~*~CASUAL COMMUNITY NEWS~*~

Issue II - 18th December 2001

Editorial

Hi again folks!, Well we had a great reception to our first ever edition. I am so proud of you all!

Here are some of the comments received..............

"Congrats on a job well done, Read it...loved it....and look forward to more!! I'll start working on my contribution very soon <s>."

"Great first edition!!!!! Had to read it from the first line to the last! "

"Dear Editor In Charge:
I have a comment for you. Excellent job!!! This is really good and a
wonderful edition to the forum. I do not have any stories for you to print or
clever little articles for you. But for your first edition, this is really
good. Congradulations to you and your "staff" and all the writers that
contributed. Keep up the good work and best of luck. If I think of any
stories to share I will...."

"It was fun and I did not steal Lizzies corn."

These are only some of the great comments we received, I thought it only proper that they were passed on to our contributors. On the negative side, the wholesale opinion was....."That yellow hasta go!" (can't blame the contributors on that one) <laffin'>. (nervously awaiting the response on this background)

Well Christmas is almost upon us and I know everyone is busy with preparations. Once again I purchased those cute little foil covered chocolate decorations for my tree. The sprog's dexterity amazes me every year. How they manage to extract the chocolate and leave the foil case intact is a wonder! So I now have a dozen very light shells of decorations that flutter around like crazy whenever the door is slammed.

Wouldn't be my house without a monthly disaster, I asked middle sprog to put his laundry in the machine and switch it on (I refuse to enter their bedroom!.......yes........It's that bad!). There I was, merrily typing away on the computer, when I heard this sweet little tinkling sound. Deciding to investigate I walked into the kitchen and <WHOOSH> my feet almost left me! I managed to grab hold of the worktop and found my bare feet in ½" of water! He had left tyings hanging out of the front-loading door of the machine which were just enough to cause a gap in the door seal. Frantically grabbing towels and whatever else my hands fell on I screamed at him to get back down the stairs. (I have perfected the Fish-Wife impersonation for occasions such as this)<S> Every cloud has a silver lining, by the time he had finished mopping up I had a beautifully clean kitchen floor!

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the Forum Staff to wish all our members a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

So, folks, I hope you enjoy our second edition as much as the first and keep those articles coming in! We plan many more editions.
Any articles, suggestions, rumours <S> letters to the editor, please Email them to me LyndaAtCasual@Compuserve.com

Lynda [Editor]

Please remember, this is a fun/interesting/informative addition to the many features on offer at Casual Chat, critique is welcome but nothing that attacks members, personalities or other fora will be welcome.

Content.

Editorial.........................................................................Lynda

Renaissance Festival.......................................................Hubcap

My Family and Taekwondo.............................................SportsKat

America under seige........................................................King

Memoirs of Cousin Clem.................................................Cousin Clem

For the Love of my Daughter...........................................Happi

The Modern Woman - Part II .........................................Anon

My visit to Renaissance Festival in Kansas with Talisien

Hello everyone, I am Hubcap, and I am usually to be found in the Fab 40's Room in the evenings. I was thrilled this year to be invited to the Renaissance Festival with my friend Tali. We all had heard so much about this wonderful festival from Tali that I couldn't wait to attend.
So Tater and our Grandaughter Dustye and I went to Kansas City last September. The opening ceremony was an interesting sight, seeing the Royal Lairds and Ladies arrive. The best was when the deep druids drums started for the Gypsy Dancers, at which time a hefty Lady of the Court and I did proceed to show them how the dance was done!
Well!!! Tali did say it was best to interact with them and so I did.

It was my first ever time to see this pretend King Henry VIII and his Queen (at the time) Ann Boleyn, on their return to Canterbury.
All these people walk about dressed like they did way back then, all in this village that is mostly a lot of little hills. Sixteen acres of shops and lanes full of people and animals. Oh yes! you can take your pet dogs, goats and birds. You can bet I was watching in case someone brought along a pet lion or tiger, 'cause I’d be out of there so fast me dust would blind them.

It seemed there was a pickle salesman calling, "Come buy my Pickle" at every corner. (Though I never actually sampled any)

It did take us some time to get about because from Kate the Town Shrew to Master Saver Quavo, John Mallory and the Hag and shopkeepers all. Each and everyone had a hello for Tali. He was so well known and popular with them all. I am sure I seen the Gossiping Wenches winking and flirting with Tali but he let on as not.

