and did a huge special on it, and now she is up for teacher of the year. Tuesday was her interview with the school district, and it's between her and four others. If she gets this, she goes on to the state competition.

In April, I'm going to a conference down at the space coast, and part of the conference package is a tour of NASA headquarters. I'm looking forward to it.

I don't even know why I just wrote all that. Could be the coffee hasn't kicked in yet.

Burn out, huh? That one should be easy.

Hallee

He sat on the edge of the toliet seat, like a broken question mark, his arm tucked tight in between his knees. Picking the syringe off the back of the toliet, he began tapping it with his finger to coerce the small air bubbles up as he pushed the plunger in--slowly, slowly, he told himself--watching the tip moisten with the life of it. He slapped his arm, looking for the vein, and caught his reflection in the mirror through the crack in the door. He told himself not to look. He heard the door open--felt the air move around him--and looked through the crack, suddenly afraid of discovery. He couldn't see who it was, but him just being there was almost more than he could stand. He held his breath, thinking his heart beating as loud as it was would be a dead give away. He heard the urinal flush, heard the taps running and the paper being torn. And then the man was gone. He could hear voices outside when the door opened, and told himself he was running out of time. He needed this, and it was now or never.

He sat back against the toilet, letting the liquid run through his brain, feeling the fire burn up his spine and through his body, and then the familiar feeling of safety--the knowing he'd be able to go on for a couple more hours--and then the door opened again.

"Dan? You still in here? C'mon, the jury's coming' back in. They're waiting for you."

"How do they look?"

"I think we might beat it. We'll be celebrating tonight."

I know. It's morbid and disgusting, and I apologize for my insensitivity, but hey, it's just a story.

Dialect tip.
No no no....Lah is a scouse word, 'onest!
Like in 'wassup lah' or 'A lah'
It is actually a distortion of Lad.
Heard in every school yard in liverpool and outside every pup, the most used form is:
'Or'ight lah, ow are yeh. Ow's our kid doin''
See.....Scouse!

HOW DARE YOU!!!! NEVER IN ALL MY BORN DAYGHHHHHHHHHHH AGHH AH AH.GHHHHHHHHHH..AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH GHU.GHU........AGHA AGHAAAAAAAAAAA ERKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.............................................ERKKKKKKKKK.ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH..ERGHHHHHHH............................................................................clunk!

One of my most treasured videos is one of Discovery launching from the cape.
The day before the launch I was on the observation platform with my camcorder and got some great shots of 39b. I drove back alone the day after to get the launch. It was a very, very special day. On the way back to Kissimee I had the camera on the dash filming most of the journey along the Beeline expressway. I had the radio on very loud. What a fantastic video. I watch it when I get a bit fed up.
Jack, you are so right, there is no way that you can feel that popping, growling vibration on the tv. It is an AWESOME experience.
Later,
Ed

Podunk
After a village of that name in Massachuettes or Connectticut (hope I spelled those right).
Probably of American Indian original (or should that be the People, to be politically
correct?).

Colloquial meaining
Any hypothetical or actual small town in the US, regarded as typically dull and insiginificant.

Ah ha! Dialect word!
From Webster's New World dictionary

Dialect tip of the hour

Lah (lah)

Definition- Found in many dialects of Chinese and other Asian lanaguages "lah" is best described as a verbal exclaimation mark.

For example: "How could you do that lah!"
"Don't be like that lah!"

Before I start...
I'm happy that the arguement between Ima and some of you has stopped because I was going to
post a message saying not to argue.

Since there already is a Word Tip of the day it may seem a little bit silly to post a Vocab tip but so far, I only post words that have been used in the notebook and not random words i picked from the dictionary, so I will not overlap the person doing the Word tip of the day.

Ramon
Good bye ( if what you say is true). No ones really goes away.

Mary
Frosties are my favourite cereal (I like the sugar). But I don't take them regularly for breakfast.
Breakfast usually consists of a slice of bread with butter and jam.

I haven't seen X-men the movie but I did read the comics from the 80's (passed on to me from my cousin). Psionics there however don't really follow stated "rules," you're right in saying the ideas there can be developed since most are under-developed.
I got my inspiration from Japanese magna and Chinese legends. I noticed however that none of
them were novels or dealing with a world where Psionics were the main characters. Generally,
the Psionics were minor characters helping the heroes even though some heroes had what some
would call Psionic powers.

Burnout would be perfect for writing a side-story to my Psionic novel, I'll think about it...

By the way, that's an "a" (Barnabas) not a "u." Call me, Hop, it's so much easier.

As for kissing....(worried nervous look).

No one ever said going into business was easy...

Teekay
Well, I'm across the Tasman Sea. Chances are you'll be awake around the same time I am.

Howard
I've heard the brown pants story many many times (too many times to laugh in fact). This is a statement not an opinion or insult.

Ima
You sound terribly grouchy at times. Would you be a stereotypical American grandmother???

Heather
A tattooist and once a blue haired teenager. Hmmm... sounds like an Urban rebel to me.... :-)

Viv
Have you thought of surfing the net?
I have a letter from a security company here (I'm not to sure if it qualifies as "business"). I could scan it and send it you. I must warn you though the only thing in the heading is a date, my address and that's about it really.

yippee, I get to type again...

Heather

Tina, I'm excited about the Canada arm too! I paint space scapes quite often. Take a look at my kitchen cupboards in my old house at the link above (it's down the page a bit). Most of it I painted with my fingertips instead of brushes. Thought it would be fun to touch the planets.

Teekay, I'm sorry if I have made you uncomfortable with the squirmish I've helped escalate. And to anyone else adversly affected, I apologize.
However, I do have one or two more things...

IMA: I should not get sucked into your void, but there are a few places where you left yourself wide open and gave your real nature away. You are in DENIAL that you started the whole pointless squabble in the first place. You claim that you didn't DO anything and were suddenly attacked?
Don't swirl your straw in honey and then try to poke us in the eyes! You may try to talk sweet, but I know the intentions those words carry. You may wish we hadn't blown the horn on you, but it's way too late, and we're not amused.

To top it off, you tout your 'published' books in so condescending a manner, I see that it is YOU WHO DOES NOT SEE. Did you know that horses can find their own way to the water, and will drink of their own free will? All these 'years' you've just been drowning the colts.

Oh, and a not-so-minor note, if your books were actually published, why would you put the word 'published' in single quotes? It appears to me that your book(s) have likely never made it into the mail, let alone wiped the sweat from an editor's desktop.
If you do have published work in print, let us know the titles. Your use of the quotations may be a mistake, and if that is the case, turning down the brightness of the computer screen often helps when reviewing your post. At least, I review my posts (that way).

And now for something completely different,

I will stop typin...

Heather

Jack, et tu? Yay! I'll be holding my breath, too. Should see me when they're working on the Hubble! I almost go blue...

