Archived Messages from 10-31-01 to 12-3-01
Taylor - I got this in an email from a friend who lives on the left coast. I think he is a closet liberal, even though he came out of the closet as a gay. As you are aware, emails like this can be started by anyone, anywhere, so there is no certainty that the fellows name at the bottom of the email is who actually said this, but I will post it as it came to me:
The real kicker for me was the background of the author (at the bottom of the piece), but then you may know who he is already.
--Loren
What Can We Do About Terrorism?
by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Lt. Col., USAF, ret.
A few years ago, terrorists destroyed two U.S. embassies. President Clinton
retaliated against suspected facilities of Osama bin Laden. In his television
address, the President told the American people that we were the targets of
terrorism because we stood for democracy, freedom, and human rights in the
world.
On that occasion, I wrote: "Tell people the truth, Mr. President ... about
terrorism, not about poor Monica. If your lies about terrorism go
unchallenged, then the terror war you have unleashed will likely continue
until it destroys us.
"The threat of nuclear terrorism is closing in upon us. Chemical terrorism is
at hand, and biological terrorism is a future danger. None of our thousands
of nuclear weapons can protect us from these threats. These idols of
plutonium, titanium, and steel are impotent. Our worship of them for over
five decades has not brought us security, only greater danger. No 'Star Wars'
system ... no matter how technically advanced, no matter how many trillions
of dollars was poured into it ... can protect us from even a single terrorist
bomb. Not one weapon in our vast arsenal can shield us from a nuclear weapon
delivered in a sailboat or a Piper Cub or a suitcase or a Ryder rental truck.
Not a penny of the 273 billion dollars a year we spend on so-called defense
can actually defend us against a terrorist bomb. Nothing in our enormous
military establishment can actually give us one whit of security. That is a
military fact.
"Mr. President, you did not tell the American people the truth about why we
are the targets of terrorism. You said that we are the target because we
stand for democracy, freedom, and human rights in the world. Baloney! We are
the target of terrorists because we stand for dictatorship, bondage, and
human exploitation in the world. We are the target of terrorists because we
are hated. And we are hated because our government has done hateful things.
"In how many countries have we deposed popularly elected leaders and replaced
them with puppet military dictators who were willing to sell out their own
people to American multinational corporations?
"We did it in Iran when we deposed Mossadegh because he wanted to nationalize
the oil industry. We replaced him with the Shah, and trained, armed, and paid
his hated Savak national guard, which enslaved and brutalized the people of
Iran. All to protect the financial interests of our oil companies. Is it any
wonder there are people in Iran who hate us?
"We did it in Chile when we deposed Allende, democratically elected by the
people to introduce socialism. We replaced him with the brutal right-wing
military dictator, General Pinochet. Chile has still not recovered.
"We did it in Vietnam when we thwarted democratic elections in the South
which would have united the country under Ho Chi Minh. We replaced him with a
series of ineffectual puppet crooks who invited us to come in and slaughter
their people - and we did. (I flew 101 combat missions in that war which you
properly opposed.)
"We did it in Iraq, where we killed a quarter of a million civilians in a
failed attempt to topple Saddam Hussein, and where we have killed a million
since then with our sanctions. About half of these innocent victims have been
children under the age of five.
"And, of course, how many times have we done it in Nicaragua and all the
other banana republics of Latin America? Time after time we have ousted
popular leaders who wanted the riches of the land to be shared by the people
who worked it. We replaced them with murderous tyrants who would sell out and
control their own people so that the wealth of the land could be taken out by
Domino Sugar, the United Fruit Company, Folgers, and Chiquita Banana.
"In country after country, our government has thwarted democracy, stifled
freedom, and trampled human rights. That's why we are hated around the world.
And that's why we are the target of terrorists.
"People in Canada enjoy better democracy, more freedom, and greater human
rights than we do. So do the people of Norway and Sweden. Have you heard of
Canadian embassies being bombed? Or Norwegian embassies? Or Swedish
embassies. No.
"We are not hated because we practice democracy, freedom, and human rights.
We are hated because our government denies these things to people in third
world countries whose resources are coveted by our multinational
corporations. And that hatred we have sown has come back to haunt us in the
form of terrorism - and in the future, nuclear terrorism.
"Once the truth about why the threat exists is understood, the solution
becomes obvious. We must change our government's ways.
"Instead of sending our sons and daughters around the world to kill Arabs so
the oil companies can sell the oil under their sand, we must send them to
rebuild their infrastructure, supply clean water, and feed starving children.
"Instead of continuing to kill thousands of Iraqi children every day with our
sanctions, we must help them rebuild their electric powerplants, their water
treatment facilities, their hospitals - all the things we destroyed in our
war against them and prevented them from rebuilding with our sanctions.
"Instead of seeking to be king of the hill, we must become a responsible
member of the family of nations. Instead of stationing hundreds of thousands
of troops around the world to protect the financial interests of our
multinational corporations, we must bring them home and expand the Peace
Corps.
"Instead of training terrorists and death squads in the techniques of torture
and assassination, we must close the School of the Americas (no matter what
name they use). Instead of supporting military dictatorships, we must support
true democracy - the right of the people to choose their own leaders. Instead
of supporting insurrection, destabilization, assassination, and terror around
the world, we must abolish the CIA and give the money to relief agencies.
"In short, we do good instead of evil. We become the good guys, once again.
The threat of terrorism would vanish. That is the truth, Mr. President. That
is what the American people need to hear. We are good people. We only need to
be told the truth and given the vision. You can do it, Mr. President. Stop
the killing. Stop the justifying. Stop the retaliating. Put people first.
Tell them the truth."
Needless to say, he didn't ... and neither has George W. Bush. Well, the
seeds our policies have planted have borne their bitter fruit. The World
Trade Center is gone. The Pentagon is damaged. And thousands of Americans
have died. Almost every TV pundit is crying for massive military retaliation
against whoever might have done it (assumedly the same Osama bin Laden) and
against whoever harbors or aids the terrorists (most notably the Taliban
government of Afghanistan). Steve Dunleavy of the New York Post screams "Kill
the bastards! Train assassins, hire mercenaries, put a couple of million
bucks up for bounty hunters to get them dead or alive, preferably dead. As
for cities or countries that host these worms, bomb them into basketball
courts." It's tempting to agree. I have no sympathy for the psychopaths that
killed thousands of our people. There is no excuse for such acts. If I was
recalled to active duty, I would go in a heartbeat. At the same time, all my
military experience and knowledge tells me that retaliation hasn't rid us of
the problem in the past, and won't this time.
By far the world's best anti-terrorist apparatus is Israel's. Measured in
military terms, it has been phenomenally successful. Yet Israel still suffers
more attacks than all other nations combined. If retaliation worked, Israelis
would be the world's most secure people.
Only one thing has ever ended a terrorist campaign -- denying the terrorist
organization the support of the larger community it represents. And the only
way to do that is to listen to and alleviate the legitimate grievances of the
people. If indeed Osama bin Laden was behind the four hijackings and
subsequent carnage, that means addressing the concerns of the Arabs and
Muslims in general and of the Palestinians in particular. It does NOT mean
abandoning Israel. But it may very well mean withdrawing financial and
military support until they abandon the settlements in occupied territory and
return to 1967 borders. It may also mean allowing Arab countries to have
leaders of their own choosing, not hand-picked, CIA-installed dictators
willing to cooperate with Western oil companies.
Chester Gillings has said it very well: "How do we fight back against bin
Laden? The first thing we must ask ourselves is what is it we hope to achieve
-- security or revenge? The two are mutually exclusive; seek revenge and we
WILL reduce our security. If it is security we seek, then we must begin to
answer the tough questions -- what are the grievances of the Palestinians and
the Arab world against the United States, and what is our real culpability
for those grievances? Where we find legitimate culpability, we must be
prepared to cure the grievance wherever possible. Where we cannot find
culpability or a cure, we must communicate honestly our positions directly to
the Arab people. In short, our best course of action is to remove ourselves
as a combatant in the disputes of the region."
To kill bin Laden now would be to make him an eternal martyr. Thousands would
rise up to take his place. In another year, we would face another round of
terrorism, probably much worse even than this one. Yet there is another way.
In the short term, we must protect ourselves from those who already hate us.
This means increased security and better intelligence. I proposed to members
of Congress in March that we should deny any funds for "Star Wars" until such
time as the Executive Branch could show that they are doing all possible
research on the detection and interception of weapons of mass destruction
entering the country clandestinely (a far greater threat than ballistic
missiles). There are lots of steps which can be taken to increase security
without detracting from civil rights. But in the long term, we must change
our policies to stop causing the fear and hatred which creates new
terrorists. Becoming independent of foreign oil through conservation, energy
efficiency, production of energy from renewable sources, and a transition to
non-polluting transportation will allow us to adopt a more rational policy
toward the Middle East.
The vast majority of Arabs and Muslims are good, peaceful people. But enough
of them, in their desperation and anger and fear, have turned first to Arafat
and now to bin Laden to relieve their misery. Remove the desperation, give
them some hope, and support for terrorism will evaporate. At that point bin
Laden will be forced to abandon terrorism (as has Arafat) or be treated like
a common criminal. Either way, he and his money cease to be a threat. We CAN
have security ... or we can have revenge. We cannot have both.
===============================================================
Dr. Robert M. Bowman directed all the "Star Wars" programs under presidents
Ford and Carter and flew 101 combat missions in Vietnam. His Ph.D. is in
Aeronautics and Nuclear Engineering from Caltech. He is President of the
Institute for Space and Security Studies and Presiding Archbishop of the
United Catholic Church.
2066 Deercroft Dr., Viera, FL 32940
(321) 752-5955
Jerry 12-3-2001 14:33
Christi - tried to get back onto MSN messenger and couldn't!
Back on your tales,
Heather 12-3-2001 5:52
Jerry: Who said that? I would like to know who... The way I see it America has every right to hit back
Been following it a bit... Think that everythings been handled well, however I would do a few things differently, but since they are bound by the Rules of War or whatever... My idea would be taken from the movie "Lawrence of Arabia"
NO PRISONERS.... NO PRISONERS!
taylor 12-3-2001 4:21
Well I guess it had to happen. Some highly educated egghead has circulated his "Reasons" that we are under attack. He places the blame on the "evil" American who assiginates dicatators, yet keeps other dictators in office for our own ends. He basically said we deserve it, and we have NO RIGHT to go to war over this.
This, he explains, is our "wake-up call!" He goes on to say that we MUST stop supporting Isreal, we must stop all interactivity with all nations, and only GIVE money and food to the poor of the world.
He goes into how we were wrong in Vietnam, we were wrong in Desert Storm, and we are still wrong with the embargo on Iraq that kills millions of peace loving iraqees, most under the age of five.
Basically he makes me sick, and his outragous accusation is an affront to those poor souls who lost their lives on the 11th of September.
He then goes on to list his pedigree, his PhD in international affairs. His combat record in Vietnam, his good works with the Catholic Church. Because of these affilations, and his superior education, we MUST listen to him, because he is right ofcourse.
I sent the letter back to my friend who sent it (He lives on the left coast) with my annotations inserted after each outragous statement.
I doubt it will do any good, except maybe the fellow who sent it will avoid getting my dander up over politics. I know I get in more trouble both in this notebook and with my friends over politics, but it is JUST SO MUCH FUN!
Write On!
PS - Teekay- When I first came to the notebook, I had a saying, but on reading the comments, I saw that someone (The Goodweed of the North) was using it.
In college, I always greeted my friends with "Greetings and Salutations!" IN fact when we were nearing graduation, all I could get out was Greetings, and they all answered back AND SALUTATIONS! It was quit fun, but I didn't want to get into it with (Was it Goodweed or TOM, I think it was The Old Man).
Jerry 12-3-2001 0:40
Just taking a break from my story at the moment... Need to tear myself away from it I think, beginning to think about it almost 24/7
In an attempt to lower the road toll here, they have lowered the speed limit in suburban areas from 60 ks down to 50 ks... It seems funny, since alot of accidents are caused by excessive speeding
taylor 12-2-2001 19:58
Hi all,
**Rosemary**
Did the book signing thing with Mary Lou yesterday. Maybe if we'd thought about it, we would have realized that selling books to people in a library might not have been a really good idea. Most people go to a library so they won't have to buy books. (At least I do.)
