See Bob's blog on Stardust: New Sci-Fi/Magic Site?.

Hugs,
Erin

For those of you who were and possibly still are firefly fans, Josh Whedon's new series starring Eliza Dushku has I think, now got just as many fans and is receiving a similar cult status.

Readallaboutit here

For those who are interested, I have another chapter of Bonkers (Totally Insane) in production and which I hope to post during the weekend.

For those who aren't interested :p

I see that Femskin are now selling a Padded Girdle which appears virtually identical to the fictional Hiplet used in many of my stories. Only Sensotouch is missing. At around US$1000, it's not cheap, but then, neither are my Hiplets.

Does anyone have experience with Femskin products? They do appear fantastic, but they're certainly not cheap and I've not heard reviews from more than an occasional user (who could be a company plant!). For such expensive products, I'd expect the website to impress, but it doesn't make me feel over confident that the end products will match their billing.

For quite a while, Real Life, in the form of time spent looking for work, and a few other things, got in the way of archiving EAFOAB.

I'm no longer looking for work, but the new job came with a relatively long commute, so my time is still at a premium. I would like to spend it on other stuff, and limit my time at BCTS to reading and editing.

PS, in New Zealand has been, with my thanks, collecting everything from 650 on, in the usual 50 chapter blocks.

I came across this article and was very disturbed by what they're suggesting. Does it sound as bad as I think it does?

Saless

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful comments. I am not really a writer. I have not written anything except reports and scientific papers since I was in junior high school and I am 62 years old. It has been very emotional reliving these events in my life. Yes, all events that will be depicted in this series did happen to me. I may embelish some what here and there due to a weak memory or to make it a better read. I hope to put a chapter on a week but, since I have never done this before, I can not guarantee it.
Hilltopper

It would be interesting to see an Exell style graphic representation of the stories on BCTS. It would not need to mention names or titles, but it would be interesting to see number of votes, reads, and comments on one axis and perhaps the time on the other.

I know that we have people getting well over 100 votes on some stories, but I am thinking that may not be the average at all. It may be that the average is somewhere around 30-40 votes.

I also think I saw a significant jump in votes when the vote box was moved to the bottom of the story.

Based on Erin's suggestions, I've reworked my new logo a bit. Here are four versions of that, please let me know what you think (Even if you don't read Venus Cursed!).

I just couldn't stand it and had to post this chapter instead of waiting another day or two. I am really very proud of it. This chapter brings us to the second major event in Cyndy's life. Her transformation being the first one. Please let me know if you like what I did. There are still two chapters remaining in Part 1 to try to straighten this mess out.

:) Portia

I've only now learned of the departure of Margaret Jeanette, a prolific writer whose work appears on FM. I have, on occassion been entertained by her work and am saddened that our small community has become somewhat smaller, and dimmer.

She passed on Feb. 4th and requested that her body be buried with a smile, and that laughter permiate the celebration of her life. I urge those who might be interested to read the details at the beginning of her last story.

Lil Kelly

I ran accross this nugget:

http://community.feministing.com/transgender-issues/

A commentary on the proposed changes to the DSM-IV for the new DSM-V, dropping the "Identity Disorder" from the name tag and reduce the stigma of it being a mental illness.
It would become "Gender Incongruence"
Also for the posties out there, good news! They want a fully transitioned person to be diagnosed as fully cured. This can be an issue in several career paths.
They wish to remove the sexuality aspect from it as well, gender incongruence and sexuality being two different issues.

Dick Francis, author of dozens of popular mystery novels has died. He was 89. Most of his stories were set in the world of racing, where he had once been a champion jockey.

I have on the table beside my computer, two Dick Francis novels I found in a used bookstore that I have never read. His latest book, co-cuthored by his son, Felix, (I think it is called Silks), I also have not read. I may have missed a few more, here and there over the years but will doubless find, read and enjoy them as I have all of his work.

When I set out to tell the story of Bob Isle and Mattie Grant in I’ll Grant You My Wish I decided to draw heavily from my youth. In my original outline, Bob’s a twelve-year old boy who is dragged into femininity by a domineering Mrs. Grant who is seriously disturbed by the loss of her own daughter. In the end, Bob decides he has to stand up to Mrs. Grant and rebels. Since he is basically a nice boy, when he puts his foot down it is done quite gently.