Seeing a shuttle launch is way up on my list of must do's. Must Must Must! And touring the Space Centre, and seeing the VLA, and seeing Aericebo (sp?), and seeing the CSA... so much space stuff, so little time!

Going away for real now.
T.J.

One of my biggest annoyances about going to Florida and then coming home to discover that I had been laid off, was that I elected to go there with the least amount of time necessary and thereby missed being able to see the shuttle go up live. The pictures and video I saw, I was informed, do not do it justice, especially a night launch. And, yes, I am very very very space crazy as well. I am on tenderhooks about them fitting the science module to the rest of the space station given that the clearances are like 2.5 centimeters. In a word, not a lot. Lets all cross our fingers and hope that the astronaut who is going to be doing this pulls it off correctly. She indicates that she has had nightmares about this little task, but I suspect she is well trained and ready for it.

Me again.

Hop, I just visited the workbook, left a brief note on your story 'The Fisherman'. It's not a crit, cause I don't like to leave a crit until I've had time to think, but I wanted you to know that I'd read it.

I know that it can be frustrating to post something and then have to wait and see if anyone has even read it yet. That can be a looonnng wait, wondering if anyone has even opened the novel workbook lately, let alone scanned down and read anything..... let alone said 'I was interested enough to read your work'.

Time to go.
T.J.

Hello everyone; Elders, Newbies, and Imposters!

Yay! Eddie, are you space crazy too? I read your post and got so excited! Most people I know don't have any idea what's going on up there, or why Destiny is so imortant! I didn't watch the launch, but I follow the daily posts and info on nasa.com. It's so exciting to see the ISS (apparently now to be called Space Station Alpha, cause that's what the resident crew is calling it) getting more components and pieces. I think the new Canada Arm goes up in the next couple of flights. I'll be anxious for that one! All during the next ten days while they're up there, their orbit will go right over my piece of the world. I am so hoping for clear skies! I'll be out there shuttle spotting!

As it happens, I sell telescopes for a living (and some other stuff), so I have daily encouragement for my interest. I love it when customers ask questions about space because I'd happily spend all day talking about astronomy and space. :-)

Finally got a copy of 'Writing Down the Bones' by N. Goldberg. I devoured over half of it in one sitting, and I'm thoroughly impressed. I will have to read and re-read this one! I can feel my muse rubbing her hands together in glee...

TTFN
T.J.

Oh. my goodness me. Look what I've gone and done. I did not mean to upset anybody. I was just sitting here minding my own business when I fear I was attacked from all directions.
Now I'm terribly sorry if I caused any grief or pain, but what am I to do? Sit here and let certain people run me up down and sideways. There was a time when that probably would have happened, but thank goodness for the suffrogettes I can now stand up and defend myself from those who would malign me.

As for respecting age.
I, being the author of 20 'published ' books, obviously have a far more indepth knowledge of writing and what it entails.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.
There are none so blind as those who will not see.
Pick you adage.

Dear Hallee, please accept my apology.

Dear Heather, I have apologized to Halle as per your request.

I'm so glad I found this site. This is a far better recreation than spending the evening playing canasta with the old folk here.

It takes all kinds. That's one of my favorite adages.

HALLEE: 'sokay...just sharin' some thoughts....I gets so few, I gotta write 'em down.

TEEKAY: There's rehab for that ya know

I'm posting my shortie early cuz I gotta work late tomorrow...For me, Thursday is two hours away yet... My apologies.


The alarm clock blasts. Oh, I hate that sound. It’s not even a sound. More like a large annoying duck. Yak-Yak-Yak-Yak-Yak I swing my arm over my sleeping body and slam the snooze button. Oh, I can’t believe it’s morning already. Well, I can lay here for nine minutes and listen to that stupid clock again or I can get up and go through the same routine as yesterday. What a choice. Maybe I can just close my eyes for a minute... Yak-Yak-Yak-Yak-Yak... Slam! Alright, get up. Coffee. I need coffee. I’m not going to make coffee. I’ll buy coffee on the way. A shower should wake me up.

As the steaming water drills into my head, the plans for the day unfold in sync with the rate that the hot water makes it’s way through my hair and down my back. I just stand there. Waiting for a trouble-ridding water massage to take it all away. The upcoming day is becoming clearer by the moment...And water isn’t going to make it go away. The bathroom light burns out. Yep, that just about sums it up. I’ll be back here tomorrow, same time, same place.

Why bore you with the details?

CHRISTSICHRSITI WHERE ARE YOU???ITS THURSDAY SHORTY DAY AND YOUR SHORTY MOTHERS BURDEN HAS MADE IT TO THE BLACK AND WHITE WWHHHHHOOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

I CNA'T BELIEVE HOW LONG IT TOOK TO TURN THIS BVLOODY COMPUTER ON. I'M SHAKING SOOOOOO MUCH I'M SOOOO EXCITED.

JOHN: I apologize. I'm done with it.

MARY: My older brother lives in NYC - he doesn't have his own computer, and goes to cyber cafes to do his daily email. It's pretty affordable there, and he loves the "socialness" of it. But, a friend of mine went on vacation and had total internet withdrawls - so she went to a cyber cafe, where the charge was something like $1 per minute. I felt really bad, because I sent her a cyber card for her birthday and it was one of those really long stories. I think it cost her $3 to get her birthday card.

HOWARD: How hillarious. Somewhere, I've heard that before.

HEATHER: Thank you...((((Big HUGS))))

VIV: I'd help, but all the business letters I do are American - that is something I didn't know - the different punctuation in different countries.

Okay - birthdays - I have: Mark, Jerry, Eddie, Heather, Teekay, Jack, Christi, and Mary. Did I miss anyone who posted theirs?

Have a happy Wednesday all.

Hallee

I'm in the chat room now -- 8:35 PM EST.

I was married to a woman who found it quite the sport to inject controversial banter into public conversations. Her motive was to get everyone's voices raised while she stepped back to watch. As her husband, I was humiliated at the obvious ploy. Most other's didn't catch on. They simply were baited into voicing their opinions which conflicted with others who felt they must voice theirs. While this back and forth argument is interesting to read, I can't help but step back to a time, that is a chapter that brings out nothing but dark memories.

Sorry...I had to say that.

Why does "I'm A" bring to mind the story about the guy (we'll call him George) who went to a party?

Actually it was a reception for one of the local college alumni who had been successful at one thing or another, and there was a cross section of the town's (and college's) VIP's in attendance.

George had no companion at this party, and was content to just mingle with the luminaries, making small talk. He met an attractive young woman near the punch bowl, who introduced herself as a graduate student at the college.

They chatted a bit about the weather and such, and she suddenly took a step back away from him and very loudly exclaimed "YOUR APARTMENT!?!? WHAT KIND OF GIRL DO YOU THINK I AM?"