She didn't sell any books along with about 40 other authors but she learned more about what you might need to take with you to these things. You never know ahead of time how much space there will be or even if there will be a table and chairs.
CAROL, While there, I had time to finish your MS. Will write up my notes soonest and e-mail them along.
Mary Lou has a new car and the drive to Austin was great. Not so good on the way back--it rained the last thirty or so miles. Still raining today. Crazy weather.
Friday, I had sold 23 baby chicks to a pet store in a fleamarket about 15 miles away. The poor man just knew he would sell them this weekend with no problems. The weather people said this would be a beautiful weekend.--NOT! His best crowds are on weedends. Hope the little babies don't die. We considered going to see them today but were afraid we'd end up bringing them home. Don't need more chickens!!!
HOWARDLY: (or was it GARISS?)I can't add to your movie list, very seldom go to movies. The last one was SPACE COWBOYS and the next one will be HARRY POTTER. My favorite books are usually the last good one I've read. Currently it's Mercades Lackey's latest--TAKE A THIEF. Actually the first two thirds of the book was excellent, the last third has slowed down considerably. Very strange.
RHODA,
Did you know Mercades Lackey lives in Oklahoma too?? Thought that was interesting to have so well known an author nearby. Could be you don't read fantesy?? Sorry, I don't remember.
Going away now,
Bye
Rosemary 12-2-2001 16:46
HEATER -- Don't feel bad, my wife has a sweatshirt with Pooh all over it!
howard 12-2-2001 12:37
*******Eddie*******
Hello everybody,
Hello Newbies, and welcome.
Just got back in the UK but leaving for Turkey in the morning (Early Hours). Good to see everybody still posting, though I have only scanned through for now.
I will catch up in a week or so. As you know, I am always around at Christmas so keep in touch.
Got to go pack a back.
Later,
Ed
Eddie French 12-2-2001 8:20
Jerry! Congratulations, Papa-in-law! Yipppeee! I'm glad it was a wonderful celebration, and the cake didn't make a slide for it. (My Godfather almost tipped ours on the big night; the whole room of people holding their breath - it was the only time that evening my Grandmother wasn't yakking!)
Oyster - 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'...
But I like Howard's mix-title. How about
'Crouching Tigger, Hidden Pooh'?
Oh, my. What have I said!
Hold your noses! Pass the bum-wipe. Don't step in the bushes! As Owl has said before, "Did YOU do that, Pooh?"
Howard, you genius, the mock movie titles were a treat!
Keep 'em comin'! And never apologize for tickling our ribs.
Oh, yes, Oyster - That 3 am thing? Been there, and have done that too often! That's why I switched to banging my head against the coffee machine at 5 am. It has the added benefit of steaming my pores. :o>
Since it's the weekend, I'm pounding the keys at night - oh, brings back such sweeeeeeet memories! *snort*
Heather 12-1-2001 23:54
I just discovered that if you RMC (right mouse click) on a bad link (like Howard Spicer's link below (Hi Howard!)) and then click on properties, you'll see that it actually appends the new link to the webwitch address, thus directing the search first to webwitch, where it will never find the new link. Simply copy out the new address, starting with the www, and paste it into the address bar on your browser, and it works fine! Might want to fix that one too, Jack...
The correct link is www.writersdisplay.com
howard 12-1-2001 22:38
You mean "Crouching Tiger Sleeping Beauty?" Disney made a bundle on that one!
:-)
howard 12-1-2001 22:32
Thanks Jerry for the tip on the sidewinder joystick. That was on Sonny's Want List for Christmas. That kid rivals Sally of Charlie Brown's Christmas for ... um, greed? Need for money?
Glad the wedding pre-empted thoughts of cold, Jerry. I'm having enough for everyone, and since I've got the flu to boot, I'm annoyed.
The first real night out we've had in months and I'm not giving it up! The Child-Runner is here (she's sweet sixteen and the kids like her) and ...
Never mind. I just popped in to also say: Howard, I Laughed so hard at your combo movies!
And Teekay, we're going to Harry Potter in that long, boring week between Christmas and New Years when I'm desperate for some way to celebrate what the School euphemistically calls Holy Week.
I call it Unholy Week of Terror ... no writing, lots of nagging and two kids who do not understand that once upon a time Parents Ruled and Kids Drooled.
Which reminds me ... one of my fave movies of all time is Crouching Tiger, Sleeping Lion??? Anyone know the one I mean? I probably got the title wrong! My head is so flu-stuffed, I may never think coherently again!
The movie I mean actually won something at Cannes and I LOVED the womano-a-womano fight scenes. And even better it made me think and imagine!
Then again so Did Willy Wonka and I loved both the book and movie. Raoul Dahl and Dr. Seuss Rock, man!
And Heather 4 a.m.? I usually conk out about 3 with keymarks on my face the next day!
Oyster 12-1-2001 19:44
Greetings,
I wonder if you and members of your group might like to check out www.writersdisplay.com - it's aim is to help writers find publishers in any field/genre. It also aims to make life easier for publishers.
Regards,
Howard Spicer
Director
Howard Spicer Link
12-1-2001 15:37
Hey All:
Of course you are all right on all counts I did take out the three grarantees and replace them two with certains and the last one with a sentence. This is it. THAT'S A PROMISE.
Also I changed the "THEY DON'T REALLY WORK" too.
I do believe all those claims I made. I didn't tone it down that much. I do know all girls won't end up in an abusive relationship. We can't know ahead of time which ones will. That's why I think it's a good idea for all girls to be able to recognize these abusive partners from the get go.
My book is that good. I believe that. I really do. It is different from all the rest. Watch and see. Although I know people are sue happy, I can't imagine what the charges would be. One never knows does one? It's a strange world.
I'd be happy to post the new one, but you know what happened when I posted more than one version of the poems.
Debra 12-1-2001 14:13
Hi All,
Have to give an update to the Dating Life Magazine thing. Since their e-mail stated "get a paypal account and then we'll pay you" or words to that effect, that's what I did, I asked a friend to collect it for me and then send me the money via post.
This morning the transaction was completed. In the meantime, the magazine found my posting regarding non-payment and threatened me with legal action if I did not remove it and every thread in regards to it (even those posted by other people which is pretty hard if not impossible to do!).
I don't know if they are still in business or not, their main phone # is out of service and their website is down. First they said they had a substantial amount of articles (I believe, but I may be slightly off) that the amount was enough to last them through next year. Next (on Tuesday) they said that I had caused them considerable financial losses and my posting had been forwarded to their lawyers.
Since what I said in my posting was true, and I have since re-posted that yes, one condition has changed since my original- I did get paid, the NWU says I don't have much to worry about.
Anyway, that's the news at this hour. I'll post my new website url when I have it completed. You seem like a great group and I appreciate the welcome, even though I'm a bit of a lurker at this point. ;-)
Yvonne
Yvonne 12-1-2001 13:33
Typo in the last try. This address should work.
Tina actually THIS is the correct address
12-1-2001 12:55
If we're going for just the top ten, my #1 is always Amadeus. Every actor was superb, the settings and cinematography captured every emotion, and the music of Mozart ran through every scene.
Teekay, glad you liked Harry Potter! I want to go again. And BTW, I sent you an e-mail. Let me know if you don't get it because I wasn't sure of the e-address I used.
I've included the new address for my webpage. I had to move it to Shaw. Nothing on it has changed lately, it's still just pictures. :^)
I plan to steal at least two hours for writing today. It's been such a busy week I've not had time for much, and I'm feeling antsy. Heck, maybe I'll steal three!
TTFN
Tina new address for my webpage
12-1-2001 12:49
I think its kind of impossible to list a top 100 movie list... Since it will have to depend alot on the individual
1 movie I like... another 1 might hate it kind of thing
taylor 12-1-2001 3:21
**Teekay**
Morning All,
JERRY: Boy you tell a good story. I felt like a little kid at her grandpappy's knee reading your ghost post.
I just read your post about the child and the dog. Beautifully written, the ending was almost poetic.
MEL& TINA: I thought the movie was brilliant. I've only read one of the Harry Potter books and it wasn't the philosopher stone, so I just sat open mouthed (mainly being that I was scooping handfuls of chips or popcorn into it) and just marvelled.
GARIESS: Another suggestion for the best films - Harry Potter.
DEBRA: You're the one with the book on the shelf not me, why on earth would I be disappointed - you silly duffer :-D
Afternoon All;
Happy Saturday arvo, I had to get off in a hurry yesterday coz a storm blew up and I would hate anything to happen to my modem.
Anyhoooo....................
HEATHER: Sorry about that. It was a good storm though, lots of atmosphere. I love a good storm.
Your towel post was hilarious.
CHRISTI: My rejection count is now at a healthy 16 :-D. I'm thinking of putting it on a diet.
GARIESS: Ah, you are brilliant. I wonder does the Doctor see the witty wicked humour and quick intellect behind the high blood pressure and lightbulb injuries.( Oops....sorry )
;-) Perhaps not, nevermind - his loss.
TINA: Anne of Green Gables, the entire series.
Little women
The magic faraway tree series (when I was a kid - it's just not the same anymore)
All creatures great and small
vet in a spin
If only they could talk
Pillars of the earth
The hobbit
Quo Vadis - even though it was terrible it was a brilliant book.
Letters to my son.- a little jewel I picked up from a second hand book store. Might just search the bookshelves, blow off the dust bunnies and re read it.
Ummm, I'm sure there are heaps more, I'll have to think on them.
GARIESS: Why don't you rank them in in top ten by genre. It's hardly fair to compare Peggy Sue got married to Apocolypse now, but it was still flawless.
Just a suggestion - I know this is your baby.
VIV: We have a bookshelf in almost every room and two floor to ceiling ones in the loungeroom which are layered two - three deep. There's not a room in this house where you wouldn't find a book or two except the toilet.
JERRY: Do you mean your son is getting married? I must have missed something. Anyhow, BEST WISHES.
Going.........
.....................................................................................Gone!
Teekay 12-1-2001 1:54
There are too many to limit the list to ten, so I've been forced to combine several ...
The King Kong and I -- Yul Brynner carries Debra Kerr to the top of the tallest pagoda in town, and throws her at a passing plane.
Tootsie meets Ghandi -- Dustin Hoffman and Ben Kingsley open a drag club in downtown Bombay, and peddle elephants and salt on the side.
The Lizard of Oz -- Judy Garland lands in an amusement park full of cloned dinosaurs, and a T-Rex has Toto for lunch.
Saving Private Benjamin -- Tom Hanks and Goldie Hawn romp across the beaches and meadows of Europe in the 40's. She throws herself in front of Gert Frobe, who's about to do in Hanks with a milk can.
Mary Poppins Triggers the Apocalypse...Now -- Julie Andrews lands in the middle of a firefight, just missing a Huey piloted by Martin Sheen and finds that she just can't get no satisfaction.
Good Morning, Dead Poets! -- Robin Williams wakes up early in the wrong country, and reads the lyrics of Louis Armstrong hits to a class of Oxford undergrads.
Titanic On Golden Pond -- A famous ship goes down in the middle of a shallow lake in Maine, and hits bottom with three decks above water. They have to hold the band (and Jane Fonda) underwater in order to properly drown them.
Smokey and Miss Daisy -- Morgan Freeman goes on sick leave, and Burt Reynolds fills in for him. Jessica Tandy gets blisters on her bum from sliding back and forth on the back seat during all the chase scenes.
All the President's Aliens -- Robert Redford and Sigourney Weaver join journalistic forces to uncover high level chicanery involving the smuggling of illegal aliens in the abdominal cavities of unsuspecting aides.
and last but not necessarily least...
Willy Wonka rides a Blazing Saddle -- Gene Wilder gets a headache changing hats, and Arthur Kennedy farts while trying to fly after eating all them beans.
sorry --- it's late
howard 12-1-2001 0:23
Oyster - The Sidewinder joystick is manufactured by Microsoft. I have an older one, it has nine programmable buttons, a knob on one side that can be used for an accelerator, and besides moving the way a joystick can move, the stick itself can be turned to the left and right to serve as a rudder in flying games. It also has a point of view hat that can be programmed to do just that, look out the side or back of an aircraft in addition to the normal forward view. There are many models of the Sidewinder, mine is a simple one, there are also ones that actually receive feedback signals from the game and allow the operator to "feel" the game as well as play it. I think it is one of the best joysticks made for the PC, there are others in the running such as the CH Flight Stick PRO, I have one of those also, but have put it away since I got my Sidewinder.