I've come to realize that what many authors have said, many time, really is true. It's a lot more work to write a story than to read it. "Real Life" can intrude on time to write, as can other literary commitments. Nice encouraging comments, or comments that point out perceived flaws, but include suggestions on how to rectify them, are greatly appreciated.

However, seeing a comment or PM that basically says "yeah, you posted something, but when will you get back to the other bit" is very disheartening.

I pray the Lord, my soul to keep.

If I should die, before I wake

I pray the Lord, my soul to take.

this is not a suicide note. it's only me, trying to deal with more loss than anyone should have to.

I'm tired, and I want to sleep...that's all...just sleep. Don''t call. Don't message. Just let me sleep. at least in sleep, I can dream I've not lost.

goodbye.

Hey Everyone!
The next chapter of Once the Hero is up! I had to post a little early given that if everything goes to plan I'll be busy Valentines Day. So here is an early gift for you all!

Hugs!

Grover

This is the best weekend for Chinese government employees in New Orleans to fall in love.

For all of you that are Dr. Who fans, check out this link

The Return of Short Trips

Big Finish Audio is looking for submissions of short stories, under 2500 words to include on new audio books, to be read by professional actor/actresses.

These stories have to feature Dr's 1 - 8.

I know this isn't TG but I know that some of our author's are Dr. Who fans, and might just enjoy the chance to have something published.

Good luck to you all!

Hugs,

Kristy

(I thought that title would grab your attention! Sadly, it's not original - it's mentioned in a story on this site. All will become clear if you read further!)

I've finally taken a bit of time to do something with a project I started a while back.

The project was inspired by tales told of Yak Breeding (sorry, Wuthering Dormice), and the aim was to skim through the chapters and produce one line summaries of the main event(s) of each. Easier said than done, and I initially gave up after the first 40.

So, I have been wanting two monitors run off the same computer for a while, and yesterday went to Best Buy to see if they had a vid card that would do that. Well, according to them, I already have one in my computer.

They sold me a HDMI cable, and the old style cable is hooked to one monitor and the HDMI is hooked to the other one. When I was booting, both monitors did display some text but now that it is fully up and running, I only get stuff on one monitor; the one that uses the old style cable.

It seems as there are some people for whom garments that cover the entire face can be useful/necessary, wherever in the world they may be...

Courtesy of El Reg (an online IT news tabloid) here: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/02/10/bearded_lady/

A Dubai man whose fiancée kept her charms hidden under a niqab opted for a quick divorce after his first glimpse beneath the veil revealed she was cross-eyed and sported a beard.

Just go over and look at Stardust...wow!

Im very interested in reading some Portia Bennet stories it seems some of them, are connected.id like to know if they are and in what order.I got a little ocd and it dictates how and what i read sometimes

There are some things I have to say because I see people drawing conclusions on stories that are not completed. The first part of a story sets up the characters and the plot, and the second part sets up how the characters interact with each other, and the third part just goes with the plot full force. But to draw a conclusion in a comment before the story is finished is like a newspaper reporter making up his/her own story because he can't get an interview; like in Football Girl. But there are reporters in real life who actually do do that.

Why not pop across and have a look!

http://stardustr.us/content/chosen4

Hugs
Sue

Here is an interesting link about children who identify as the oposite sex before puberty. Hopefully, this will be the next big step in care for us. Many Docs agree that if a child is identified that early, they can develop a much more feminine frame and portrayal.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/5141182h05297437/

02/09/2010 : 2100 cst
http://www.storysitetwo.org/whatsnew.asp

The address above is up at this time for Crystal's site.
I do not know how long it will be up though.

I came across this story recently and felt that I should pass it on. I found it quite touching. Please enjoy. Blessed Be.

I know most of you know this, but It's new to me. And I hope you guys don't mind if I regale you with what I just found out, even if you know all about it already. I just find it fascinating.

It's about vinyl records. I knew about vinyl records. We had a record player at home. And I knew what an LP was. But I didn't know what the acronym stood for. Sorry 'bout being so clueless...

Headlines can give such a misleading idea.

The one in the subject was the headline I saw on the Telegraph's front page. Which got me thinking, indignantly, since when are they handing out asbos for crossdressing?

So I clicked on the link. The slightly longer headline on the page itself now said:

"Man 'breached Asbo by dressing as a schoolgirl'"

Hmm, ok, dressing as a schoolgirl a bit... Read on...

