Kettle is on and the biggest tea pot is waiting with some Earl Grey in it. Just got in from doing yard work. Muggy out there.
Nice pet beds, Sara. Maybe we get one of each and let the pets sort out who gets what.
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Crazy old ape
Tragedy with romance as a tag? Depends on your focus. If the heartbreak is the focus, then Tragedy. If the memories of better times are the focus, then Romance. If what to do to the (censored) who broke your heart is the focus, then maybe Crime 
(we don't have one for Revenge Porn 
).
(we don't have one for Revenge Porn ). Crazy old ape
Quote by Verity
Oh my, Mr Mendalla. How could you think such a thing about a sweet old lady like me.
Never said it about you, just about that story.
And if mine was in any way an influence, you are welcome. I don't think I have ever been cited as an influence (other than a bad one ) before. Crazy old ape
Quote by itsxanderkaidynQuote by Mendalla
Then you don't know me very well. I like the look and feel of the current site - probably a bit too much.
Can't we have a compromise? Like where you can have the current look as a classic or flashback skin?
From the screenshots, I would say that some of the current look is being preserved, probably more than would have been preserved if my proposal for continuing the site would have gone ahead. This one is not unsalvageable, but needs serious work if Nic kept it. There were some fixes done for mobile, but those did not extend to the forums. For instance, if I zoom in the forums, they do not adapt properly (the left side disappears off the screen and you have to side scroll to see it), just as they do not adapt to mobile screens.
But an alternate skin may be possible depending on the platform the new team is using. Certainly, Xenforo, the forum software I use, allows you to have multiple styles (=skins) available with a button to change between them.
Crazy old ape
Well, sweet may be stretching a bit given the story, but yeah. Nice micro, Verity. I just started mine but I might be going long on this one. I have an idea but it may be too (bleep)ing obvious so might end up being too much like someone else's, so I might do something else.
Good morning, gang. Nice to see Nic's announcement about the future of the site. Looking forward to seeing it. Might have to spruce up the old cafe a bit to make it fit in with the fancy new digs. Though the wood panelling is non-negotiable. Maybe get a couple new couches. And some cute animal houses for the pets.
Kettle is on for the tea crowd. I'm drinking Irish Breakfast today.
Good morning, gang. Nice to see Nic's announcement about the future of the site. Looking forward to seeing it. Might have to spruce up the old cafe a bit to make it fit in with the fancy new digs. Though the wood panelling is non-negotiable. Maybe get a couple new couches. And some cute animal houses for the pets.
Kettle is on for the tea crowd. I'm drinking Irish Breakfast today.
Crazy old ape
Foxes & Fossils are an Atlanta-based cover band (planning to do some original material eventually). I am not normally a country fan, but this cover of a song by Maren Morris is lovely.
Sammie Purcell, who sings lead here, is the daughter of the band's founder Tim Purcell, who originally started the band so he could sing with his daughter after years playing in a band called The Mustangs. She was 15 at the time, and is now 27 and studying for a master's in journalism. Most of the "Fossils" (the older men who play backup) are buddies of Tim's from The Mustangs. The other two "Foxes" (the women who do lead and backing vocals) are Maggie Adams (now working in the music industry in Nashville) and Chase Truran (who is pursuing a singing career both in the band and as a solo artist).
Sammie Purcell, who sings lead here, is the daughter of the band's founder Tim Purcell, who originally started the band so he could sing with his daughter after years playing in a band called The Mustangs. She was 15 at the time, and is now 27 and studying for a master's in journalism. Most of the "Fossils" (the older men who play backup) are buddies of Tim's from The Mustangs. The other two "Foxes" (the women who do lead and backing vocals) are Maggie Adams (now working in the music industry in Nashville) and Chase Truran (who is pursuing a singing career both in the band and as a solo artist).
Crazy old ape
Quote by nicola
The new platform is lightning fast, and purpose built to be responsive for all devices. It has a very clean and modern new design, and is a lot less cluttered.
Looks great from the screenshots and this is all music to my ears. The responsive part is especially important. While I do my writing and foruming on a PC, I often like to do my reading on my phone or tablet so having a truly responsive site and cleaner design is important to me.
Quote by nicola
It's human nature to dislike change (!), but I believe the new site will be a huge improvement.
I don't know how anyone could reject a change to this site. It is a design that belongs to the age before mobile devices dominated the Internet and is simply not appealing, or sustainable, in this era where phones and tabs dominate.
Quote by nicola
Plus with a team of coders on board, we can make any changes our membership deem as necessary, in a much more expedient manner going forward.
Amen. This is why I use "off the rack" software for the site I run. Makes it much easier to run and change a site when there's a team, rather than an individual, backing you up.
Looking forward to this!
Crazy old ape
Quote by Ping
GOLD!!!
Extra time. Penalties. EXTRA penalties.
Gold for Canada!
Not a dry eye in the country. So happy for them.