They make wonderful Christmas gifts to husbands who love gaming as well as boys who play the games.
Jerry 12-1-2001 0:14
My Top 10 Movies of all time:
1. The Mouse That Roared
2. Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
3. Star Wars
4. The Time Machine
5. Star Trek The Movie
6. Of Mice and Men
7. Robinson Caruso on Mars
9. The Green Beret
10. Sleeping Beauty (Disney)
Books - Sorry, I tried, but my head just isn't in this tonight, only came up with three. Will give it a try when I haven't had such a busy day.
We did have a nice trip, the weather was super for both up and back. In fact the trip up was so filled with wildlife that it seemed to go very fast. Among the wildlife were three coyotes, nearly a hundred pheasants, a red fox, two bald eagles, and a rare golden eagle.
The ceremony was beautiful, as a civil ceremony can be. The lady who performed it was very good, and very professional. My daughter took all the wedding pictures using my old Pentax SLR 35mm that I picked up in Japan on my way home from Nam. The bride's daughter was the combination flower girl/ring bearer, and did a wonderful job. The bride and her father had been at odds now for several months, and hadn't spoken to each other for nearly a month. When she called him and asked him to be a witness, he said yes, she was so happy to be back on his good side. Overall it was a wonderful day, one that we shall remember till the day we die. They still plan a formal church wedding some time in the spring, but as far as I am concerned, there is no need, once the knot is tied it is very hard to sever, and one wedding should be enough for any couple. But you know me, I am sort of old fashioned that way, in fact I still look on divorce as a bad thing, not an easy out for those who do not take their vows in their heart as well as in their mind.
Well I ramble on, I did try to write a short story involving the cold tonight, but my mind is still full of the wonderful things I saw today, and I find it hard to be creative right now.
It is a strange thing you know. I recall when my children were young, I would have been mad as hell should they sing the full trip from Bismarck to Lemmon. Yet when it is our grandchild, it didn't seem to bother me, in fact I rather ingoted the trip. Must be something that happens when that grand is attached to the singer.
WRITE ON!
Jerry 11-30-2001 23:57
Debra,
I would give weight to the considerations raised by Heather in regard to your jacket cover. Liability questions aside, it would be wise to soften your proposal. I would strike the use of the word, Guarantee. Also, your final paragraph implies that every girl who reads your book will be in an abusive relationship. That can be fixed mechanically in the wording, but the overall inference gleaned from your message is that every girl has the question, and only you have the answer. I see this as setting yourself an impossible task. The position you put yourself in will be too hard to hold. To be superlative in your presumption leaves you no wiggle room. To begin with many girls will never be in an abusive dating relationship and you would like your material to sound pertinent to every girl. I understand your deep commitment to your topic, but I see no reason to narrow your appeal. I urge you to think about this. You have a very good message to deliver, It should be important not to sabotage your own efforts.
GS
gariess 11-30-2001 23:31
I believe that in trying to identify the top 100 movies of all time, one needs a system needs to be in place. I have considered starting with the top 10. The reason being that one's comprehension of 100 films at a time is too chancey. It seems that ten are more manageable, and one has the fall back position that nothing is final until it is final.
I will therefore ask our membership to propose nominations for the top 10 spots. That way if one has a particular passion for a subjectively appreciated entry that fails to meet top 10 standards, one still has hope to see one's choice in the remaining 90. Where I recognize that total objectivity is neither possible or desirable, we must be wary of runaway subjectivity. There exists in all of us the phenomenon of an unusual connection between ourselves and a particular favorite which fails to inspire anyone else on the face of the earth. I have in my collection, a particular photograph that I like very much. I realize it is something strictly between me and that one picture. Everyone else looks at it and says things like, "Why in hell did you waste a frame on this?" I understand why they don't like it, and I understand why I do. I keep the picture on my wall, but I do not place it in competitions or exhibits. I assure you this kind of thing will come up in the selection of our top 100 films at one point or another to one extent or another. I will post the preliminary top 10 entries in a few days. In the meantime see what suggestions come to mind. Thank You.
gariess 11-30-2001 22:59
Um, sent the post before I could continue with more grand reading fodder! Never you mind, friends. I can't think of any right now anyway. Too tired!
And it's only 11 pm. Believe it for me, will you?
Heather 11-30-2001 22:58
Debra - I read your back cover copy for Sweetie. I doubt you can make claims such as those. You may want to write instead that the book will enable young women to make the right choices, should they come into a situation such as dating violence.
Also, I would not state that 'other methods' do not work, only why you feel that your book will. Your method may not work for everyone, and making such a claim could get you into hot water! I would refrain from calling your book a 'cure', as well. It is up to each person to choose for themselves what they will or will not do - especially when it comes to taking advice. Your book may be able to help. There are no guarantees.
I just felt that I should warn you; what you write for back cover copy is entirely up to you. It's not that I didn't like what you wrote - but with people suing McDonald's over the spilling of (DUHHHH!)HOT coffee, you never know.
Thanks, everyone, for remembering some of the authors I couldn't! Of course, I remembered Steinbeck as soon as I'd gone offline. Murphy would make a lot of money had he made bets about his 'laws'.
Oyster - I have trouble stopping as well, once I get into the writing groove. Sometimes, in view of that, I neglect writing for the day simply because I'm too tired to spend four hours hunched over the keys. (Or longer)
That is also exactly why I had to make a schedule change - sometimes I'd look up and it was 4 am. How did that happen? Well, I started writing at 11 pm, and took a break in the middle to keep up on email and the NB, and then went back and edited, and then wrote more... and I was getting too tired in the daylight hours. It's working, when I get my buns off the mattress in time!
This morning I was in a foul mood, and just nitpicked at my short story for LT*. I smoothed it out rather well, so all was not lost!
Oh, I loved the appearances of Carlin and Ringo Star on the Thomas series! I was a bit surprised to see Carlin on a kid's show, since his latest comedy material is rather, um, adult only? Maybe it always was!
Anyone else find it romantic to Christmas shop with your spouse? My kids went to the annual Karate Club movie night at their dojo, so my husband and I had 3 hours to shop, hold hands, running up and down the rows, giggling at things! My giggling was arrested as soon as the cash register showed the total, but my husband didn't even flinch! I'm still amazed.
Somebody hold me down, I'm floating!
Oh, except for the death of George Harrison. That doesn't sit well. *sniff*
Later, friends!
Here's another book for the list:
To Kill A Mockingbird
More grand reading fodder:
Heather 11-30-2001 22:55
Books?! Don't get me started! You all know by now my favorite science fiction author is Zenna Henderson, so anything by her would top the list. Other Scifi:
Heiro's Journey
The Unforsaken Heiro
I Robot
the Foundation series (yes, more than a trilogy)
the Colossus trilogy
The Lost World (the Arthur Conan Doyle original)
Red Planet
Damnation Alley
Lucifer's Hammer -- not really scifi
The Day of the Triffids
Out of the Deeps
Midworld
Needle
The CS Lewis trilogy:
Out of the Silent Planet
Perelandra
That Hideous Strength
anything by Arthur C Clark or Ray Bradbury
include fantasy?
The Hobbit
LOTR
The Silmarillion
anything by Mary Brown
Moorcock's Stormbringer series
etc etc
again, there's so many...
howard 11-30-2001 14:29
Nuts! The website didn't work. I'll try this
http://medlem.tripodnet.nu/tubla/">The Unofficial Beatles Wesbsite
I hope I didn't put the Notebook into failure! And if I did, sorry, Jack!
Oyster 11-30-2001 13:30
Two writings in the little white box in one day? I must be addicted. I'm letting a few stories 'ripen' lately, which means I can't stand to look at them anymore!
Carol, glad to see you have 'inspiration' to get down to it. Getting down to it is never a problem for me, stopping is. I once spent an entire Christmas writing a novel. Spouse was so upset he pitched a serious, scathing hissy! For various reasons which I won't go into, I pitched a serious hissy right back, and we've come to a truce. I've learned to discipline myself in terms of when I write, and Spouse has learned to discipline himself as to when he does overtime at work.
Balance is good. And the novel I wrote during that Christmas? A pearl needing a bit of polishing but I like going back and reading it. When I can't find a really good novel at the library, I go back and read my own. Some of them actually come up to the standards I hold other writers to. Yet, since I have a Friday Printer downstairs, it gets tiresome reading off the screen for too long.
The reason I popped back in is that the webpage I cited beside my moniker is the T.U.B.LA.- The Unofficial Beatles Website, in honour of 'dear' George. I wondered what I could do to say goodbye and honour a man so creative he took my breath away with his words; then I remembered a whole bunch of songs George wrote with John.
George Harrison was one of the most prolific of the Beatles in terms of lyrics, but he was kind of a ghost in a lot of ways. Maybe even an oyster!
Lacking the on-stage charisma of Lennon, the pretty boy good looks of McCartney and the sheer Nuttiness of Ringo, people rarely noticed George Harrison, but he was truly the anchor of the group ... what kept them together writing and performing, I think.
Oh, and on Ringo *Evil Wicked Grin* ... Son was entranced by Thomas The Tank Engine series when younger. He actually has a collection of tiny Thomas trains in a tub downstairs. Guess who was Mr. Conductor on Thomas? None other than Richard Starkey, and for us really old folk, Mr. George Carlin took a turn as well at the role on the American version of Thomas, too, pony tail and all!
Interesting where talented people show up, isn't it? And entertain a whole new generation.
Oyster 11-30-2001 13:27
Greetings All :)
I was sitting here, reading the posts, when my attention was drawn outside. At first I thought Dickie (the cat) had gotten outside and wondered how. I haven't let him out because of the snow. Then I realized just what I was looking at. Not only one animal -- but two. Two otters cavorting and playing in my driveway between the house and the garage! We have no nearby lakes -- well, not that close at least. I don't know why they were here, but they sure brightened my day. Poor hubby killed his bad back running in answer to my excited call. He did feel it was well worth it though. :)
This day has just been getting better and better. Thanks to the buddy system with Viv, I wrote for one hour. My timer is digital and allows me to start and stop it whenever I want. So I set that, wrote, took an occasional coffee or potty break and wrote some more. The story is now close to the end and I'm sorry Viv, but I don't think I can wait till next Fri. to finish. :) It felt so good this morning, I'm going to try it again tomorrow. Oh happy day!
Heather - yes, I have read "Mister God, This Is Anna" -- it's been years, but I still remember it well. An excellent read.
Viv - I have no problem making lists. I'm good at making a list of what to do and when. My problem is keeping to the blasted thing! hehehe
Debra - I wish I had read your book years ago. I do however, have several nieces. Keep me posted on the pub. date for this one please? (Guess that means your back cover is effective - I'll buy 2 copies )
Tina - It's so good to see you popping in more often. The best of luck to you in your decision. I know it won't be an easy one.
Jerry - congrats on the kid's marriage! I hope everything was beautiful and they have a long, healthy life together.
Happy Day All!
Carol 11-30-2001 13:07
Hi all!
Jerry I'm LMBO!(laughing my butt off). After scrolling through the last few offerings, Son & Spouse will never find your description of those toys!
I have a funny feeling if those two go a snooping, your ghost story will intrigue both of them. Distraction by story is a good thing, I'm finding!
So now I don't have to worry about my snoopy family (who seem to think I have a secret life) lurking and smirking here and getting inspiration to go out and spend more money! I'm off the hook! Although on Son's first 'Christmas List' a laptop was listed. To quote Daughter "Like, uh, no!"
Which reminds me ... anyone know what a 'sidewinder joystick' is? Some kind of snake with a sexual issue?
Hope the 'marrying off celebration' went well, there, Jerry. Congratulations on a new fam-member.
Tina Glad to see you back! Killing off a character, eh? I always had trouble killing off even fictional characters, until I gave them such nasty traits, words and actions that I was glad to see them go! Killing off the good ones was a quick way to end the story, but I kinda fall in love with my characters, warts and all, and hate to see them die.