We did travel to the Enchanted Forest to see all the tree sprites and fairies and though I was blessed by Titania herself I kept a wide space from Gage the troll.
Then we went over to Dunwoodie dell for the Tourdian Celic Ballads and the Tartan Scottish Tunes. (Now I promised a friend to check out beneath those kilts.) Ever so nicely I ask this man in a kilt, "Do I dare?" and with a smile he replied, "As much as you care to." As I ever so gently started to lift the kilt this buxom lass came sweeping down and took me hand away. "Nay", she says, "unless you have been to Kilt Inspection School and carry the card you cannot look up a kilt!" So, I never did find out for sure!
Then the Irish lad did report. "T'is disappointing you’d be me Lady t'is only a wee set of bag pipes it covers with the Scots."

The tall man with the feathers did tickle me. So, I in turn tickled his beard. The knave had the gall to shackle me beautiful Grandaughter Dustye, pulling her down the lane calling, "Wench for Sale". She bested him with sharp words and foul temper and none would buy. What choice? but to set her free! The Executioner did flirt and squeeze me Dustye’s hands till Tater stepped up to get his picture taken thus freeing her hands.

From there to Axel the Scot, and was fast learning what the XXX on his Ale barrels did mean. But still it was a rocketing laugh so if you go you must see, but only for adults.

At the Pirate Ship we had the best of laughs, with a pirate in stripes and cod piece a lady fair did do this skit of "Get Screwed" I had to see this more than once <S> And ladies no school for inspection of cod pieces here! <S>

Glad I was for me cane, and to sit upon the bales of hay the benches of wood and even a seat of stone. But oh my very best was upon a pirate’s knee. <SS>I’ll say no more except to say "Thank you! Tali, for a wonderful day!

Cappy/aka/Hub

My Family and Taekwondo

My erratic presence in the Forum recently has not been due to lack of interest. I have just simply been busy busy busy!

I and my family are heavily involved in the American Songahm Taekwondo Association. The year is finally beginning to wind down! I am currently ranked number one in the world standings in the First Degree Woman 35-39 ring but only by one point! eeekkkkk!!!

Taekwondo involves point karate, not full contact, which means we fight for points and not for blood.
This sport teaches discipline and grace as well as power and agility. There is also a heavy emphasis on on self-defense techniques. It is a great confidence builder for children who don't necessarily have a knack for athletics.

I am married with three kids, my son is twelve and he is working on his second degree black belt. My eldest daughter who is nine is a first degree black belt. My youngest daughter who is only six is already a brownbelt. Even my husband is involved now as a brown belt also, which basically means they are about six months away from becoming first degrees as well.

We all attend classes three days a week. Two technique classes and one sparring class. I also work as an Instructor which loads my schedule down pretty good. My schedule also includes working out about four days a week, two or so on form and two on sparring.
The kids and I are also on the demo team, which is a lot of fun!

We compete about every other month all year long in regional tournaments which host around 1,000 competitors as well as the National Tournament in Las Vegas.
The World Championships are held in Little Rock, Arkansas in June.

It does take a lot of determination and hard work to stay in the top ten but it is all worth it.
This sport is for everyone, large or small, man or woman. We have competitors from 3 years of age to 73 years of age.

Everyone is a winner. That is our philosophy!

Currently I am ranked third in the world but I am going to hit some tourneys in January and February and try to sneak back to that top notch. <S>
As long as I am in the top ten I get to compete for the World Title.
My son and my eldest daughter also have a chance to make it to the World Championships this year if they have a couple of good tourneys in the next few months. So we spend a bit of extra time at the academy now...wayyyy lots of extra time <S>

Wish us well......


Kat

You can find out much more about Taekwondo from the official website

www.ataonline.com

(Web Site posted with permission of Forum Management)

America Under Seige!

By Sean-Pierre Wilson aka "King"


On Nov 10, I had the occasion to be at the Midland International Airport to pickup a friend. Pulling into the airport, I noticed a number of Midland police officers patrolling the airport parking lot. There was nothing strange about the site of police officers at the airport in itself.

Oddity number one lay in the fact that one of the officers was conducting a thorough search of a late model Toyota. Again, there was nothing terribly strange about this scene as it unfolded before me. Oddity number two, occurred upon approaching the front of the terminal, a vacant U.S Army Humvee stood parked in front of the terminal. The unbelievable came to life upon reaching the entrance for the passenger area.