Everyone turned to stare, and poor George was so bewildered by her outburst that he didn't even attempt to rebut her accusations, but shamefacedly sneaked off to a corner to finish his punch, intending to leave as soon as people stopped staring at him.

The hubbub died down, and the drone of the party soon resumed, and George turned to go. There was the young woman again, smiling as if nothing had happened. "I'm sorry for your embarrassment," she said, "but I'm writing a paper on crowd reaction to unfamiliar situations, and I needed to see how people would react to something like that. Can you forgive me?"

George looked at her, stopped his forced smile, and yelled "A HUNDRED BUCKS? A HUNDRED BUCKS?! YOU'VE GOTTA BE OUTTA YOUR MIND!"

TEEKAY!!!! Puleeeeeeeze come back.

Hi Mary - I like your idea of a cyber cafe. I thought they were only located in places where phone calls were too expensive and you had to get ahold of people on a daily basis for business or family matters. I didn't realize that folks were making them into fern bar psuedo-intellectual hangouts.
That's sad about what happened to the bookstore. A really nice bookstore turning into a den of snobs (and thieves it sounds from those prices) is really painful.
It'd be great if you turned your cybercafe into....hey, wait a minute. I think this would make a great theme for our shortie Thursday. Let's come up with a perfect cyber cafe for Mary. If we come up with one that turns a profit can we buy into it! It'd make a great meeting place for all of us. This could be the start of an "Alice's Restaurant." (For those who are old enough to hum that song, start humming.) For those who don't know the reference: I am sorry I don't know the singer. It's a sixties song. The main idea goes, "You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant. Step right in.... and whatever" I was also too young to really understand it, but it has a catchy tune. I'd love to hear it again.
We could use that as description of a place and an event that might happen there. Anyway,knowing the writers here, it'd be worth the trip and someone might be able to put together just the thing to make a business really rock.
Heather: Thanks for the painting tips! I took my daughter to the paint store to get the gold and silver paint and she said, "No, wait. Don't buy it! I want to change my mind!"
I asked her why?????? (With that "all the trouble you put me through to come up with the how to do this" whine in my voice.) She said, "I'm having such fun deciding about how I want my room to look I want to do it again!" I realized at that point she was just enjoying the creative exercise,and we'd had a lot of fun figuring it out. It gave us something interesting to talk about and do...so we got a cup of coffee and then headed home again. She's designed three other decorating ideas, and now she says she wants to tie dye the entire room. Lately we decided sheets that fold down from the ceiling might be the answer. She could choose her room to match her mood of the day. It's the more mature version of LEGO. She's fun! I'm glad I have her. Well back to work. I need to come up with some creative ideas for teaching business letter writing.

ONE THING I DO NEED! I need a business letter from ENGLAND and another from AUSTRALIA and ANOTHER from Canada. This is because in America a great deal of punctuation is used in the letter heading whereas in England there is very little if any punctuation. I want to see the other letters from other countries to see if Canada and Australia follow the British rules or have developed their own method.
I want the students to know there are many ways, not just the "American way" and I don't want them leaving my classroom ignorant. Unfortunately, my book was written in America and I am American. I haven't any examples from England or other countries to show them. They need something they can hold and look at. So, if you have some old junk mail, please send it to:
E-Sensei/ 17th ASG CM Box 3443/ APO AP 96338-5013. I have a friend who will bring it to me. Thanks!

Well, this is just great. I take a week off to write a story, and I come back to find everyone up in arms, imposters too? But a discussion about religion? Love it. I had two J.W.'s at the door yesterday and talked their ears off. My brother's a born again, and I said the same thing to him that I did to these J.W.'s: there are two truths. The real truth, and the Gospel Truth. Ima seems to be a bit fiesty, but I think she'd sitting on a bit of a high horse--way too high. Excuse me for saying this woman, but if a person has an opinion, or something to say, why are they wrong, or snitty, just because you don't agree? And don't tell me to mind my own business, because this is as much my business as it is anyone's. Respecting your elders? I've been here just as long as anyone, and if I left for a while it was because of personal reasons--when my dad died I didn't feel up to being here--but reading what you have to say, well, I can see I didn't miss much, did I? If you want to fight and argue, fine, but don't look for respect just because you happen to be older than Methusala? If you say the things you say, make sure you read them before you post them--and just to show you what I mean I'm not reading this before I post it. So all I have to say to you IMA--by the way, what's that short for? I'M A...what?--is settle down, chill out as my kids say to me, and don't look for offence when none is intended. Personal views are just that.

As for the shortie, sorry I missed last week's. But I don't think I'll have any trouble writing about burn out. Like everyone else here, it seems we've all had our share of the wild life, doesn't it?

Now, having vented, Ima outta here!
Ben

Well, Atlantis made orbit ok with the new lab for the ISS.
I watched it live just now at space.com, the streaming video was excellent.
I don't know why I watch it live. Since Challenger I am really on edge at the launch. Anyway thank God everything went well.
Later,
Ed

Does anyone out there have any knowledge or gossip concerning literary agents...such as, which ones to avoid or which ones are really good????

Mary, sounds great, I was just wondering. Why would anyone need to see the keys? Most of us now type by feel, or am I again assuming things that are not exactly true?

I don't think I will get involved in the Ima thing, but keep going, it is very entertaining.

Jerry

Ima, I'm afraid (for you) that you have insulted a good friend of mine. You must retract your ill-written and ill-researched statements to Hallee immediately. Many people are wise, and know many, many things, and age makes NO difference. You should know that and stop pulling your NON-EXISTANT RANK. You are a newbie here, and I am hereby requesting that you respect your notebook ELDERS. Being old doesn't mean you're wise. In fact, I think you have proven that you aren't. Before you take your foot and place it in your mouth, an apology is required.
Oh, and please stop claiming authorship of things that you haven't written. It's ridiculous.
If you wear glasses, you might want to get the prescription checked before you read another word here, let alone write any. You must have misread every post here that you have responded to. Else how could you make such grossly distorted assumptions?

Heather

IMA: Okay..this is the way it is. YOU use Satan in a story; YOU come back to Heather and say something about Satan being a spirit and not physical form; and now YOU rebut the entire text in which Satan exists. I never suggested that he is made of flesh. I was merely correcting your inaccurate statement about whether or not Satan was a physical form. Flesh and blood never entered my post. Whatever that blibber blabber about ashes to ashes and dust to dust and the lord's (notice correct punctuation - and if you were referring to God, you should also capitalize the "l") handmaidens means, you make no sense at all. And whether or not my belief in the written Word of the Bible is strong, I'm not the one who incorporated any part of it into a story that I'm struggling and grasping to include in an anthology that it does not belong.

Here is the first paragraph of the intro to the Round Robin **P** as written by Heather: Across time, throughout all cultures, on every continent and isle, and over lake and sea, there are whispers that speak to us of the afterlife. Legends are made of these whisperings; of spirits still inhabiting familiar ground, caught between one world and the next. Whispers, and perhaps a glimpse of what lies just beyond our grasp, are the makings of a story that will not die.