And what a shootout it was, too. You could cut the tension with a knife. I am not always a fan of footie's penchant for settling games this way, but this one was actually pretty interesting and dramatic.
And Fleming notched up two more goals, one on a penalty in regulation time and one in the shootout. What a star she has been this go round. And only 23 so she should be around for Paris and L.A. Maybe even Brisbane if she hangs on the way Sinclair has.
Quote by verbal
The cats and I are going to build a Duplicator! She's come home to two of me, and four of them!
So with two of you, does that mean we get twice as many stories out of you?
Hmmm. Cappuchino Royale, eh. * grabs two and puts kettle on *
Crazy old ape
Quote by verbal
Whoa, Godzilla Lego? The wonderful things we didn't have when I was a wee one. My little brother had the Shogun Warriors Godzilla toy, though. About 2' tall and "breathed fire" (made of painted cardboard and, frankly, looked more like it was the Big G's tongue). And could launch his hands
(don't recall that one from any Godzilla movies). Crazy old ape
Forget which jar is diabetic friendly but my glucose is in good control right now so I'll chance it and grab a couple lemon softies.
Nice long walk this afternoon along the river. Lots out enjoying the nice weather here (sunny, 24C, low humidity for once). Resting and then the mower comes out.
Nice long walk this afternoon along the river. Lots out enjoying the nice weather here (sunny, 24C, low humidity for once). Resting and then the mower comes out.
Crazy old ape
Quote by verbal
That sounds amazing. Not only the Arthurian bit, but the Beowulf/Grendal thing too (I have a soft spot for mothers and monsters). Have you heard of the book Grendel, by John Nichols? It's the story from Grendel's point of view. Just wonderful. I think it was made into an animated film as well. One of my favorite books.
I am aware of it but have not read it (or seen the movie) yet. I actually have a fairly old (probably eighties or nineties) Penguin Classics translation of Beowulf on my bookshelf. Haven't read it in a while.
Crazy old ape
Reading a graphic novel series called Once & Future. Basically, what if King Arthur's return was horror rather than fantasy. Arthur is what we would call a "lich" in D&D, basically an animated skeletal monster commanding a "round table" of similar horrors. Merlin just showed up but seems to be something else entirely. Arrayed against Arthur's evil are Bridgette Macquire, an elderly monster hunter who is supposed to be living in a seniors' home, her grandson Duncan and a historian named Rose (who kind of got sucked into the story by dating Duncan).
The underlying idea seem to be that it is not so much people coming back to life as their stories, with many variations possible on those stories. Beowulf has made an appearance, and the last chapter that I read (I am partway through volume 2) ended with the appearance of his foe Grendel. Beowulf is sent against Duncan and Bridgette by Arthur who describes them as "monster and mother", creating an allegory for Grendel and his mother. Not sure how Grendel is going to fit in, yet, but he is currently outside Bridgette's home. Good stuff. The last volume is up for a Hugo (one of the most prestigious sf and fantasy awards) this year and the series has picked up other awards and nominations as well.
Author is Kieron Gillen, a British comic book writer, and the art is by Dan Mora. Both creators are multiple award-winners.
The underlying idea seem to be that it is not so much people coming back to life as their stories, with many variations possible on those stories. Beowulf has made an appearance, and the last chapter that I read (I am partway through volume 2) ended with the appearance of his foe Grendel. Beowulf is sent against Duncan and Bridgette by Arthur who describes them as "monster and mother", creating an allegory for Grendel and his mother. Not sure how Grendel is going to fit in, yet, but he is currently outside Bridgette's home. Good stuff. The last volume is up for a Hugo (one of the most prestigious sf and fantasy awards) this year and the series has picked up other awards and nominations as well.
Author is Kieron Gillen, a British comic book writer, and the art is by Dan Mora. Both creators are multiple award-winners.
Crazy old ape
Quote by Ping
Canada is off to the Gold Medal match in soccer. Awesome stuff. Heartbreaking for Team USA, but that's how sports go. That's why we play the game. Just like when Canada was on the receiving end of a bittersweet Team USA finish several years ago. As much as we prognosticate, the outcome is never predetermined. Unless it is. If the latter is the case, then we have no control of our destiny. Whatever we do, it was predetermined for us to do that. No free will. What's done is done because it was supposed to be done.
Yeah, it is not like they have never won at women's footie before, eh.
So, personal connection here. Many years ago, when my son was a wee one, he played Northwest Optimist kids soccer here in London, and I volunteered as a coach. Coaching kids that age is basically herding cats, so my minimal knowledge of footie didn't matter much (my brothers played minor soccer but I didn't). Apparently another player in that league around that time was named Jessie Fleming. She scored the winner yesterday. Not sure if we ever met, but it is possible. Wonderful to think that one of those kids scrambling around the field chasing the ball is now playing for Chelsea (Fleming plays pro in the UK since women's pro soccer is basically non-existent in North America) and winning Olympic medals.