Standing but a stone throw away were two US Army soldiers in full combat gear, with M16A2 automatic rifles gingerly held in their arms. It was with this site before me that all the news stories across the nation of beefed up security took hold. In the wake of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the need for increased security was understandable. However, this was not a display of beefed up security rather it was a display of a nation under siege.

Sixteen years ago, I was in the United States Army and on my way to what was then know as the Federal Republic of Germany or more aptly know as West Germany. The cold war was still in full force and the Berlin Wall would not fall for another 4 years.

Here in present day West Texas, I, nor other citizens here would have believed it possible we would be faced with armed soldiers in our airport. Too many people I have spoken with believe Midland, Odessa and the Permian Basin are far removed from the happenings of the world. Furthermore, problems of the world have no direct impact on them. Well Basinites it’s time to get your heads out of the "proverbial sand." We live in the middle of the oil patch or have you forgotten that. Start paying attention. Take a drive out to your local oil field and ask yourself what could possible be of interest to a terrorist faction way out here. If that’s not enough, for you then go to MIA and see the combat, yes combat soldiers standing at the ready. We are under siege.

Memoirs of Cousin Clem

Me and Bessie war recollectin' tother day 'bout how we commenced our
three-score years of wedded bliss. It war at a Christmas git together. I
reckon I war seventeen or there 'bouts. Bessie claims she war fourteen.
We'uns never reckoned our age by numbers, jest by markin's on the wall. Pa
had Invited Parson Willowby (didn't know why at the time) and wider Maude.
Her help-mate, Jethro had gone to his final rewardin' a month back leavin'
Maude and her five daughters poor as church mice. Jethro war a cousin of Pa.
(On the Knob, most everbody war cousins.) Some folks say that all folks in
West Virginy have the same DNA (whatever that is.)

After stuffin' our innards with venison, parsnips, grits, black-eyed peas,
and then munchin' down on Ma's special sweet tater pie, Pa rose oughten' his
chair and made this pronouncement:

"Bein' that Maude lacks a man to do chores and such, and I gots me more that
I can rightly feed, I'm achoosin' you, Clem, to marry up with one of Maude's
daughters. Choose one to your likin' and Parson will do the hitchen'."

I war a drinkin' some cider and prit near choked. Why in tarnation did Pa
choose me? I was plumb skeered of women folks and I shur hated girls. I was
shur 'nuff befuddled. But Pa had done orated his decision and you don't
quibble with yore Pa.

Maybelle war the oldest but she war ugly as a polecat in a rainstorm. Bessie
war shur purty but golly, she warn't but a youngin. Tom girl at that. Sost
when she tarned her purty face at me and flashed those big eyes, I war a
goner. I tole Pa 'twould be Bessie and in ten minutes Parson had made us man
and wife.

Back in those days we'uns never did git any store-bought presents. But I'm
atellin' you now, after sixty yars with Bessie, that war the goldarndest best
Christmas present I ever did git.. Me and Bessie have had some tough times
and I got lumps on my haid to prove it; but I wouldn't swap her fur a
barnfull of prize Holsteins.

Me and Bessie are awishin all you good folks out there the best of everthing
for the New Year. And a heap of thanks to you fer bein' so kindly to us. You
shur are the goodest folks we know.

Cousin Clem and Bessie

(We war goin' to scribe our names with that cursed writin' but we neer did
larn how to do it.)

FOR THE LOVE OF MY CHILD

(Happi)

My Sunday was ended quietly as any other. Having fun with my friends in the chat room, relaxing, playing the games and listening to the radio playing. Until my daughter heard the announcer state that there was a contest at our local mall.

"Kids, have your mom or dad dress up as Britanny Spears and meet our crew outside the food court at the mall, 6:30 AM Monday morning and you can win a pair of Brittany Spears tickets and a chance to win onstage seats throughout the duration of the show!" This instantly perked my daughter's ears up and prompted a quick, "Mom did you hear that, we can
win concert tickets!"

We listened for a little while longer and heard the announcement once again. Then went onto the radio stations web site to find out more information. As we read everything the announcer had just mentioned, I look at my daughter and let me tell you, the stars were twinkling in her eyes, a smile bigger than her rosey little cheeks could handle, and then the begging and pleading began. "Oh mom please we HAVE to go. I will do anything! Clean the house, vaccuum, wash dishes, do all my
homework, and I wont ask Santa for a thing! Mom did you get me a Birthday present yet?"