Pray tell me where you don't see this as a collection of ghost stories.

And, as for the brag about writing 25 books in your oh so long lifetime, lady, I've written 10 in two years. You want to fight for bragging rights? Bring it on. Give me another 8 years and I'll quadruple your output. So the hell what? There are many people in this forum that could outwrite me in quality any day. Quantity only amounts to a fraction of worth.

I'm sad for you if this is what you have to do to amuse yourself.

I refuse to believe that this ongoing conversation is for real!
Ima, are you for real?
Is the real Teekay here?
Am I really saying all this?
Oooooh, my head hurts.

HOWARD: That is wonderful news. Simply wonderful. It's just amazing that this has happened, you can't believe the delighted joy it has brought me. I'm over the moon, I'ma,... I'ma,.... Ima.... speecless!
Thankyou so much for sharing.

HEATHER: Maybe it's not even lamb. Maybe it's cooked up Christmas Beetles. Sounds like a horrible place. Too uncomfortable.

TINA: If you're ever confused, NEVER admit it. Just amble endlessly on like you know exactly what's going on. Nobody will guess any different. I do it all the time, and I'm pretty sure no one's guessed a thing.
I've just read Horwads post. Ignore it. I'm all for denial myself.

MARY: sounds good.

HOWARD: HAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHA

JERRY: Yeah, and what about the spilled coffee? You'd want to have heaps of insurance.

CHRISTI: HAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHA to you too.

HEATHER: That sounds great.

IMA: Well I don't care what anybody says, I still like you. You're a strong woman who knows her own minds and is not afraid to speak them. Why don't you do the quiz HALLEE posted a link to and see what it says about you?

Do you guys have free internet access at your libraries?
Australia, leading the world in long distance communications. Coz we have no bloody choice.

Oh yes, and before you throw that one back in my poor old wrinkled face. I meant revelations.
Only when I first made up that word, people couldn't pronounce it properly and kept saying revelations.

*sniff* I can't believe that you would throw my alzheimers right in my face like that. Shame! Shame on you, whatever your name is.
And personally. I think you planted that post there just to frame me Miss.......Miss.

My dear Mark,
I'll have you know I made those words up myself. Is it my fault the dictionary company found them so appropriate that they coveted them for themselves. And not a penny did I see, not a penny. I should have copyroted them.

I don't think it was websters who stole them though dear. It was some cheap tacky dictionary company who were selling their dictionaries for $5:00.

That is why my dear boy you can not accuse me of falling back on the dictionary. Why, they didn't even have dictionaries when I was born. We had to make up most of our words ourself. And did.

Oh yes, and Miss Hallee dear, you can knock that smart mouth tone off with me. I haven't lived on this earth for all this time to take lip from a sassy little miss as yourself.
Now my dear, it is obvious that your belief in the written word of the bible is strong, but please, do not bring it down to your mortal realm, for when it comes to relevations, my dear it is more than your mortal, human mind can possibly understand.
Humans are flesh and blood. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust as my dear departed Walter could tell you were he here today. None of the lords handmaidens were ever of our kind.
It is beyond most human capabilities to recognize this. I guess they who wrote within the bible could only use terms and descriptions of which they had an understanding.

You are young yet dear. You will learn and grow with the years.

This old heart holds no wrath toward you for your disrespect and you ignorance. Only sorrow and the hope that one day you shall rise above it.

Richard, 'The Club' would be the one reserved for notebookers who've managed to mess up an HTML tag and throw the book for a loop. Myself, Hallee, and Allein all belong (italics, bold, and underlining, respectfully (I think)) and probably a bunch of others! :-)

Totally brain-dead about writing these days. Sucks big time. I AM getting a lot of neglected house work done though....

Still confused...
T.J.

Mary, I think your idea is stellar, and if there is a University in town, you'd make a bigger profit. Not everyone in University has their own PC, and if they have one to share, a roommate could be a net hog. Plus students (here, anyway) often have more money these days than they did ten years ago. Probably just the student credit cards the banks seem to give out as complimentary mints. You're a student? Here! Feel free to get into twice as much debt! The E-Cafe (Bookshelf) is indeed full of students. I don't know what they charge per minute or hour, or how they calculate the charges. The card swiping idea should work, but it would be expensive. Perhaps you could just use menu cards and stamp the start and stop time on them until you decide if the electronic card would be worth it.

You would probably end up working at your cafe much more than any other staff to cut down on costs.
But you could surf as long as you wanted...

Reubens all around at Mary's! (I'd charge half price for refills if the coffee is primo, otherwise you'll lose money on coffee - have you seen how much coffee a single person can slam back during one hour on the net?)

I should think a music and book store adjacent to the e-cafe would boost business tremendously, but you wouldn't want to have to open them yourself.

My best friend and I have made plans to open our own store in about 5 or so years, with me being less involved than she. She's a top-of-the-line hair stylist, and an artist as well. Our store idea is to combine all sorts of things:
We will sell my framed b+w prints, and other artwork, Tanya's band's CD's, hairdressing, tattoos, and another friend is a body piercer (though I stay strictly with tattoos - piercing makes me shudder, even just ears)
We will also bake our own muffins and cookies, etc., and serve coffees and espressos etc. I have taken a bit of massage therapy, but I think the place will be diversified enough already. We may have a few clothing items for sale, but I don't know. I also make specialty paper star lamps (about 2 feet wide), which are a hot item around town since the late 90's. My best friend also paints, so there are endless possibilities to this store. I would only have a few appointments for tattoos per day at most, not because of the quality, but because my friend Laurie is a fellow tattooist and she is terribly swamped. I don't want to get into 10 appointments per day, six days a week with no vacations. My neck and hand hurt just thinking about crouching over people, tattooing all day. I used to get worn out after one tattoo, and was starting to get a weird kind of hand cramping from the weight of the tat gun.
But every year lighter equipment comes onto the market.

Yes, you may wonder if I'll be writing at this point, and the answer is OF COURSE.
I might even fix up a little office at the back of the store so I can write in between appointments. I like that kind of scheduling, and find my most productive time to write is when I've finished a physical task, and have two hours or so before another task. If I don't have a follow-up task I tend to end up in daydream - but not on paper.

So there are some of my plans for (one aspect of) the future. You should see the addition for the house I've designed, and the mental picture of my husband at 40+! (sexy)

Heather


Heather

Hi all,

Americo,
Your information was excellent. Thank you so much. I copied it and sent it to My friend. Also, why would anyone who could get Random House to publish their work really go to the internet?

Mary,
An internet Caffe sounds wonderful. Here in San Antonio, we are always the last to move into the real world. If there are more than two of those places here, I would be very surprised. Things cost a lot less (Well, some less) down here so come on down. I'll go into it with you. The class in computer maintenance is teaching me to build a computer so I should be able to Provide them at a fairly low cost.---sure I will---.