Maybe I should be writing for television, eh? They never kill of characters for good in sit-com scripts.
hi Christi Glad you enjoy my postings. Thanks for the hello, it makes me feel included. And this group is worth being 'included in', to my mind.
Okay folks, the oyster shell is finally opening for ... I'll have to do some research on how and why oyster shells open to continue this analogy ... but I got my first 'read'
back in aeons.
Did I ever pick a jewel of a reader! And he's right into the process as well as giving some pretty good insights! So I'se not no fraidy cat no more.
Can you tell I'm still reading Stephen Hunter? His old So'thern dialects take me back to a place and time in The Ole Mississip where I can bask in vernacular.
I am looking forward to Jack's Notebook opening, though. If we can get some kind of password protection up and running. Man, I'm so confused about 'privacy on The Internet'. I still think there isn't any such thing with all the hackers out there!
And has anyone else noticed the 'echo echo' and 'tests' in between our words? Lurkers and smirkers, I've discovered in other discussion forums do tend to pop up here and there.
But it was Mary and Carol and Heather who started this germ of thought. Spouse has ICQ, I had it, but forgot all the particulars when a freind helped me set up my account. I didn't have anyone to ICQ to, being green on The Net. I could set up another ICQ thing, I'm sure.
Would it be possible to start up an ICQ type of Notebook, Jack? I mean on ICQ, not here? And then a secured place where we could access with our passwords to find out where everyone is right here on the site?
I talked to a friend who is an absolute whiz at 'inter-computer communications' and although he's been nagging me to 'get cracking on showing those pearls' he reminded me the only safe way of protecting one's work is by snail mailing it. Groan, did he really need to remind me of this? Yes, I think so.
Why? Because both U.S. and Canada Postal Services have stringent laws about snail mail and snooping.
Arggh! Sometimes I really wonder about my well-meaning friends. I open my oyster shell, and start working through the medium of email, I find a group of supportive fellow authors on the Net and then I get this nonsense about privacy not being private!
Did I mention this friend of mine works for the Government? Could be that's why he's so ... circumspect these days, eh?
It's a Teacher Professional Day at the kids' school today. We survived Parent-Teacher Interviews (somehow) and I'm off to try NOT to break my tailbone again on the slippery slopes of snow at a local man-made hill in the middle of a Park name (approporiately) Prairie Winds.
With the predicted windchill out there, I think I might have to join the kids on their whiz down and walk up the hill to sled with joy, or turn into an Oyster Popsicle!
Didn't that guy who discovered The North Pole (no, not Santa) say something about movement reducing freezing?
And Jerry, is there snow where you live now? I'm up for a Jerry Story ... they always inspire me! And you, like Snorli, Jerry, seem to be able to pull stories out of the air and make them readable. Snow, cold, frozen ... hint, hint?
Oyster 11-30-2001 11:38
I'm going to miss George. I'll say a prayer for him and his family. We all might?
This is back cover to my dating violence sweetie. I'm writing it myself. Please let me know if you like it.
Dating violence is one of the biggest problems facing our young girls today. These abusive partners come from all kinds of families; some you would never dream could produce such a person. There are many complex reasons why girls get caught in these webs of horror. The reasons they get caught, are later on dwarfed by the reasons they stay. After reading sweetie, every girl will understand with the clarity of a professional each and every bone of this skeleton.
Sweetie is unlike any other dating violence book. It doesn’t have useless testimonials, graphic details abuse or clinical references. It doesn’t need them and they don’t really work. You might be wondering what’s left, plenty! It’s the privilege of any girl reaching into the future and plucking out her own diary. That’s what this is. She would write what she learned, not references that had little or no effect. What she would write is, why is seemed to feel good at first, what made her stay, how she learned there was no romantic spin on jealousy, what it cost her staying too long and HOW she got free. That’s just to name a few of the things she would write.
Sweetie is guaranteed to cure every girl currently trapped in a dating violence relationship. It is also guaranteed to prevent every girl who reads it from in staying in one, by educating her on his signals. For every girl who reads this book today, every abusive partner will be out of business tomorrow.
Debra 11-30-2001 11:15
Anne of Green Gables was written by Lucy Maude Montgomery.
And I love 'Wrinkle in Time' and 'Where the Wild Things Are'. What great books! Which reminds me of 'All the Pretty Horses' - the kid's books not the adult one. And I can't believe I forgot Tolkien and 'Lord of the Rings'. (smacking myself in the forehead)
And here's another movie nomination: Rain Man.
Hey Rachel, do you know of anyone driving from the Okanagan to Vancouver on December 2,3 or 4th? I really really need a ride, so I'm asking Everyone.
I have a hard decision to make. One of my characters in 'Freeborn' has to die, and I don't know which one. I was hoping that events would choose for me, but they didn't and now I'm almost ready to draw straws. This is WAY tougher than I thought it'd be.
Blue Skies!
Tina 11-30-2001 10:31
Sad to hear about George Harrison... Very sad... Never been a beatles fan myself, but I know hes been an inspiration to so many people
taylor 11-30-2001 9:59
Sad news this morning, we have lost another Beatle, as George Harrison died of cancer.
Well we are off to marry off the kid, check back in late tonight.
I was however frightened last night when I could not connect to the notebook. That would be a fate worse then death!
Jerry 11-30-2001 9:31
HEATHER -- "A Wrinkle in Time" was written by Madelain L'Engle -- it's part of a trilogy - and one of my favorites!
howard 11-30-2001 8:31
Heather: Mary Ann L'Engles wrote a Wrinkle in Time? I can't remember exactly how to spell that name. I liked A Little Princess as a child because of the illustrations. I also have a book I love with a verse that goes:
Silver Hidden in the Gold
Young Man Hidden In the Old
Laughing Lord with Weeping Eyes
Bring King and Ring Before Sunrise.
That is the Great And Terrible Quest. Can't remember who it is by right off hand and since Hana is downstairs asleep in the chair by the bookshelf, I don't want to turn on the light and look.
Does everyone else have a bookcase in every room in the house or is it just that this house is so small I can't fit all the books in one room.
For my favorite learn to read crew of 5 year olds I love:
The Francis series: Bedtime for Francis (etc.)
Good Night Moon
Monster at the End of This Book (With Grover!)
These are the kind of books I think Mel can write.
I also love the Silver Chalice, and the Robe
Weird books, I have on my shelves desu neh.
In German I love the Lotta series:
Lotta konnen Fahrad learnen
Pippa Langstrumph series
Stumpt Peter
Die Kleine Hexchen
Illustrated Man is neat too, but I can't remember who wrote it right off hand. It's in our bedroom with my sleeping husband. Everyone is sleeping. Guess I should join them.
Carol: I'm glad you don't mind that time difference. It's great for me since my real day off is Friday. I don't get any time on weekends because I teach Monday and I have the family as well. I usually have to get everything ready from Saturday on because I drag it out. If I'd make a LIST and stick to it!!!!!
Today was really nice for me because of our writer's date. I hope it feels the same for you. I'm looking forward to hearing what happens in the story you gave me on Wed. I was kind of down so it acted as incentive to read it.
Allein: I hope you post your next chapter to me so I can pick it up tomorrow. Not sure if I get to go to Gotemba. I learned there were a few too many people for the bus. I have a handkerchief I borrowed from a very old missionary priest when I was on the train the other day. My nose wouldn't quit running so I borrowed his handkerchief. He's so old it worried me. I have to get that back to him. If I don't get to go to Gotemba I'll get on the train and head up to Fujisawa. It would bug me if I don't get it back to him. I asked his address and he drew me a map. He's a nice man. I wouldn't mind another chat with him if he has the time. Either way I could print and look it over on the way down. Fujisawa is a good long ride too.
Viv 11-30-2001 8:30
A list of my favourite books that I recall...
Pet Cemetary: Stephen King
Green Mile: Stephen King
Executive Orders: Tom Clancy(still reading it)
The Day the Earth Stood Still: Cant remember the name
The Twins Trilogy: Time of the Twins, War of the Twins and Test of the Twins adventure books based on D&D
On the other end of the scale...I think you need bad with the good:
Running Man: Stephen King
BioStrike: Tom Clancy
taylor 11-30-2001 5:27
Oh, no, here we go...
Mister God, This is Anna
by 'Finn' (no last name)
A beautiful little book, I'll dig it out of storage and read it, now that I thought of it! Anyone else read that one?
Heather 11-30-2001 4:25
*waggling hand in the air - teacher, teacher, I know! I know!*
Here's another great book: 'A Wrinkle In Time'
First person to name the author wins a prize!
Heather 11-30-2001 4:23
Ah, yes, it was Ken Kesey who wrote 'Cuckoo's Nest'.
Tip of my tongue is now being weighed down with all the authors' names hanging onto it. :-P
Heather 11-30-2001 4:21
Gariess, don't move: Here is a movie that MUST be on the 100 greatest films of all time...
--The Changeling
Now that was a creepster of a film if ever I saw one. From that ever-bouncing Indian Rubber ball, right down to the eerie music box tune.
Your post was brilliant. The Changeling deserves to be on your list for free, I think.
I'm also thinking that 'Gallipoli' was a really great little film. Add that one to the general compilation list.
I second your nomination of 'Willow', Tina!
(Crit on its way soon!)
Favourite books? Now there was a list around here somewhere. Oh, yeah! I left it on the forklift. :o)
Narnia Chronicles, specifically 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' (Lewis Caroll)
Stranger With My Face (read this as a teenager, no idea the author... ask me the storyline, it's a humdinger)
Jitterbug Perfume, Tom Robbins
Jonathon Livingston Seagull, Richard Bach
Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card (yes, it is on the way home soon, Christi!)
Jane Eyre, Emily Bronte
The Road Less Travelled, Dr. M Scott Peck, M.D.
The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand
Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand
It, Stephen King
Anne Of Green Gables (Author? Help!)
Breakfast of Champions, Kurt Vonnegut
Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Hellen Keller's biography - amazing book, can't recall what the heck the actual title was...
Illustrated Man, Ray Bradbury
Pigmalion, George Bernard Shaw
1984, George Orwell
Flowers For Algernon (author??? On tip of my tongue!)
Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East, Baird T. Spalding (all of the series)
Never Cry Wolf, Farley Mowat
Shane
The Chrysalids
Carrie, Stephen King
Catcher in the Rye
The Velveteen Rabbit
Where The Wild Things Are
Don Quixote, Cervantes
Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath
(I am really awful at remembering author's names if it's been a while since I've read the book...I'm also not going upstairs to look for the volumes, either!)
That's all that come to mind right now.
G'niiiiight,
Heather 11-30-2001 4:18
One other quick note. Sometime tomorrow, probably after Fran and I do a bit of diving, I will archive things since we are up to about 700 k.
Jack Beslanwitch 11-30-2001 2:26
I must thank everyone for the excellent recommendations to the top 100 movies. There are many of your nominees under consideration that I had not thought of. Please do not stop nominating films as you think of them. I intend for this to be a long and thoughtful process. My goal is that our list will surpass, in taste, the deplorable selections of the American Film Institute that was relased a couple of years ago. Of course the AFI is just a bitch of the Hollywood machine and their list was aimed at promoting video sales and rentals. We shall have an honest list, mainly because I cannot imagine any reason coming along to tempt me to corrupt it. Let's hope things remain that way. My integrity at this juncture is not for sale, but then no one has made me an offer yet.
The list will contain many of the AFI's choices but the placing will be different. The first film booted off the list will be Forest Gump so don't anyone bother to propose it. It was this selection that branded the AFI as being a whore of the industry. It was a popular current selection that needed a boost into profit territory at the time of AFI's publication of their list. Many a nose wrinkled when sniffing this amiable but otherwise non-noteworthy movie in the top 100 of all time.
Some contenders for the top ten of the 100 will be The Hustler, Treasure of the Sierra Madres, The Searchers, and others. I do not believe that the great biblical extravaganzas such as Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments will rate top ten status.
Genre classics such as The Maltese Falcon and High Noon will probably rank below top ten unless there are remarkable merits to consider, although I cannot think offhand what genre classic could have greater merits than the Maltese Falcon, and I will not find a top ten ranking for it. I know The Searchers is a western and so a genre classic, but it has otherwise remarkable merits, such as outstanding previsualization, a most remarkable use of the medium to tell the story. None-the-less do not hesitate to propose anything that comes to mind.