Turns out this is a 60 year old man hanging around primary schools dressed as a schoolgirl... Okaaaay, we're getting closer to the story now, and close enough, methinks...

Woke up too early, and now I can't get back to sleep. Not worried though as I called my boss last night that I won't be coming in today regardless of the weather. Now I can veg out the whole day today an recuperate...

Anyway, I heard from some folks at FM that Crystal's site has been down for a couple of days now. I tried accessing it and I get a "Bad Request (Invalid Hostname)" error, which as far as I know is a hard error. Hope everything's ok over there.

Anyone heard anything?

- Bobbie

What's Up! Once the Hero Part 9 is up at StarDust! As always a big thanks to Hope, and Kimmie for their help cleaning it up. Another thanks goes to Faraway and his help with Russian culture and language issues! More thanks to all my readers and commentators who help make this story just a little better than it would be without you all!

Thanks!!!

Hugs!

Grover

Cop for it here at Fictioneer :) (almost poetic or what?)

A DVD review of the animated comedy new to Fictioneer.

Coming soon - Speed Racer

As I sat and read Susan Grafton's excellent A is for Alibi, I came across this gem:

"The only cleavage I got left, I sit on,"

I was mid sip on a cup of coffee as I read ( I shouldn't do that!) and I nearly covered the sofa with cofee.

Anyone else have any wonderful quotes they can remember like that?

Hugs

Sue

The something is this...

I'm trying to be very spare with the storytelling, sketchy even, and allowing, even demanding the music to supply the emotional content. I'm not entirely happy with the results and anyone who has an idea how I could address my artistic shortcomings re this endeavour is welcome to say their piece.

Thanks.

Seen at the Wellington Sevens (ostensibly a sporting occasion, but in reality a giant fancy dress party).

Reference

Panties Shown

I was taught family doesn't matter,
I always thought family was a burden.
I was taught that parents will favor one child over another,
I always thought I wasn’t relevant.
I was taught that life wasn’t important,
I always thought my life wasn’t important.
I was taught … wrong,
I have learned that I am important, relevant and family is not a burden.

Asthma and bronchitis brought on from my usual sinusitis. May have to go to the doctor today or tomorrow. Will try to keep an eye out on site but I'm short of air. Sorry.

Hugs,
Erin

I've just posted Julie O's newest story called "Sins of the Father" over at Stardust.

Bob Arnold

If you ever wonder what its doing over in London, want to check the weather, do they really get snow? watch the double decker busses cross the bridge, tour boats on the Thames, maybe catch the bridge up? Or just to see the tide height against the bridge.
This is one of the better real time live cams:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/towerbridge

Enjoy, hey, maybe we could get Angharad and friends to walk across the bridge to the sidewalk on the other side of the road this side of the near tower, jump up and down and wave frantically at the camera at a preset time and date? :-)

Hi folks.

Just thought I'd let you know that I have posted some more words for your delectation on Fictioneer called The Tank, so if you're after something a little different, check it out here.

Please?

Oh, and if you're of a mind, there's a review of Paycheck a movie I saw recently and after reading the review, I'm hoping you're going to want to see it too. You can check that out here

Have fun.

NB

PS

All feedback (provided it's not abusive) appreciated :)

A good mommy is one that is there for you,
through thick and thin.
A good mommy has a kind soul and a good heart,
but she will protect you from all evil.
A good mommy is firm and subtle,
yet loving and caring.
A good mommy will understand you no matter what,
You are all that and more.

It appears, at least on the surface, that whatever is going on in my nether parts is not cancerous...at least on first examination. More tests will be run when I get to the VA hospital and further causes/ solutions will be found/discussed. A partial orchiectomy is not out of the question, although I will lobby for taking both as long as they are going to be taking one. I mean, as long as they are RIGHT THERE...you know?

I've posted Chapter 13 of Amanda's Eyes on Fictioneer. There was some interest here so I wanted to let you know. No tg content. Sorry for the long delay.

(Saw this article at work, and decided to be very naughty and beat Angharad to blogging about it!)

See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8492597.stm
or http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8493280.stm
(effectively the same article, just rephrased slightly.)

The Pope has urged Catholic bishops in England and Wales to fight the UK's Equality Bill with "missionary zeal".