We're up to our eyebrows in Tourists here, and the downtown area has tons of closed up stores. Right next to the Alamo. Davy Crocket might drop in. I'm getting carried away again.

Going to try to work on the burnout shorty. Should be able to get something going, it's the story of the last 7 years of my life.

Rosemary

Opps. HTML tag typo. Ouch.

Er, thanks Mark, but I have been here for a little while now. Or am I still the newbie even after Christmas? :(

Realistically in our area, I would probably have about 10-15 PC's, but I doubt there would be more than an average of five people per hour using them if I sum up the dead hours with the busy hours. If I could keep five people per hour spending $12 per hour, my profit would actually be about $1300 if my overhead cost guesses are close. More if the food is good and it also depends on whether the business is independent or attached to something else. I would think it would have to be attached to either a music, book, or news store for the increased traffic. That would be ideal. Well, that was fun to figure out, but I don't have the drive it would take to launch it. Good luck to your daughter, Jerry.

CHRISTI: If you ever actually did come to my internet cafe, I wouldn't charge you anyway. But I see your point and I considered that when I set the price. I took what I pay for internet service per month and divided it by how many hours in a week I use it to kind of figure out how much I pay per minute to use my home computer. Then I doubled that price. Which gave me 25 cents a minute and that sounded like too much so I knocked it down to 20. The cost per minute also reflects upkeep on the systems.

However, that 20 cents a minute comes up to $12 per hour which does seem exceptionally high. On deeper contemplation of this whole venture, it seems that the PCs are just the draw and the actual profit would be made off of the food. 15 cents@ minute gives $9 per hour. What do you think of that? Still too much? 10 cents gives $6 per hour. That is sounding more like it.

So a typical visit for a customer would be as such if they stayed an hour:

$6.00 for 1 hour of computer time
$1.00 for a decaf...free refills
$4.99 for a reuben platter
30 cents for the ten pages they printed out


Round that all off to $12 for an hour at the cafe. Hmmm. I wonder. That would have to be one hell of a reuben.

If you figure that same amount for (let's just say 5 PCs for math's sake) at 8 hours per day. That is about $480 of business in a day($11,520 per month). Overhead, business loans, internet charges, employees, utilities, maintenance....in the beginning I would probably profit about $5.00 per month. Crap. Back to the old drawing board.

Rosemary,

PublishAmerica was founded by the boards of Netcrafters, Inc and America House, LLC. Netcrafters is one of the oldest Internet service providers in Maryland, and America House is part of a conglomerate of publishing companies with a presence both in the U.S. and Europe (Holland and Spain).

It is, as you defined correctly, a "hybrid POD", which means that the success of their publications is dependent on direct demand rather than on solid distribution and storage. Traditional publishers are not very different, except that they rely on established markets (bookshops, libraries and bookfairs-- those on the business know that readers are just an appendice to that), while PublishAmerica expects the authors to do their home work. Only after selling about 1000 copies of a title, do they invest on advertising it-- an intelligent attitude, as only after that will they have the money to invest without putting in danger the financial base of their company. However, they promote the book locally, in their site, entirely free of charge.

In other words, PublishAmerica relies on the Internet rather than on the old means of information. In this sense they are more advanced than any traditional publisher, but, the Internet being what it is, I would rather publish in Random House or Simon and Schuster, if I had a choice, in America, between the traditional and the new.

The success of your friend’s book will depend on his/her capacity for promotion. It would not be very different if she should publish in a traditional publisher, except that he/she would initially sell 3000 copies without difficulty, and have the illusion of being a "successful" writer… With similar effort, investment and will, a book published by PublishAmerica could sell 3 million copies in the twinkling of an eye if the Internet was what it should be -- I won’t give any comment about what the Internet IS.

There is a rumour that some titles published by PublishAmerica have already been bought for movie adaptation. Others are being translated in other languages. As I said, a lot depends on the initiative of the author -- and on the quality of the book, of course

PS. I am not prepared to discuss this subject here any further. There is an aura of publicity about it that does not interest me. Sorry.

Well that's it. I'm throwing away my detective hat. No more guesses! *mumble mumble*

Mark, I don't know whether I should come to the next family reunion or start throwing my money into Swiss bank accounts. Oh wait, I don't have any money.
PS Nice bullets! (heh heh)

Mary, I want to come to your cafe, I really do, but twenty cents a minute is more than a long distance call! Can we renegotiate?

Howard, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh my gosh, I need my yellow skirt!

Jack, Thank you so much; I can use all the luck I can get. Bravely we go.

Happy Windsday, all. It's a rather blustery day outside.

Christi

Do the Visiflex people make similar shields for dashboards?

Do you have one of those vinyl cover numbers, Mary? I should think they'd have to offer quite a few different molds to fit different keyboards. I just turn my keyboard upside down and shake it before I vacuum the carpet, and any crumbs will fall out then. Then I take a slightly damp cloth with a touch of windex in it and rub the keys. Do the visiflex thingies go in the dishwasher? Have you used one? Is it like a condom for keyboards?
Will the company reps come over and take dental molds of my kids' teeth to make covers for them too? They hate brushing and I've nearly exhausted my repertoire of induction methods. Showing them slides of tooth decay and gum disease from my nursing manual is next!

I wonder if a vinyl cover is available for my shirt? I find most of the crumbs fall there instead.
Umm, I guess a bib would be cheaper...
Heather

Teekay:

Could you email me when you get a minute?

Thanks,

Debra

JERRY: The solution to the crumb problem: Visiflex Seels. 11.95@~~a waterproof, anti-static vinyl keyboard cover that fits like a glove and protects 24 hours a day without hindering use in any way. Its non-glare finish ensures visibility of all keyboard buttons and you dont even know it's there.

bosky (bos' ke) adj. overgrown with bushes; shady.

Trite language:

Trite words, phrases and ideas are ones used so often that they have become stale.

It may interest you to know that all folks here are hale and hearty. I should finish my report quick as a wink.

BETTER: Everyone here is well, I should finish my report this week.

Trite language shows that little thought has gone into the writing and that the writer is relying instead on the words of others.

IMA: I merely responded to your obvious misinformation, dear. Following is your post that I responded to, in case someone who is as old as you are maybe can't remember all the way back to Monday:


Ima Mon Feb 5 13:59:18 PST 2001
Heather dear I am sorely disappointed that you feel my little offering is unsuitable for phantasium. You based your rejections on the fact that satan was a physical being, though he isn't at all my dear. Satan only lives in the hearts and minds of men (being the human race).
If seen at all it is only with the minds eye and not the physical one.
I have not lived so many years on this earth to not know this.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hallee halleec@aol.com Mon Feb 5 15:21:44 PST 2001
IMA: Actually, to some, Satan is physical, as he was part of the hosts of angels that were sent from heaven. There are numerous examples in the Bible of angels being in physical form, and even a passage about taking care who you turn away because it might be an angel. That would leave you to believe that angels walk among us. And since one-third of the heavenly hosts were thrown out of Heaven, you must also assume that thousands (or tens of thousands or whatever) of Satan's angels also walk the earth.