GS
gariess 11-30-2001 1:48
So much for not stopping in much. Damn this place is addictive!
I just wanted to share this eye candy with the girls. It's tasteful.
Heather, I'll look forward to the crit!
Christi, good for you!
The Next List Question:
Favourite novels? What would you put in the top 100? Could such a list ever be compiled? Probably not.
The entire Narnia series
Little Women
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
2001 A Space Odyssey
I Robot
Chrysalids
The Once and Future King
Where the Red Fern Grows
The Yearling
Never Cry Wolf
Anne of Green Gables
And many more I can't think of right now. Oh well.
I just read a great quote.
'They say that if God had meant for us to fly, he'd have given us wings.
I say that if God didn't mean for us to fly, he'd have given us roots.'
TTFN!
Tina Merry Christmas (for the girls)
11-30-2001 0:48
Americo and Rachel: In updating some of the listings on forwriters.com I added links in my listings for Shadows In A Dream directly to my personal web page and Allein's. Was wondering if you either of you had web pages I could link to. While I am at it I will link to you from Author Web Sites if you pass the URL's to me.
Jack Beslanwitch 11-30-2001 0:29
Greetings All :)
Jerry & Randall - thanks for the ghost stories! Jerry, your mention of the light on the hill reminded me that we do have a similar local legend about 20 miles away. I have yet to take the trip but I just may have to do so real soon. In this case, there is a light that swings back and forth. The alleged culprit, an old train conductor who died on the nearby tracks many, many years ago. I'm going to have to have the neighbor tell me the story again and go see them for myself.
Viv - that's a great idea for your daughter! I wonder how many more kids would benefit from such a simple idea rather than medication.
I see by your post that our time difference is going to be a minor factor in our buddy system. As I post this, it is still Thurs. night for me. Once I'm posted, its off to bed for me so I can get up bright and early, let the dogs out and settle in for a cup of coffee and an hour of writing. Knowing that you've already got your's written, means I have no excuse of any kind! hehehe I can't let my buddy down. And I won't -- twelve hours from now, I'll mail out whatever it is I've managed to produce.
Debra - "Sweetie" sounds interesting and I really admire your drive to get it published. Way to go!
Rosemary - I have Word 98 which will convert just about anything sent. Thanks so much! I'm really looking forward to your input.
Christi -- congrats on the outline!!
Gariess -- Two things for you dear man. 1: I'm really getting to like the Geezers. 2. One of the first posts I sent you was after your then/than, etc. I now find myself trying very hard to catch such common mistakes on a regular basis -- even in my journal. Thank you! In the past, I was worried about slowing up my creativity if I stopped at all to get every word properly written. Now I know it just isn't so. A short pause, an eye roll and I get the right word (well -- most of the time ). Now, with my luck, I'm sure you'll find plenty of mistakes in this posting. That'll be another lesson -- don't write when tired. hehehe
I'm off to bed .... Sweet dreams all!
Carol 11-29-2001 23:30
Gariess! I do not think of Geezers using the term 'meatball sub'. I would have thought they were more into 'Dagwoods'!
Hee hee
Heather 11-29-2001 21:47
For shorty night, another Geezer episode.
You must understand that the objectification of women is not a requirement for participation in the Geezers. It is just covertly encouraged by the membership, board members included… board members especially.
I had just made the meeting with no time to spare, going directly from my doctor’s appointment. At the table Tom said, "Gary, why is it you have all these doctor’s appointments?"
I said, "Well, Malarkeyass (his name is Malaquias)is a data junky, like a lot of doctor’s, and I seem to have all these chronic conditions that call for tests and medication adjustments. He has a closed practice, you know, and an overloaded patient base. The receptionist has a secret list of his more interesting patients and she refers to this list when someone calls for an unscheduled appointment. If you’re on the list, you get your appointment, if not, you pound sand."
Woody said, "You talking about that woman, that comedian?" Woody would have said, "comedienne" had he been familiar with the distinction.
"No, Woody," Tom said, "You’re thinking of Paula Poundstone. Gary said, ‘pound sand.’"
"Oh," Woody said with his tell-tale twinkle. I thought that was her name, ‘Poundsand, Paula Poundsand.’"
"Well, I think she is pounding sand right now," Brian said, and immediately cracked himself up.
"Pound STONE," Tom said in the tutorial posture that he takes toward Woody and Brian in such matters. A minor silence signaled that I should pick up the former train of thought, if I could get back on board. I remembered.
"Well," I said. "It’s just that he loves the numbers, Malarkeyass does. Just today, after adding another smooth muscle relaxer to my regimen two weeks ago, he exclaims, "Blood pressure one-eighteen over eighty-one. Perfecto! Perfectomundo, dude!" His face all lit up like a Nip lantern. (Success, and all it took was a year or so of juggling pills like a Ringling Brothers center ring headliner) You can tell he’s as happy as the proverbial pig. It’s part of what makes him the most sought after Medico in the neighborhood. The fact that I am putting in a second medicine cabinet is my problem, entirely. He loves to fix people, He gets my BP down to the index mark and you’d think he just scored a piece of Claudia Schiffer. Hey, you don’t suppose he sprung a woody, do you, Woody?" They snickered, politely. They’ve caught my act before.
"Naw," Woody replied. "Not Claudia Schiffer, those models are too skinny. Maybe Reese Witherspoon, that’s more my speed."
"You pervert," I said sternly. "You would do that sweet little, bubbly Reese Witherspoon? What a degenerate. You should do time just for saying that."
Woody looks at everyone with his impish grin. Sometimes Woody isn’t quite certain that someone isn’t more than just yanking his chain. "I didn’t say I would do her," he said sheepishly. "I just said she was more my speed."
The table broke out in derision. "Yeah, you wouldn’t do her, just like Gary wouldn’t do a meatball sub," somebody said amid the mock groaning and cavorting.
"Give us a break, you old goat," Brain reprimanded. Again Woody’s big Howdy Doody eyes darted all over the place with uncertainty.
The Chairman, Parker, rose up and said, "I, I, I, have to go pick up m m my daughter." Whenever he makes this kind of abrupt exit… which is often, the Chairman never stands on ceremony. He simply announces his departure and then executes it with no superfluous verbiage. We all know that Parker is rarely in the moment. There is no question that he does not listen to us. He merely takes comfort in the sound of our voices while he thinks his thoughts. It has often been suggested that Parker only comes "here" to go "there." Wherever "there" is, and whatever he does there is strictly between him and his god.
Upon Parker’s leaving, a couple of honorary attendees came in and the discussion took to meandering. These were Bobby Golden, a former night club singer and the Emcee he worked with for years, Ed Kane. These two have been kicking around together for years, now. No longer in, but not yet out… because there is but one way "out" of the nightclub inside once one has spent a lifetime in it. One simply dies one day.
We’ll have more on Geezers another time.
gariess 11-29-2001 21:32
Twice I've double posted. Sorry folks. Double sorry!
Carol: Did it. Not all that easy to get up and I wasted some time out on the back porch with the cat while the coffee brewed. It's now 10:00AM and I'm still in my pajamas. Still, this is MY DAY OFF (sorta') Got an appointment at 11:00 with the passport office to get my daughter's picture retaken. She had an ear showing or something and the picture was rejected. Maybe she just needs to drool more and have one nostril running. I could add some fake pimples with a red pen.
Got to run. Will send it before tomorrow. I'm glad I had an excuse to sit down and write and a person waiting. It helped a lot. I don't especially like the story because it's shallow but it's what I could come up with on the train. I like yours better. Still they are good ghosties. Heather....get prepared! We'll get these right!
Heather: I know just what you mean about the disappointment of missing your morning by being too tired. Thank you for taking the trouble to make sure I knew what was going wrong on my writing. I agree with you...repetitive use of a word AND NOW repetitive posting POSTING!!! (Oh please let this post only once!)
I think the problem is that I fall off line as I write and have to get back online to post
viv 11-29-2001 20:04
&Christi&
Hellewwwww ALL!!
I can't believe it, I've been writing up a storm and I've got a good outline for my VERY FIRST NOVEL! Huge thanks to the people who by their words or by their actions are responsible for getting my butt in gear, especially Mary, Teekay, Tina, Heather, and my sister, Wayshow!
Mary, You crack me up!
Heather, YOU crack me up! (HEEHEE! A handtowel??? Like ohmigosh!)
I'm sooooo sorry to be lagging on the critique, but it's coming, promise!
Tina, Teekay and I aren't exhanging pages or anything, but we do tell each other how our projects are coming along. You're welcome to join in, the more inspiration the better!
I'd love to see what you're up to.
And Teekay, YOU crack me up (well duh)! And you ARE a silly billy; of COURSE you're allowed to have a crummy day for the reasons you listed. Sometimes getting a rejection in the mailbox is that final straw to break the camel's ... er ... uh ... pelvis? I know it's terrible, but I was secretly jealous that your rejections never bothered you. Isn't that awful?
Oyster, Still lovin your posts!
I wish I had more time to say hi to everyone, but I've got to get back to my story! It's haunting me I tell you! I loved everyone's choices in movies, and I have to add in some that may have been missed:
Sense and Sensibility
Rebecca
Rear Window
Psycho
His Gal Friday (really all of Katherine Hepburn's movies)
A Christmas Story
Crossroads
Office Space
Nothing to Lose (yes, it's Martin Lawrence and Tim Robbins, and I didn't want to see it either, but anyone who doesn't pop a blood vessel while watching this movie doesn't have a pulse!)
What About Bob? and Groundhog Day
Willow
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Gone with the Wind
Ace Ventura, Pet Detective
Long Hot Summer
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Giant
The Abyss
Tremors (Give it a chance, guys! It's one of the funniest movies EVER MADE!)
Beaches
2001 and 2010
The Hobbit and Return of the King (The old animated versions)
Arsenic and Old Lace
Army of Darkness
and the more recent X-men (a guilty pleasure ... maybe it's just seeing Wolverine without his shirt on ... whoa and yowie! Rrrrrrrrrrr.)
That's it fer me!
Love to ya, guys and gals,
Peace out
Christi 11-29-2001 17:28
I almost forgot!
TINA - I printed out 'Daniel' and edited it 'by pen'. I will go into the attachment you sent and use my highlighting method soon, and send it back to you! I enjoyed it VERY MUCH!
Randall - halfway through your story!
Heather 11-29-2001 13:42
Mary! Hi back, sweetie!
I think the chatting every other day will work out, too. 7 am is fine with me, but if there's a better time for you, let me know. This morning I was a little late getting up for my morning writing session... pooooooh. I got in a little late from work last night and had a hard time making it to the stairs to go to bed! Slug city.
I slept like a zombie and didn't drag my carcass out of bed until 7:45. By that time, my daughter's alarm was going off, and it was time to start patrolling the kids!
"Okay, you go this way, get yourself dressed, you go that way, set out the cereal bowls! I'm going to stand right here until everybody's dressed and fed!" (Except me!) For some reason the second I close the bathroom door to shower, the kids think the ref has left the boxing ring. Hmmmm.
Not as if I can't HEAR them punching each other, I just won't always leave the hot water to separate them. I usually just yell that I know what they're up to, so they either separate on their own, or go to another part of the house to slug it out. There is no such wrath as that of a nearly-naked mother, dripping water all over and yelling her head off, chasing you around the house 'in' the first towel she could find - a hand towel. "There will be NO FIGHTING IN THIS HOUSE!" Luckily everyone ended up having a good laugh over the choice of towels. Might have been traumatic!
That was last month. So far I've been taking my showers before the kids are up... oh, I almost forgot what it was to have a shower in peace. *sigh!*
Debra - best of luck with your Sweetie books. Have you ever sent them off to a traditional publisher just to see if any were interested?
A publisher that publishes books on demand will likely need more of your money in order to advertize your book in a wide-spread form, which may include ads on the internet. Essentially, you'll have to sell a truckload of your books before your investment is worth it. If that's the way you want to go, all the power to you.