Crazy old ape
Quote by DenimAngel
and a scamp adventure made up on the fly.
And you remember it all or took notes after so you can write it, right?
Yeah, young kids can wear you out, though. Don't have to deal with them much right now but grandkids are probably happening someday.
Kettle is on. Coffee is brewing. It's a holiday here in Canada. What more do we need (besides a holiday elsewhere)?
Crazy old ape
Quote by Verity
Anne Murray is my personal favourite.
I was a kid when Anne was at her peak. Even saw her live a couple times. Incredible voice and helped the careers of many Canadian songwriters, most notably the late Gene MacLellan (whose daughter Catherine is now a successful singer-songwriter here in Canada).
Probably the most famous MacLellan-Murray hit was Snowbird. This is a live performance on the CBC in 2003.
Crazy old ape
Aaaand in case you missed it, the big announcement, bigger even than the Olympic medals, just went up:
https://forum.storiesspace.com/yaf_postsm185471_Announcing-The-Winners-of-Our-A-Survivor39s-Story-Competition.aspx
Congrats to our podium winners and to all who joined in the fun.
https://forum.storiesspace.com/yaf_postsm185471_Announcing-The-Winners-of-Our-A-Survivor39s-Story-Competition.aspx
Congrats to our podium winners and to all who joined in the fun.
Crazy old ape
Damn, was my timing ever good this morning. Was just getting back after getting a posting error in Inspirations.
Congratulations!!!!
Pretty close to how I would have called it, too (actually, I didn't put mine in the top ten but that's just Canadian modesty, eh).
And what a terrific field we had. Good as the three winners are, there were several strong contenders. I was a bit worried early on since it seemed to be slow, but things really picked up later.
Great competition!!
Congratulations!!!!
Pretty close to how I would have called it, too (actually, I didn't put mine in the top ten but that's just Canadian modesty, eh).
And what a terrific field we had. Good as the three winners are, there were several strong contenders. I was a bit worried early on since it seemed to be slow, but things really picked up later.
Great competition!!
Crazy old ape
So a Canadian male finally took a medal Tokyo. Our 13 medals prior to this morning (evening in Tokyo) were all women and mostly in the pool. Now sprinter Andre de Grasse has landed his 2nd Olympic bronze in the 100m (his fourth Olympic medal overall after taking 2 bronze and a silver in 2016). One thing I am really enjoying is seeing my small city enjoying some Olympic success. 4 medals so far to Londoners, including 3 to swimmer Maggie Mac Neil (2 relay, 1 individual) and a member of the Canadian women's 8 rowing team that took gold. And local favorite Damian Warner is considered a strong contender in decathlon.
Anyhoo, good morning. Grey day here but I will live with it. Means I have to put off yard work to tomorrow but that's cool. It's a long weekend so I have the extra day.
Coffee is brewing and kettle is on.
Anyhoo, good morning. Grey day here but I will live with it. Means I have to put off yard work to tomorrow but that's cool. It's a long weekend so I have the extra day.
Coffee is brewing and kettle is on.
to JamesPBear!!! Crazy old ape
Quote by gillianleeza
Watched some handball at the Olympics. I had never heard of this sport. To me, handball meant a game you played against a wall with one other player. I had no idea what the rules are, but it was interesting to watch.
We've been watching the Games in dribs and drabs. Saw some of Canada's early medals. Watched some badminton and table tennis (my wife is good at both). Probably watch some of the big races now that track and field is under way. Not as into it as I have been for some past Olympics, though.
Baby Yoda drinks Liptons, eh. I don't drink it much, mostly when I travel since that's what a lot of hotels and resorts serve for tea. Not that I have problem with it, just that I prefer loose leaf to bag in general.
Kettle is on for a late day tea. Got to go cook dinner soon (okay, heat dinner, it's a Costco pasta).
Crazy old ape
Quote by verbal
DUNE!!!
Also, the Green Knight. Love all that Arthurian stuff.
The Green Knight is the movie I was trying to remember. Early reviews have been positive, at least the ones I have read and it's a terrific story. I think I have a copy of the Penguin Classics edition kicking around somewhere.
As for Dune, I am kind of waiting for reactions from people I know are familiar with the material. Lynch's version was a big disappointment (came out not long after I read the novels) and while I have a fair bit of respect for Denis Villeneuve as a director, the proof will be in the pudding.
Crazy old ape
Not sure if I have posted this pair before. Julia Westlin is a Swede but moved to Canada after meeting David Meshow (stage name, real name is Michaud) from Quebec online. She came to visit, things clicked, and years later they are married and also work together on their respective musical careers. While Julia has been putting out a lot of original material of late, she still does covers like this one that also features David.
Crazy old ape
Most of what I am pumped for is series. Sandman on Netflix (based on the Neil Gaiman graphic novels with Gaiman and David S. Goyer as exec producers and writers) is one. Alas, COVID delayed filming so I think it is now planned for 2022 rather than this fall as originally announced.