And, IMA, I still think **P** is intended to be GHOST stories. Your story, as good as it is, isn't a GHOST story, it's HORROR. They may intwine in certain instances, but not this one.


TINA: Me, too.

Hallee

JERRY: That would be Bug #432. How to keep crumbs out of the keyboards.

So much to read, so little time, what with all this new found speed, I am as busy as a one armed paper hanger with the crabs. Howard, I am jelous, I can't afford all those high priced parts, I have to settle with what I can find on Ebay, so my systems all have AMD k6 2 Processors, but with the current price of RAM, I have insured that they all have at least 256 Meg. I just added a 3d Voodo Video card to my living room computer, the one I do most of my work on, so I can sit in my recliner. Anyhow now I can play Toruk and some of those types of games when I wish to escape reality and don't have a new book to read.

Teekay and the rest who are discussing the wonderful world of internet cafe's - My daughter is talking of opening one of those up here, but I keep telling her that these old farmers will not put out the necessary funds to support such an adventure. I would love to see her succeed with one, but I do fear in an area this size there won't be enough business to support such a venture. Oh and I was wondering how you were keeping the keyboards clean what with serving pastery in yours Mary?

Well back to surfing with my newfound speed.

Jerry

Took care of the errant bold tag, so that things now appear appropriate. Will most likely archive sometime in the next day or so since things are broaching 300k.

Christi: Good luck with your project as I do mine. We will see. Take care all.

TINA -- Acknowledgment is the first step towards recovery!

Perhaps y'all have seen this before, but I just received it again and thought it just as funny as the first time I heard it.

Long ago lived a seaman named Captain Bravo. He was a manly man's man
who showed no fear in facing his enemies.

On day, while sailing the seven seas, a look-out spotted a pirate ship
and the crew became frantic. Captain Bravo bellowed "Bring me my Red
Shirt."

The First Mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt and while
wearing the bright frock he led his mates into battle and defeated the
pirates.

Later on, the look-out again spotted not one, but two pirate ships. The
captain again howled for his Red Shirt and once again vanquished the
pirates. That evening, all the men sat around on the deck recounting
the day's triumphs and one of them asked the captain: "Sir, why did you
call for your red shirt before battle?" The captain replied: "If I am
wounded in the attack, the shirt will not show my blood, and thus, you
men will continue to resist, unafraid."

All of the men sat in silence and marveled at the courage of such a
man's manly man. As dawn came the next morning, the look-out once again
spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirate ships approaching. The rank
and file all stared up in worshipful silence at the captain and waited
for his usual reply.

Captain Bravo gazed with steely eyes upon the vast armada arrayed
against his mighty sailing ship and, without fear,
turned...and...calmly..shouted:

"Get me my brown pants."

HEATHER: My internet cafe will be nothing like the snottery you describe. Snot I am not. My ideas include:

Membership cards. The membership is free, but you have to have the card to use the computers. They will work like a time card. You swipe the magnetic strip when you come in, swipe it at the counter when you finish and pay for how long you were online. I figure something like 20 cents@minute sounds about right.

The food will be more modest in flair and price. Maybe like a deli/bakery place. Sandwiches, pastries, good coffee, soft drinks blah blah blah. I don't think many suits will be walking in and out ordering lamb, but by golly the college kids can do their thesis research with some munchables on the stipend their parents allot them.

I think that the most important thing after speed of service and speed of connection is going to be atmosphere. It will have to be contemporary for the electronics to not look out of place, not intimidating to people who don't have much computer knowledge, and comfortable enough that people would want to spend time there. Muted colors in a minimalistic approach to neo-classical design sounds like just the ticket.

Maybe offer computer classes, internet classes or whatever else I come up with. I have no idea how many computers to have. There are beaucoup bugs to work out in this, and I am no business woman. I would imagine you would have to have exactly the right location to pull this off. Not to mention a catchy name.

Most likely there are places like this all over the US already and I just live in such a Podunk that I haven't been exposed. Day late and a dollar short as usual.

I'm confused. %-{

CHRISTI - I love you like a sister, well, maybe an adopted sister, or maybe the next-door-neighbor's sister.

• But . . . I'm not Grammar Tipper.
• So . . . You'll hear from my lawyer.

• OK. You didn't begin your 'Entity' and 'Horror' definitions with "According to Webster . . ."
• OK. You're in the second week of remedial writing.

Make that <b> and </b>

RICHARD -- Welcome to the club.

I checked the source for this page and spotted your html faw paw (that's faux pas to you Ima). There's no slash in your end tag. HTML tags have the logical sense of "start bold" and "stop bold." Slash is the 'stop' indicator.

 "" and "" 

Mary, we've got an internet Cafe here. It's part of the Bookshelf (Bookstore) and The Bookshelf Internet Cafe/Theater/Bar/and (deep breath) the Bookshelf's own Restaurant-Snottery. Did I say snottery? Oh, yes.

I suppose they felt justified being rather snotty; the Italian leather booth seats cost more EACH than the yearly wage of the chef. God forbid I even JOKE about spilling my coffee on the seat.

If you eat in the dining room these days it costs you $75.00 for a postage stamp sized portion of lamb, swimming in a bowl of 'I'm Not Sure It's Chili'.

Do they have postage stamp sized lambs in the U.S.? I thought not. I've never seen them here either. Must be part of a scientific accident, when they tried mixing the DNA of lambs with the DNA of dwarf titmice. And you can have a somewhat tasteless nibble of it, right here in good old Guelph. We should be amply rewarded for the most dangerous part of the experiment: Swallowing the check.

I haven't used the internet cafe, where you can fork over five dollars for a one ounce cup of cappuccino (mostly froth) while you surf the net, in a room full of students who can't afford the coffee. Yes, they will stare at you when you not only order the thimble-full of cappuccino, but take a chance on affording a beer.

What was that about hyperbole? He heh. (But I guarantee the lamb was $75.) Honestly, it's one of those places that even charge you for a glass of water!

It used to be so down-to-earth there. It used to be affordable. It used to be a great spot to wander, peeking at all the latest books and sipping coffee in the aisles. It used to be friendly. What happened? *sniff*

Heather

Now wha'd I doo to upset I'mA? (the extra o in "doo" is the one missing from "for you to, Mister...")
I would ask what in hell is going on here lately, but I'd probably get the argument that hell is just a figment of fundamentalist imagination... :-)

TEEKAY -- You'll be pleased to know that I now have most of the parts for my new computer. The hard drive arrived today -- a 30gb IBM Deskstar. Still waiting for my SOYO mobo so I can mount the 750mhz Duron processor, SONY CDRW and ATI All-in-wonder video card on it. The 256mb memory will help also.