The book 'Shadows in a Dream' is a publish on demand title, so if I'm not quite accurate, they will better be able to tell you! (Rachel, Jack, Americo and Allein)
Heather 11-29-2001 13:38
Morning all,
Last night was the first freeze of the season for us. It actually snowed a little north of us. It's really very early, usually doesn't do this until January, if at all. Here, it dipped to about 28f. for around 5 hours and added rain. In South Texas, that closes down the city until 10:00am or later.
My sister drives an eighteen wheeler to Dallas on Wed. nights and usually she is home by about 4:00am. Today, she got home about 11:00am. She wouldn't even talk about the ice and scaryness. Just said she didn't crash and she was going to turn her phone off and go to bed. Has to drive to Houston tonight.
MEL,
The knees are doing better. They put me on Vioxx, I'm doing physical therapy and I put myself on a diet. In about a month, I've lost 18 lbs. I think that is helping as much as anything. I'm 5'10" and can (use to be able to) carry a lot of weight without noticing it. The stuff creeps up on you.
This Sat. I'm going to Austin with Mary Lou for a book signing in one of their libraries. I think it has to do with The Texas Coalition of Writers. (spelling prob. there?) Two adverse things about having your book published with PublishAmerica are 1. the books are poor quality. (she has already replaced one for a friend. The book literally fell apart.) and 2.the books are priced too high. ($21.95 posted on the back of a large size paperback.) I will say that PA agreed to replace the books if she will send them the cover of the damaged ones.
CAROL,
I'm working on it. Need to know what version of what wordprocessor you have unless you want the critique copied into e-mail.
Got to go now. Think I'm going to steam a cauliflower.
Bye
Rosemary 11-29-2001 13:08
*Tina*
It Snowed! Yay!
Mel, I saw Harry Potter on Tuesday, and loved it! Hermione all but stole the show, she was great. The only scene that even remotely disappointed me was the quidditch game. It was too computerised. But the rest... I just want to see it again! And I will when it comes to the second-run theatre. The funny thing was that we didn't go to a late show, it started at 7:30, and there were only a half-dozen kids in the theatre. The rest were adults, and we all left with smiles on our faces. I love that. Hope you enjoyed it Teekay!
Viv, that sounds like a wonderful thing to do. The bash, I mean.
Worst movies... The American Patient. Gorgeous. Payback. Highlander 2. Mom and Dad Save the World.
A few more for the Best list. Princess Bride. Forrest Gump. Good Morning Vietnam. Finding Forrester. Fried Green Tomatoes. Shawshank Redemption. Ferris Beuller.
Jack, I feel that the WB needs the password protection. It sounds like many publishers consider open posting on the internet to be 'pulication' unless it is not available for public viewing. I would not post any of my novel on a site without protection.
All you writing buddies, way to go! That's an awesome idea (she says jealously). Let us all know how it works out.
Time for work.
TTFN!
Tina 11-29-2001 11:11
Debra - I actually quit twice. Well I guess the truth be known I quit many times, but twice I quit long enough for the craving to subside. The first time was after I became disabled, and money was very tight, I gave them up and figured I had the addiction licked. I was off them for over six months, and at a point where it didn't even bother me to be among smokers. Well at least that was what I thought. Then the Bureau sent me to college, and nearly all my new classmates smoked. When we went on break, everyone headed out the door for a quick smoke. After about a month of breathing in all that second hand smoke, I just couldn't take it any more. I drove down to the Indian Reservation just south of where I was going to college and bought two cartons of Kools. The first few were just like starting smoking all over again, I had the cough, the light head and everything. After the first pack, it was just like old times, and I think I even smoked more. I kept smoking the whole two years in college, and about a month after. Then the money got shorter again, and I took a job at a company that didn't allow smoking on the premisis. That was enough for me to go through the withdrawal again. The second time was worse, but I think it was because I knew that I failed the first time. What really did it for me was the patch. They were still prescription then, and when I asked my Dr. for a script, the gave me the whole non smoking thing, then ended it with a statement "you know of course if you are using the patch, and smoke, it can cause a heart attack, it can kill you." Well my determination was reinforced with the fear of death, that was enough, I gave all my cigarettes away to a friend of mine, two cartons if I remember right, and haven't had a cigarette since.
It is worth it! You feel so much better, and when you are finally free, you have a new found respect for yourself, knowing that you have beat the tobaco companies, in their quest to keep you addicted.
The air in our house is so much fresher, our cars don't reak of cigarette smoke, even our little dog seems healthier. The windows in the car and house are easier to see through because there is no smoke film on them, and my breath is much nicer. I don't cough when I get winded. My tendency to get a cold in the fall and not get over it till summer is gone, in fact I can't recall the last bad cold I have had. I don't have to suffer the look of a lepor by people in cafes since I no longer have to sit in the "smoking" section. I know those are becoming a thing of the past in most cities, but here, there are no non-smoking sections, I guess we are to far in the sticks for that regulation to be enforced.
At any rate good luck with your mom, just let her know that after five years, the damage to the lungs seems to reverse, in fact after my last chest X-ray, my Dr. said that my lungs look normal, like a non-smoker. There just is no down side to quitting, and the up sides are so great that it would take an entire book to cover them all.
There's a thought for you next sweety book "Sweety Let Me Tell You About Smoking!"
Jerry 11-29-2001 11:11
Jerry:
I know what you mean. I've been trying to get my mother to quit since I was a little kid. I know the warm eyes that suddenly turn cold. I don't care. I'm still after her and will never give up. Thanks for telling me how long the cravings lasted. Maybe putting a number on it to look forward to will make it easier for her.
Howard:
I've never smoked in my life. Let me tell you it wasn't easy in high school. I took a lot of ribbing when I didn't want one. I can't tell you how much taking it paid off over the years.
Heather:
I didn't even notice that. haaaahaaaaahaa!
Teekay:
I've been a little busy signing a contract to publish my second sweetie. The title is "Sweetie how much should you give up to keeep that relationship, I can answer that!" Before you yell yiiipppeee it's another self publisher. But this one is different. They have a marketing department and a distributor. My first one had neither. The didn't get more than a few hundred dollars from me and they can't make money unless they sell my book. Also I'm writing the back cover and designing the cover myself. This was something I wanted to do. I was worried if I got a commercial publisher then I would lose control of all that. This way if it gets popular they have to leave it the way it is. I'll insist. I will get a quartly statement and check. I can use copies of either or both to send to agents. See I can end this contract at any time. I can still look for an agent just like I'm doing now. I'll just be making money while I'm looking. Don't be dissappointed with me. It's not a cop out. It's a new world out there for writers. Stephen King proved that. I'm not comparing my work to his, just the desire to get it done on my terms. Books are products. My first sweetie's contract will be up in May 2002. If nothing happens I will publish that one with them too. I already rewrote the whole thing. It's regular book length now. I will have a line of products when I'm through. I'll be making money and someday someone will notice. Someone will! My motto is sink or swim. I live it, when I'm not over tired. Heeeeheeee
Debra 11-29-2001 9:39
HEATHER: Hi Hon! I think that emailing our work every day and chatting every other is going to work out very well for us. I didn't realize that you had already sent me things or I would have sent mine as well. I will send mine today and we can chat tomorrow. Is there a time of day that is better for you? I have to re-install icq (mine won't load for some reason). As soon as I am up and running, I will email you.
I hope that once the Workbook is up and running that it is used a hundred times more than it was before. Sometimes you just don't know what you have until you don't have it anymore. Thanks Jack!
Mary 11-29-2001 9:32
Carol, got your story and like it. Read it during class and could stay with it despite distractions. That means it's pretty good. Looking forward to more. You are good!
Jerry, liked your ghost stories! Agree with you on Ritalin. There were several suggestions my youngest take it but I found out that she was enjoying long daydreams. Gave her a journal instead and taught her to write down what she "dreamed". I was rewarded by knowing we have gnomes in the trees around our house who have rich productive lives.
Heather, thanks for the e-mail. If you get in a jam, just send and I'll do my best.
Best movie for me: Man That Would Be King, Lillies of the Field, Space, Forrest Gump, Shrek, and for horror Silence of the Lambs (but not the sequel)
Now bed. You all write too well.
Viv again 11-29-2001 8:48
Carol, got your story and like it. Read it during class and could stay with it despite distractions. That means it's pretty good. Looking forward to more. You are good!
Jerry, liked your ghost stories! Agree with you on Ritalin. There were several suggestions my youngest take it but I found out that she was enjoying long daydreams. Gave her a journal instead and taught her to write down what she "dreamed". I was rewarded by knowing we have gnomes in the trees around our house who have rich productive lives.
Heather, thanks for the e-mail. If you get in a jam, just send and I'll do my best.
Best movie for me: Man That Would Be King, Lillies of the Field, Space, Forrest Gump, Shrek, and for horror Silence of the Lambs (but not the sequel)
Now bed. You all write too well.
Viv again 11-29-2001 8:48
*Mel*
Hi, everybody! :-) Just a quick note here as I need to get started at work...
VIV: Nighty-night!
TEEKAY: We saw the HARRY POTTER movie about a week ago. Tell me what you thought of it! I thought it well done, mostly; it stuck close to the book, although Hagrid's scene with the Dursleys was underplayed or shortened too much. To me, in the book that was a climactic moment in the beginning when Harry was told he was a wizard and that his relatives had kept it from him all his eleven years! The movie didn't do that scene justice. The rest was a fan's visual feast, moving castle staircases, Quidditch in the air, roving ghosts, the Mirror of Erised,etc. :-) I better stop!
HOWARD, how's the shoulder?
ROSEMARY, how's the knee?
I hope all you WRITING BUDDIES keep the rest of us updated here with your buddy endeavors. It's very inspiring! :-)
You-all have a writing feast today, or at least a word-fest! Write fast, write well, or write sloppy and fix it later! heh heh (my middle name is: fix it later. hoo boy!)
Mel 11-29-2001 8:45
Carol:
I didn't forget. See you Friday American time. I'm getting up at 4:00 AM Friday Japan time to see if I can rough out the idea I got on the train. Think it's all there if I can get it down on the page. Sat. we have to get up and on a bus for the annual Christmas bash with the folks with leprosy. (Sounds weird but it's a little party where you take some gifts and a lunch to share) Kind of hard to explain, but I'll have to get up early to fry some chicken and make rice.
I'm calling this a day! Want to get UP tomorrow, not lie there like a dead fish.
Viv 11-29-2001 8:27
Randall
Hi! Speaking of ghost stories. Ever hear of the Marfa Lights? Marfa, Texas is a small town in southwest Texas. I have copied this from a web site and given credit to the writer. It has been featured on numerous TV programs and countless magazine articles. A friend once went down there to see them. He came back convienced. I've never been there, perhaps some day.
The Marfa Lights
"by Cary Darling"
Editor, Strange Texas News
MARFA - The West Texas lights have been attributed to anything and everything, from swamp gas to static electricity, from St. Elmo's fire to rabbits with phosphorescent minerals on their tails running around.
One theory is that the lights are an atmospheric phenomenon much like a mirage, which under certain atmospheric conditions can cause lights from starts just over the horizon to bend backward towards earth, and cause it to appear to move around and change shape color and intensity. However, the orbs have appeared in a variety of atmospheric conditions, which would seem to dispute this theory.
Another theory involves seismic activity, which the are surrounding the region is considered to be geologically unstable. The faults in the earth's crusts shift during tremors and earthquakes and the lights could be the result of static electricity being discharged due to the friction as rock is moved against rock underground. This theory would seem simple enough to prove or disprove, by noting the times of sightings of the orbs and comparing them with recorded seismic data for that region at the nearest geological center.
Whatever the cause may be, thousands of visitors continue to flock to Marfa every year in hopes of sighting an orb, and thousands of visitors every year return home happy with an unbelievable tale to tell.
But the area just 10 miles east of Marfa, Texas has an allure unlike most places on earth.
Marfa, Texas is a small town with a population just over 2,000, and the area 10 miles east of town near the base of the Chianti Mountains is the hot spot for the phenomenon known as the "Marfa Lights"
The "ghost lights" as they are referred to, by a Texas historical road marker posted on U.S. Hwy 90 have appeared in various sizes and colors almost nightly beginning at dusk for well over 100 years now.
The first reported sighting was in 1883 by rancher Robert Ellison, and the sightings have continued non-stop since. What was once local lore has now peaked the curiosity of millions worldwide.
