This just in: Cats are EVIL! According to a rescent BBC news story, researchers at the University of Sussex have made new discoveries regarding the multitude of methods by which cats manipulate humans. For more on this story, see here.

This is not in reference to a certain manipulator in my household that likes to nibble on me while I try to sleep...

In my quest to improve myself as a woman, I watch and listen a lot; analysing the most intricate details of what they do. One thing that has just occured to me is that, for the most part, women in groups use Full Duplex communication, while men seem incapable of it. I do hope that with time I can train myself to follow what women do in that regard.

When I was being used and abused, you were there to help
When I was lonely, you were there to keep me company
When I needed a laugh, you were there to tell me a joke
When I needed to cry, you were there with a shoulder to lend
When I was feeling depressed, you were there to cheer me up
When I needed a hug, you were there with your arms open wide
When I was suicidal, you were there to keep me alive
And while I’m all of this, you are always there

I spoke with Angharad on the ’phone a short time ago and she asked me to say that there wouldn't be a “Bikesode” tonight, because she was feeling very tired and was going straight to bed. She sends her apologies and hopes you can wait until tomorrow.

I must say she did sound very weary and not her usual cheerful self, so I am sure a good night’s rest will do her a power of good.

Hugs,

Gabi

Actively chatting at Stardust/BC Main chat room now about Day of Remeberance and related stuff and just saying hi as well.

Got to go. See yah maybe?

john in Wauwatosa

It seems as though, all of a sudden, Haikus have reappeared on the scene.

Apparently the new EU President (and Belgian PM), Herman Van Rompuy, writes them as a hobby - mainly in his native Flemish.
He even publishes them on his official website: http://hermanvanrompuy.typepad.com/haiku/
This translation of one is the most frequently quoted in media reports:

Hair
Hair blows in the wind
After years there is still wind
Sadly no more hair.

My daughter sent me a link for this wonderful website with a handful of cartoons featuring the hapless Simon and his monstrous cat. Do have a look, they are really funny and will strike a note with cat owners.

http://www.simonscat.com/films.html

Angharad.

As I'm sure everyone is aware, Friday, November 20th is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The TSSD Chat room is open and if you want to drop by between the hours of 6PM and Midnight Eastern Time, I can promise you there will be someone there. There's no format planned, but please if you can drop in and say hello. The link to the chat room can be found at the top of the front page here and at Stardust.

After a long absence while it was being polished and updated I have now brought back Rebekkah DeMere's long and wonderful masterpiece, "The Eight Dragon's Trilogy" with new illustrations and easy reading online of the complete books as well as text versions for easy download to handheld devices or just those that prefer the simple text without all the graphics. Below is one of the cover's and intro by your's truly to give you a little taste of this fascinating tale for either you first time readers or simply those who want to go back and reread this excellent adventure.

Okay, faux pas over, I really have the edited article now and will be posting it later this afternoon.

Next time I won't make an announcement until I know.

Or maybe I won't make one at all...

...Maybe I'll just post it.

So there.