Must be a full moon somewhere.

MARY: Surely you must have them in the states. The one we have here in Bathurst is located in a music store, and yes you can drink cappaccinos, but i'm not sure what you can download.
They just have these laptop computers and I guess it's for surfing the net and checking in with sites like this and checking your email.
I haven't used one because I have home computer. But it's great for if your travelling.

RRRRRRRRRRRamon: I'm pretty sure your company are referring to porn sites.
But anyway, why don't you go to the library and use the computer there or an internet cafe?
We'll miss you if you go.

Bloody confusing here sometimes. Teekay is not Teekay. Ima is really pissed off. Richard likes it bold. Howard is Dowra....haroo..oh never mind.

Litter,
Take a look at the handsome writer under you at laughsend in the jounalists section.
I loved your article about England sinking by the way.
Keep well everybody
Later,
Ed

TEEKAY: What is an internet cafe? Can you eat tiramisu while multi-tasking and drink capuccino while downloading mp3's? If so, we need that here in the US. Maybe attach them to bookstores or something. Hmmmm...I feel a higher tax bracket stampeding towards me. Oh, pool boy...

RRRRRRRRRRRamon: I'm pretty sure your company are referring to porn sites.
But anyway, why don't you go to the library and use the computer there or an internet cafe?
We'll miss you if you go.

Sometimes it's lonely on the other side of the world.
Especially when you feel like having a natter and all you guys are wrapped in your beds.
Sometimes it can turn a persons head.

BTW: What's html? How do I do it? And why are your posts in bold and mine aren't.

SSSHHHHHHHRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
IMPOSTERS!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness, I see I am being misrepresented!

If the person who was impersonating me said anything to offend anybody please remember it wasn't me.

If the imposter said anything extremely pleasing or artistic then I am willing to take the credit for it in the imposters abscence.

Gee wizzikers, it's lucky I came back. Who knows what may have happened!

Well hello everyone, I'm back from 2 weeks delightful vacation on the carribean. I s'pose none of you missed me, probably didn't even know I was gone. Oh well. Though not here in body, I was here in spirit. Thought about you guys practically everyday.

Welcome to all the newcomers.

Must go and catch up on all the posts.

Glad to be back. :-)

Oh Heather dear it wasn't you I was referring to. It was that nasty naughty Hallee and Mr. Horwad. I would never even think that you were even slightly capable of doing anything so hurtful. I have been able to discern from your posts that you are a truly spiritual person and would always consider the feelings of others.

Halle dear, i thought you were a sweety and you may still be, but when you turn against a sad old woman the way you did, well, it's enough to give one the heeby jeebies.

And that goes for you to Mr. Hordaw you young whippersnapper. i don't know what this world is coming to.

BTW: Ralphs head was delicious.

MARY: ::}>SHLAMOOCH<{:: That's kind of a big shloppy kiss :)

How am I supposed to write a shortie about Burnout? That's the story of my life...It'll hafta be a novel...A long long story filled with bad punctuation. :)

Way to go RICHARD! whoop! whoop! whoop!

! I'm sure I put in the right bold tags ???

BUUUUUZAAAAPPPP!!!!!

Rachel: I've had similar thoughts along the lines of perfection. I wrote this at school a few days ago;

Should Have Been Perfect

"It should have been perfect."
"It wasn't perfect."
"It had to be perfect. Why wasn't it perfect?"
"A word... an action... anything."
"Could it have been perfect?"
"Nothing's perfect."

Well, I seem to be doing a lot of drawing at the moment; I'm hooked on the evaluation of paintshop pro 7, because it allows be to scan sketches I did on notepad paper and school and then fix it up, erasing the lines as if they were never there.

Oh well - back to real life. Wish I could spend longer here but I gotta lot to do...

Oh, and Jerry - thank you!

Heather :o)

Ramon! Sorry to hear that you won't be able to post on this page for a while, though you can sneak in to read what's going on. You can email me your work any time. Kisses not required, but happily accepted none the less.

Heather

Ima, first of all, I did not say ANYWHERE that I rejected your story. Want the reference?
Here is my post concerning the issue, from Sat. Feb. 3, 18:43:47 PST:

Ima, I don't know if it will fit! I was thinking of beings without physical bodies when I wrote the introduction for Phantasium. I suppose satan could be bodiless if he liked...

Other opinions?
(I'm not in the mood for decisions)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How did you read that as a rejection? I think you are reading far too much into what I said. I said I DON"T KNOW if it will fit. I did NOT say IT WON'T FIT, nor did I say your story was not welcome in the collection.
Secondly, I do not believe whining is a good way to get approval. I could understand a breaking heart if PERHAPS I had said that your story sucks. IT DOESN'T. I liked it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My other post regarding this issue said things clearly enough. It is up to you to read it carefully.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rachel - ouch - did the glue come out of his hair? OUCH.
I used sugar water with a high sugar content. Only problem was if it rained too hard. I remember one day when it was very foggy/humid out, and I had my hair spiked into what is termed a 'flat-top' and in the weather the ends curled down. It looked neat anyhow!
I never had blue hair permanently - instead I bleached my hair as white as I could get it, and put food colouring onto a comb and applied my 'daily colour choice' that way. It was neat because it came out with one shampoo. (Not my hair; the food colouring!)

Hope all is well in everyone's respective corners of the globe, and may your muses bring you flowers and dynamite.

Heather

CHRISTI: Your hug is more than welcome. I am bikissual.

Here's one vote for Ima. Gooooo, Ima!
Having a hard time writing this ... laughing too hard.
Oh, and here I see that Teekay has thrown in her two cents for Ima as well. That's two plus Ima's and however many personalities she allows to vote for her. Now I've lost count.

Jack, That's a lot of blood for one evening. How'd it go?
There. You've already answered my question in your next post.
I'm gearing myself up to work on a fairly disturbing story myself. Good luck and good dreams to you.

Rachel, That was quite a picture your son painted for me. Throwing up a baby, indeed! You poor thing. Pity party is on me. What would you like for dessert? (That probably doesn't sound too appetizing. How 'bout a nice 7up and some soda crackers?) Here are some get-well kisses. XXXXXXX

Rosemary, I'm sorry, I wasn't ignoring you! I had never heard of that company. Let us know what your friend's experience is like with them, won't you?
I hope you'll be contributing to shortie night this week.

Ramon, I was wondering what happened to you. Hopefully you will have a computer at home soon. Email me anytime; it's above. ;)

Mary, {{{{{Hugs}}}}}} I'm not a guy, but what the hey? My favorite cereal was Lucky Charms for many years. I still love it but my body likes shredded wheat squares better. My body can be so incredibly boring. It likes exersize too, what a sap!