The orbs appear at dusk on the horizon. The red, blue or green lights dance around in the night and at times split into two separate entities. Efforts to get near them have failed and left those who have tried feeling as though the orbs were toying with them.
The closest report is that of geologist Pat Kenney who was in the area in search of uranium deposits. He is to have claimed to coming within 25 yards of an orb and says now, "finally, after some 15 years of studying the lights and searching for their source, I kind of adopted the local 'let 'em be' philosophy, and quit looking so hard."
Please visit Cary Darlings web site for more info on the Marfa Lights.
Good night
Randall
Randall 11-28-2001 23:33
Jack - I really don't know a damn thing about password protection of web sites, but I found this page that talks about it. I don't know if it will be of any use what so ever, but I will post it and you can look at it if you have time. You probably know a bunch more about it then the guy that wrote the page, I don't know. Just a suggestion.
Jerry Password protection site
11-28-2001 23:12
Forgot to mention, that farm where we moved when I was young, belonged to an old man who lived in town. His son and family were the last to live there, and several years before we moved to it, their four year old daughter was out playing by the well when the family dog, a large German Shepard/wolf cross went a bit mad and chewed out her throat. She died on the table in front of that very window, as her parents were trying to stop the bleeding. We only learned of that after we moved. Seems his son refused to stay in the house one day after the child was killed, and the house sat empty until we moved to it. It has sat empty ever since. Last summer, I drove out to that farm, it is now abandoned, and even the road has been left to the elements, it would be impassable with a car, and I was having second thoughts driving down it with my full sized four wheel drive pickup. At any rate, every building on the place is gone. Even the huge stand of cottonwood trees that blocked the wind west of the house now look like a pile of Lincoln logs dumped by some giant child in a fit of rage. You see there was this wind storm several years ago, with straight line winds of over a hundred miles per hour that hit that area and blew everything not tied down away. I still got a chill down my spine as I drove up the driveway, but all that remained was a bit of wood, and the hole where the basement used to be, even that was nearly filled in by the sands of time.
Jerry 11-28-2001 22:29
Forgot to comment on worst movie, it has to be an old drive in show called "Birds Do It, Bees Do It" The previews said it was a love story beyond any other. So we had to come see it when it came a few weeks after the pre-view. It turned out to be a documentry on the sex lives of animals, interspaced with brief comentary by some fellow with a heavy German accent.
The below story is true, I just forgot to put any introduction to it. I must be getting old. I just put it up as a response to Carol who has never seen a ghost.
Jerry 11-28-2001 22:07
Three ghosts I have known.
The first ghost I ever saw revealed itself to me when I was very young. While I don’t remember which birthday had been my last, I assure you it was long before I was privileged to wear long pants, probably around five or six years old.
It had been a long day for me, as I recall it was about mid summer, dad had finished planting his crops, and was now spraying to kill hoppers or maybe it was an herbicide, I never knew which, and for these purposes it makes no difference whatsoever.
At any rate, I remember being very tired, mom had cloths on the line, and dad had imbibed a bit too much, as was his practice. I recall mom scolding my father, as we had been sitting on the front porch, dad and I, and father was showing me his wonderful ability to shoot a hand gun by shooting the cloths pins off the cloths line. Mom was furious because cloths pins cost money, and by God, she would have to re-wash dad’s pants as they fell off the line as dad’s little .22 pistol bullets shattered the wooden pins.
As the sun sank slowly into the west, and darkness encroached upon us, dad decided that tonight would be a wonderful time for a bond fire, besides he had some old truck tires by the garage that were doing nothing but taking up space, and they were in the way. Besides, it was hot in the house, and the mosquitoes were getting thick, and bothering the hell out of all of us.
Dad sent my two older sisters to the garage to roll those tires up, while he went in the house to find the coal oil to use for igniting those tires. I sat on the old railroad tie that was our front step alone. The sun was gone now, and there I sat, I could hear my sisters giggling at the tires, as they bounced over rocks in the yard, and went very where except where the girls were pushing them.
I could hear mom giving dad hell about the cloths pins, as he was hitting the bottle for another swig before burning the tires. It was then that I spotted the spirit, or maybe it was swamp gas, as some have suggested, but the nearest swamp was hundreds of miles south of where we sat. None-the-less, there it was, floating atop the small ridge that ran behind the house, a light, not very bright but in the darkness that falls upon the farms and farmers so far from cities, and city lights, any light shows for miles. This light though, could only have been atop that ridge, as there was nothing beyond for nearly thirty miles except that small cemetery that lay just beyond that hill.
I called to dad, and he came, he always came when I called, no matter his condition, and I loved him for that. When he got there, I could smell the whiskey on his breath, but he was concerned, and asked me what was the matter, “Look!” I cried, and pointed to that light, swinging back and forth, much like a railroad conductor beside a moving freight train with his signal lantern, swinging it back and forth, signaling the engineer.
“Oh, you got to see it, it has always been there, but only appears on special nights like this one.” My father told me, “They are the will-o’the-wisp light; at least that was what my dad called them when I asked him about them. Nothing to worry about, it is probably the spirit of a lost Indian buck looking for his squaw, and nothing more.”
About that time, the girls got there with their tires, and the bond fire was lit, with the fire, the lights disappeared. I got to see them many times after that, they were always the same, always going the same direction, and I had to wonder, was it swamp gas, where there was no swamp, or perhaps a lonely spirit from the graveyard that lay below that hill, or maybe that lone Indian Buck looking for his Squaw.
No matter, I was happy when dad put the farm into the soil bank, an early farm plan where the Federal government paid farmers not to plant their land, but to let it grow up to weeds, and we moved to a rental farm so dad could have land to work, and pasture for his cattle. I was so excited about the move; I must have been ten when we made that move. Dad and I hauled the first load of furniture to the new farm house, just ten miles from the old, and once there, we lay out a mattress and bedded down for the night. Since it was cold, and the only stove in the house was the kitchen cook stove, we lay the mattress near the stove in the kitchen.
It was a fall night, I can remember that, and I had to start the new school soon after the move. At any rate, as I lay there to excited to sleep, I saw it. Floating before the window that looked off to the east, a shadow in the full moon, translucent, almost glowing in intensity, the body of a small child standing, floating nearly four feet above the floor. I lay there amazed at what I was seeing, the figure just floated there, moving it’s head back and fort, back and forth as if saying yes. I must have watched it for five minutes, transfixed on that figure, when it dawned on me to be frightened. It hit me like a bucket of cold water, this might be a ghost. I shook dad, his snoring stopped for a second, and I thought I had awakened him, but then started again with a gasp. Maybe it was the loud snore that followed, it was loud enough to shake the glass in the window, that scared the ghost away, but it disappeared. I lay there for a long time, maybe an hour, maybe two, I did not know, watching for it to come back, it never did.
The next morning, I told dad about the ghost, but he just laughed and told me that my imagination was running away with me. All while we lived there, the ghost never appeared to me again, but after we moved from that house, I learned that one of our aunt’s saw it, while she was staying with us to baby sit, while the folks went to town. She gathered up her three girls jumped in her old ’57 Plymouth, and was gone just seconds after seeing the spirit. One night when my parents came home from town, accompanied by one of my uncles, as they sat out in the car taking a last pull on the whiskey bottle they saw it. It was in the same window that I had sighted it, doing the same thing. It so frightened my uncle that he quit drinking completely that day, and never took another drink until he died sober many years later.
Several years after we left that old farm, when I was young and full of piss and vinegar, I took my girlfriend and another couple out there, looking for the ghost. I can’t be sure that they weren’t lying, but the girls swore they saw it, in fact they were so frightened they just couldn’t let go of us until we left that place.
My next visitation took place many years later while I was working on the Police Department of a small North Dakota town. At the time, the Department worked under the direction of the local Sheriff, who’s office was also in the town.
Late one night, another officer was taking his friend home, after a rousting game of Doom on his home computer. As they drove down the highway, they spotted a fire off on a small gravel road. Ever the cop, he had to investigate, and when they arrived at the fire, they found it to be a car, sitting just over a railroad crossing. The fire was so hot that they could not approach the car, but the officer stayed with it, trying to no avail to douse the flames with handfuls of dirt, while his friend rushed over to the local airport just down the road and called in the fire. When the Firemen arrived and put out the fire, they found the remains of a local lady in the car. Well they couldn’t tell for sure who it was, but they knew who drove the car, and what was left of the body appeared to be female, so everyone thought it was her, and in the long run, it was. There is no reason to say her name and I shan’t to spare the family any further grief, but suffice to say, she was a nice lady, and we all knew her. She worked at the local liquor store, and had worked with my wife at the Nursing Home before moving on the sales job.
To make a long story a bit less long, suffice to say, the drunk who was at that time the Sheriff, arrived and botched the investigation so badly that any evidence that could have been garnered from the scene was lost. This turned out to be a murder, but he Sheriff ruled it to be an accident. It got blown way out of proportion, when Unsolved Mysteries heard of the case, and spotlighted it and our fine town on national television. It cost the Sheriff his job, and gained me my position as the Chief of Police with that department. But that is not important, what is important is what happened a couple of months after the incident.
It was around midnight on a late fall night, there was a full moon that shined so brightly that it almost looked like daylight when you got out away from the city lights. The location of that accident was within the patrol boundaries of our department because of its close location to the cemetery, and golf club that ran beside the grave yard. As I drove down that road on patrol, I saw it. It was her, I knew her well. She was standing by the railroad crossing as I approached. She appeared to be made of fog, almost as you could sort of see through her, yet her shape was there, in fact I recognized her face from the many times I stood in the liquor store visiting with her about her boys, both of whom were friends of my son’s. As I got closer she began to run. Well it wasn’t actually running, it was sort of floating, as I couldn’t see her legs moving, yet her speed was that of a runner. She went down that road for about a quarter mile, and then turned into the gate of the graveyard. I had the window open, as I usually did on patrol, to try and hear anything that might be important to my job, and as she turned that turn, I heard the unmistakable sound of a woman’s scream, she screamed “NOOOOO” I gunned the car, and turned into the graveyard, just in time to see her run up to a grave and disappear. I had to know whose grave it was, so I drove down to the spot, and got out of the car. With my flashlight, I read the name on the headstone. It was hers.
I never figured out what she tried to tell me that night, and her murder goes unsolved to this very day. I always had a suspect in mind, but I best not go into it, as there is no evidence pointing that way.
Jerry 11-28-2001 22:03
**Teekay**
Hi All,
Oh Lordy me! I re-read my miserable day post and what a whinger I am. MARY's cat had it much worse than I :-D
Actually, I'm thinking my life must be pretty darn good if little things like that put me into a swizzle.
Homones, I'm blaming my hormones :-D
TAYLOR: Worst movie? It's gotta be 'A beautiful Life'.
HEATHER: Thankyou. That is soooo sweet of you.
RHODA: Forgot to say in my earlier post that I enjoyed your post re: freedom :-)
DEBRA: I've been thinking about you, wondering where you'd gotten to, what you were up to. Glad to see you again :-)
JERRY: Congratulations on giving up. I read in the paper the other day, that they're looking at putting pictures of diseased lungs and clogged up arteries on the packets to try and shock people out of smoking. I think the price of a packet after they put these pictures on might be pretty well a shock tactic in itself :-)
JACK: Gee, I don't have any suggestions, because I know little (read-nothing)about what's available re: formatting thingy stuff.
I'd like it to be password protected though.
Gotta go,
today we plan to see the Harry Potter movie. I'm as excited as a little kid.
Popcorn, and chips and coke......*sigh*
And I've said it before, and I'll say it again, because I think it sounds pretty cool , and because I can't right at this moment think of anything more original:
May your quills never blunt, nor your inkpots run dry.
Teekay 11-28-2001 18:48
Oyster - The digital camera was a xmas gift from my son two years ago, so we could do video visiting on the web. The DVD drive I bought when I spilled a glass of water on my computer and blew the cd drive. I found it cost the same as a CD drive, as it was on sale for $32.00. Now who could resist a bargain like that? The rest of my toys have come from selling stuff on Ebay and using that money to buy the stuff I need to make my computers, so the cost is minimal (at least that's what I tell the wife).
If you are careful, you can build a fairly nice computer for not much change. I started it all by selling my two old computers to my sister and her daughter, then used that money to build up the rest of the systems that I have now. It was a long draw out thing, and through it all, I learned many valuable computer lessons. I also learned how to fix computers, so not all is wasted.
Jerry 11-28-2001 18:00
Greetings All :)
Mary - poor kitty cat! LOL I'll have to remember that torch trick though. Never can tell when things will break down and emergency methods are needed.
Jerry - While I've yet to meet a ghost, I know I wouldn't mind talking to some of them. Especially any of my grandparents. :)
Heather - should be sending you an email tomorrow. Not long to wait now ... . How are the mints holding out?
Started taking another look at Grandma Ghost today, keeping some of Teekay's comments in mind. I'm very, very glad to have found this site and the wonderful people who live here. {{All}}
Carol 11-28-2001 17:57
Afternoon all,
JACK,
Would it work to put the new workbook at an obscure address and only give it (the address) by e-mail to members who request it? No links anywhere. If not too much trouble, keep a list of who has the address? I'm not sure exactly how these things work and that may be a silly suggestion. :-P If so, sorry.
Rosemary 11-28-2001 17:41
Heather: Just getting a bit swamped with the holidays. Yes, I could put up another version of the tdforum. The problem is getting the password protection working. I am actually considering using something different on a IIS server and am still exploring that.
OK, question: if I create another straight forum for posting of material without the password protection, it leaves it out there for everybody to see. I think what we really want is some way to password protect and keep this private. Until I have time to work out the strictures of things since halcyon went out of business, what are your suggestions?
Jack Beslanwitch 11-28-2001 17:13
Mary Your "Torch Story" was so hilarious I've been smiling big since reading it. First the Lasagne, then the cat, good that the cat is now wary of 'hot things'. I saw all those pretty things on your website and want several, but alas, the Tree Bill caught up with us. No pearls for the Oyster for a while, methinks.
Rhoda Excellent post. I read it twice and was pleased.
Teekay What a day you had. Hope today is better for you. Many a day like that have passed for me, and there have been times when my kids' 'hissy fits' are so large and huge, there isn't room for one of mine!
Jerry I am NOT letting the Spouse or the Son anywhere near this page. Not after your description of all those toys! DVD's, digital camera ... I'm sure you earned them and probably paid for them with all the money you saved 'not smoking'.
And Jerry, thanks for the description of a brilliant writer who got 'in trouble' and would, but for the fact the label factory wasn't open, probably been diagnosed with one of the alpahbet disorders. And new ones every day, folks!
A title flashed through my head as I read your post. "Writers on Ritalin" Can you tell I'm a sucker for alliteration?
Okay, I'll admit it, I've 'seen' or 'felt' ghosts too. Our local historical park, Hertiage Park, has a few 'spirits'. One day this summer Son and I went into a house and despite the fact there was no one in there but us and some very unlife-like manniquins, we both got spooked. Found out later that the blanket on the lap of one of the inimate models was reputed to be 'haunted'. We've been in the house since the blanket was removed and no 'spookies'.
I read "Ghosts of Alberta" by local Ghost Investigator Barbara (oh why can't I remember her last name?)and heard her on the CBC. For a skeptic, Barb sure spins a good tale or several!
Hmmm, I never really thought of writing ghost stories, but now with all this talk of Grandma's Ghost, I could go hide in my basement office and scare myself sillier by writing one than I did watching Blair Witch Project. No, that wouldn't be a favourite movie.
I finally watched "It's a Beautiful Life" after a friend nagged me to. Since seeing documentaries and interviewing holocaust survivors some time ago, I've deliberately stayed away from movies about 'the camps'. I refused to see 'Schindler's List', too.
But I sat through Beautiful Life and found it ... watchable. I was able to discuss it rather detachedly (is that a word? if not it is now) with my friend, who adored the movie.
My gentle reader finally (after some fancy computer work) is going to highlight my prose in colours! How about that! ROTFLMBO (Rolling on the Floor Laughing My Butt Off)imagining what my story will look like when he gets finished with it!
Speaking of which, once upon a, (oh, back in the 70's) when it was discovered that poly-chromatic print was possible, a publisher printed a graduated series of books in polychromatic text. The whole series cost my gal-pal, who was teaching Grade 3 at the time over $500.00. These books used different colours for words and phonics to help kids 'decipher' the english language.
I won't go into the whole project that followed, but I did write several 'ghost stories' for gal-pal's class and coloured them with felt pens. The stories were a big hit as 'reading privilege' for after they did their regular reading, and I wondered.
So, when my daughter's best friend was struggling with reading but was proficient at pronouncing big words and verbally doing a whole lot of stuff that indicated she was bright and willing to learn, I tried an experiment.
Might work for you, there Rhoda.
I had my young friend 'dictate' a short prayer (one they were doing for school) to me and I typed it on to the screen. I then showed her how to 'colour' those words using the mouse to block 'em and the font colour option to colour them one word at time. Not only did it keep her busy and amused for about 20 minutes, she learned the prayer and so did Daughter!
Polychromatic text rocks for some people, but it hurts my eyes and head. Could this be because some of us are more colour sensitive and NEED colour to inspire us?
Now see what you've done, folks? You've jogged my long term memories with all your great stories. Now if I can only remember what else I was supposed to do today ... I'd be laughing!
Oyster 11-28-2001 13:03
that's right lung not long
howard 11-28-2001 11:29
DEBRA - There are many reasons to stop smoking. I quit the morning the surgeon removed a lung-sized tumor from my right long. Three months later he removed a fist-sized tumor from my left lung. That was in July and October of 1982. I went from 118 pounds on July 31,1982 to 215 pounds in the fall of 1983! The scars from those surgeries have scared more than one person into quitting.
Least favorite movies? I tend to forget most of them, but a few that come to mind are
On Golden Pond (just didn't care for it)
Bonfire of the Vanites (ditto)
Best in Show (what a dog!)
Blood Beach (total waste)
and a bunch more
Back on the favorites side -
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon
On The Beach
The Quiet Man
Citizen Kane (of course)
The Sand Pebbles
Short Circuit
The Birds
Ghost Busters
Hamlet (Mel Gibson)
Tom Jones
The Graduate
The Rain Man
Midnight Cowboy
Philadelphia Story
Superman
The Amityville Horror
...
Howard 11-28-2001 11:27
Debra - The reasons I quit smoking were many, but taste was not one of them, even those low tar menthol smokes tasted fairly good. No I quit because I coughed all the time, I wheezed when I over exerted, and the cost was outrageous, especially when money was so tight. It came down to a choice of smoking or taking the medication that keeps my blood pressure down, that medication that keeps my heart beating in rhythm, and the other fifteen bottles that I have to open every morning. I guess I quit because I want to live longer.
Funny how x-smokers are the ones who complain the most about others smoking. I try to avoid that, I try not to comment on that horrid smell that hangs on their cloths, in their hair, on their very skin. I do mention to my sister from time to time, that while it was hell to quit smoking how much better I feel now. The problem is, even that, comment touches her off, and she is mad all day.
I remember being that way, I recall the days if anyone, anyone at all mentioned my smoking I would go off the deep end, so I guess I can't blame her.
Too bad though, she doesn't make much money, never has, yet she spends so much money on those dang cancer sticks. Like myself, she coughs all the time, and I suspect she wheezes when she exerts herself. The problem is though, she will only quit when she makes up her mind to, and like any other addiction, it is very hard to go through that withdrawal, and it lasts for so very long, the longing for another cigarette stayed with me for over a year, and at times it sneaks up behind me and hits me over the head, but I resist, and hope that I never again light up on of those deadly things.
On a completely different topic, I was shocked this morning to hear that the US Senate is starting hearings about the Justice Department holding those aliens who have violated their stay period, or their visa stipulations. The hearings are because the Attorney General refuses to release a list of names of those held. Now it appears to me that releasing those names to congress will be the same as releasing those names to Bin Laudin, as most of those idiots who work at the capitol in the Senate side will release that list as soon as they get it so they can get their picture on television again.
I have written my senator to protest.
Enough ranting and raving, I hope everyone is well, and writing to their heart's content.
WRITE ON!
Jerry 11-28-2001 10:56
Debra, your head is peaked? Interesting.
Heather 11-28-2001 9:04
Jack - Is there any way you can put the workbook back up just the way it was? (without the 'tree format') Would that work, or has something else changed, so that you can't go back to the way it was, and are having a time of making it go the 'new way'? I think everyone's anxious to have the pass protected area, whether it be in the old format or not.
:o) Good day to all!
Heather 11-28-2001 9:03
Jerry:
I just peaked my head in for a sec.
I'm thinking that if you were enjoying the full flavor of those other smokes for the past fifteen years, maybe you still would be.
So you can think of it that way. It took fifteen years for you to retrain your brain to think they were nasty.
Fear not my friend. You're off them for a reason, and I think it's because you couldn't stand the taste of the low tar.
Debra 11-28-2001 7:59
echo echo
11-28-2001 7:50
Oh, no - I forgot these screen gems:
Monty Python's:
Life of Brian
The Meaning of Life
Quest for the Holy Grail
Jabberwocky
uh, I'm sure there were more...
And how about Steve Martin's 'The Jerk'?
And a few more...
The Naked Gun
Airplane
Police Academy (only the first one)
Mannequin
Splash
It Could Happen To You
Wild at Heart
The Goonies
The Lost Boys
Pink Floyd (The Wall)
Heavy Metal (cartoon)
Das Boot
So I Married an Axe-Murderer
Legend
Rob Roy (someone mentioned this one, loved it!)
Running Man
Terminator II
Rocky (first one)
Timecop
Bloodsport
Overload, warning, warning...
Heather 11-28-2001 7:22
Mary - sent you the short story I finished this morning!
I like the emailing what we've written each day (even if it's not much) and then chatting on icq to discuss our work.
I think every other day during the week is great for the chatting - I don't know how lively I'd be on an 'every day' schedule... but I can manage 'every other'! :o>
(Oh, I've sent you an authorization request on icq, too!)
Carol - THANKS! Awaiting the crit with bated breath, thank Heaven for wintergreen gum!
TEEKAY! Sweet mother of...! What a day you've had. I'll trade you my Griswold adventures from work a few Sundays back for your yucky day. Wait, maybe I'll do you a favour and keep it. :o)
Maybe this news will cheer you up: I've made you two CD's!
Sending them soon, too.
To all of you who have a book being held captive on my shelves, they shall all be sent back for Christmas! I know, I'm sooooo cheap :oD
Rhoda - still so glad you decided against Ritalin for your son. GREAT CHOICE.
Jerry - Ritalin's been around since the 40's, which I recently found out from Carol! Pretty cool, having her critique my novel - she's got the research bug!
THANKS AGAIN, CAROL! :->
I don't think the list of favourite movies will ever be as short as 100, Gariess, if you've been compiling our lists!
Too many movies!
I too, enjoyed 'Legends of the Fall'. Might have had to do with Brad Pitt and Anthony Quinn. *blush*
Heather 11-28-2001 7:12
How could I leave out "The Green Mile" from my list?
How about the other side of the scale? Whats your least favourite movie.
Mine has to be "Barracuda" Found it so boring I fell asleep during it twice, and missed the ending on both occasions.
After that, I didn't bother with it again.
taylor 11-28-2001 3:56
Anyone mention "Shawshank Redemption" yet? Another great character movie.
Mary 11-28-2001 1:39
I caught the cat on fire today. She jumped up on my work table while I was soldering some wire and flipped her tail into my blow-torch flame. Nothing smells worse than burnt hair. Ok, almost nothing. Cat is fine, just wary of my torch now. Come to think of it, most people are wary of my torch. Especially my husband since he caught me browning the cheese on the lasagna with it. (My broiler broke and I was trying to hurry it along...deadlines you know.)
I can't make a list of favorite movies because I love all movies. Even really bad ones. I can say, though, that good, stong characters are more important to me in a movie than the storyline. Not that plot isn't important, but the characters are what does it for me.
(Legends of the Fall was excellent that way.)
I like Shrek quite a bit.
Took both of my kids to the doctor today. They have a cough I don't like. Turns out that Jake has Croup and Trachial Bronchitis; Faith has Trachial Bronchitis and Pink