G'day all! Happy Tuesday/Wednesday!

Christi

BARNABUS: Have you seen the movie "X-Men"? It deals in a school for super powers (mutants mostly) but a lot of psionic development ideas if you need fodder. Now you owe me a kiss too.

What is everyone's favorite breakfast cereal?

Mine is Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Life

My birthday is October 10 by the way, for whoever asked that.

RAMON: Feel free to email me anytime, IF you send me a kiss. Hehe.

RRRRRRRRamon! You will be missed and you can feel free to email me anytime.

JOHN: I won't take your money, but give me a kiss and I will forgive you. Actually, I wasn't even upset about anything, I am just always looking for a way to finagle a man into kissing me. I am getting fairly good at it, as I am kissed at least twice a day. C'mon John, hit me with your best shot, but don't try anything tricky; I am a married woman.

Hi all. I see there are some new faces. I am keeping this short. This will be my last posting in forwriters.com. The
reason being that our IT security people have introduced
new e-mail and internet policy, basically saying that
anything considered offensive or inappropriate would
result in disciplinary action. They are also going to monitor all internet access which means they can read thismessage. Despite the policy being
several pages thick their interpretation of it all is very
vague. So in in order to keep from being disciplined Iam
not going to post anything. I should be okay to read stuff
but I am not risking anything more. This doesn't mean you have heard the last of me Oh no. I still have stories I want to share so I will find a way to do this. I do have e-mail at home so may I contact some of you individually. Of course if you would prefer I didn't then e-mail me a one worded message "NO", I'll take the hint. Of course feel free to mail me if you like with stories, thoughts, reflections, etc etc etc. One day I will have a computer so my work can........better not just in case.

Take Care all

Ramon
(sniff sniff)

Greetings,

It looks like winter is just about finished here. It's heading into the 70's most days now.

HOWARD,
You make schizophrenia sound almost comforting. It would be nice to have someone with you when ever you need to assign blame.

JOHN,
If Mary won't forgive you, I will. I don't even know what you did but it didn't bother me.

TEEKAY,
Your last post didn't sound like you. The tone of voice was wrong and--horror of all horrors---there were typos in it. That is really unusual for you. I'm beginning to wonder if we are having imposters among the skitzos and unsigned posters.

WELL,
I didn't hear from anyone about Publishamerica.com and my friend will be receiving a contract from them by the end of the week. I'm going to assume none of you had heard of them and were not just ignoring me. (erased 'as usual')

Writers don't really have to be solitary souls.
Rosemary

Rachel - Did someone say party? *grins* I never wanted blue hair - I always wanted purple hair. I have no idea why - just to be different I guess. My parents said no.
*smiles* and *hugs*
Allein

MARY: Please accept my most humble apologies. My rash assumption that you were the grammer-tipper was based on rumor. If I give you money, will you forgive me?

Schizophrenia means you never have to be alone!
--
My doctor diagnosed me as having schizophrenic tendencies. I was beside myself with worry!
Then I told him to send the bill to the other guy...

--

Heather - GRINS! Hum, know what I did the other day? My son wanted to have blue hair. His hair is dark, as is my own. I thought and thought of how I could do some blue hair. Then I came up with sidewalk chalk. I mixed this with glue and gel to come up with some very hard, blue hair that delighted my son to no end. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not so very easy going that I would allow blue hair just any day of the week. It was for a special spirit day at school. I had to stop a few of the wild punk kids on the street to ask them what they suggested for making hair stand up and that sort of thing. Each person I spoke to was full of great ideas. I thought that the glue would be easiest. I hoped that the gel would help make the glue come out easier. I wonder how I will feel if my son ever really wants to have blue hair. I guess i wouldn't worry too much.

Teekay - I just make casual conversation, or sometimes I will do something nice for a person. Now, I don't think I'm going to say much more about this. I'm just a casual Joe, people seem to like that (smiles).

Christi - I do not feel better at all. I feel like death warmed over. My son asked me if I thought that I might be able to throw-up the baby. Now there is a thought I don't want to ponder (yuck)! I guess this morning I feel a little better, but I'm still not right. I keep thinking that this can't last much longer, then it does (argh)!!!! Look at that, I'm so fed up that I'm using repeating exclamation marks. I really do try to avoide that sort of thing (grins).

Now I need to go back to bed. Yes, lets have a pity party for Rachel (grin/wink).

Ciao for now,

Rachel

Manhunter was thorough chilling. Rewatching Silence of the Lambs had its own moments. All of that said, I am wondering if I have the power to delve into the mental disturbance that the author of Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs and Hanibal, has the power to create in character and plot and all the more. I have ordered Red Dragon in book form so I can see what it is like in written form. I am still wondering if I have the power to render a certain plot line that I have toyed with for ten years and see if it will come to pass. The time is available so maybe it will become a reality. We will see. I can only say that Thomas Harris is a master and I can look on in wonder.

Schizophrenic
1) Person having schizophrenia

Schizophrenia
1) a major mental disorder of unknown cause typically characteristed by separation
between the thought proceesses and emotion
2) a distortion of reality accompanied by delusions and hallucinations
3) A fragmentation of the personality, motor disturbances, bizarre behaviour etc. with no
loss of basic intellectual functions.

Sounds like most writers when they put themselves in their character's shoes...
From Webster's New world dictionary

Teekay
Argghhhh! Pant, wheez sigh. Sorry, had to get that out of my system. I think I'm repeating
information but...

There are English dialect words by the way, you must remember. People often forget this,
what means one thing in one area of the world and another in another part. That's what
makes it a dialect.

Following the above logic and if you were looking at number 3 definition of Dialect,
"hawker" is indeed a deviation from the standard speech because it actually means "food
hawker" from where I come from even though else where it would mean just peddler of
wares. Therefore there is a preconceived idea there, that's what makes it a dialect word
(in my opinion). Back to you Jim...

Kiasu was brought over from Chinese dialects but its use in English sentences makes it a
dialect word because it is peculiar to us, no one else in the world uses the word "Kiasu"
in English sentences.

Like I say, I don't follow the books so I have no idea. I don't know if I'm right or wrong.

Ima/ Nurse (whatever personality I'm talking to here)
I personally don't care whether the inmates are psychotic or not, if they are Psionic, I
want them in the club! We need to nuture the talent (this conversation has given me a
brilliant idea for a novel, have a psychotic Psionic! What chaos would be wrecked!).

Heather
I'll have to work on the detail.

Ordered and got Manhunter - the movie version of Red Dragon . I had heard that it was more disturbing than Silence of the Lamb. They were right. At any rate, I am looking at both Manhunter and Silence of the Lamb and then going on to Hannibal. Having actually read the book Hannibal I am wondering if Ridley Scott pulls off what is in the book. It would take a certain amount of chutzpa if he did, but I plan to wat