Now I'm not the smartest mom in the world, and I certianly don't look like Brittany (my chest isn't big enough), but even I am not that niave to buy into any of this. However I started seriously thinking about it. The thoughts of how well she did on her report card and how she has handled a rough situation with style and grace (a chip off the ol' block if i do say so myself). I thought of how she has been helping her sister and brother out and has done things without being asked. And well, she
does have a science project due on Friday and she has completed it. Ok so I'm a sucker what can I say!! (then this would be the part where I give her the answer then read the concert is the same night as the contest).

We all go to bed, and I settle in to sleep and will not be able to sleep all night long since, according to Murphy's law (or Sod's law for all my oversea's friends) this is the night my dog is at her worse with being sick and I am plagued with phone calls once an hour. I finally start to doze and my wake-up call has now come because it is 3:00 A.M.
(pays to have English friends). So know I will summarize my events....ha ha ha.

3:00 AM: Shower, dress in my daughter's clothes, put on make-up, and think what I am doing this for?
4:00 AM: Arrive at Mall parking lot with daughter in tow (if i have to be here so does she!) No people around. I thought it would be crowded. Why am I sitting in a parking lot when I could be in bed?
5:00 AM: Enjoying the conversation with my daughter. This is pretty cool. Man Its cold out. Thank God for heaters. Still no signs of people, except the guy sweeping the parking lot.
5:15 AM: Look at my daughter, in her jogging pants, 2 sweaters, wrapped up in her coat and SOUND ASLEEP!
5:30 AM: The Crew Van has just pulled up!! Still no other cars around! Who the hell said it was gonna be
packed? GOD WHY AM I DOING THIS????
6:00AM: 2 cars show up! HA I look better than them! It's in the bag!
6:30AM: Wake Vanessa up, get out of car and contest has started. Oh My God! Crowd Control, get crowd control....its majorly packed! (12 people) It's really cold out!
7:00 AM: One brave father and son show up. Scarey, Dad looks good as Brittany. Don't Know, Don't want to
know but hey dad, thats true love for your son! Oh Man, I think I lost feeling in my fingers
7:30 AM: Me and Vanessa get to talk on radio. Morning Crew sings happy birthday to her and to all it's listeners.
I CANT FEEL MY TOES!!!!
8:00 AM: Time to announce winners: We all get tickets since its such a very large crowd. But we didn't win the onstage tickets. But for an extra, they gave Vanessa a CD and T-shirt for her birthday.
8:15 AM: Vanessa, honey, can you drive home? I cant feel anything anymore. "Mom, can Grandmom take me
to the concert? She has never been to one." (THUD) I need a cigarette and a good stiff drink!

We're home and (yawn) I'm tired. I'm going to bed. And I look at my daughter fast asleep with tickets and CD's and tshirt in hand with a smile on her face.
Why? For the love of my daughter, I wouldn't have it any other way!
(whispering Happy 11th Birthday Honey and place a kiss on her cheek, have fun with grandmom tonight).

Merry Christmas Everyone and Have a Safe Holiday From my family!

THE MODERN WOMAN

PART II


Ok,,,so where did we leave off?,,,,,,,ahhhh yes,,,,,you were just about to respond to that "tricky" little phrase,,,,

" I spend so much time here, maybe I should move in",,,,,,remember??

So,, after much thought, (about 5 seconds) you mumble something along the lines of

"err,yes you might as well ",,,,, Ok so now you really have done it!. The next couple of weekends are spent acting
as a free removal service. Where did all those clothes come from? What used to be your wardrobe, that had acres
of space, suddenly resembles a ladies clothing department. But never fear,you have been "granted" lodgings of
about 6'' on one end of the hanging rail,,,but the bottom, (where all your old clothes were stuffed), now looks as if Imelda
Marcos has moved in with you!!!!. (someone please explain why women need so many pairs of shoes. you are the same
as us ,,,,one pair of feet!!!!!)

The bedroom also takes on other subtle changes,,,new bedding,(and it matches!), so whats so special about that, except
you paid for it. The old stuff wasn't totally threadbare, so why waste money?.
Those horrible *nick nack* thingies begin to appear on the window sill,, (pot pourri),,we can't help *raising the sheets*
after a curry!!!. (its what men do). But wait,,,,,there is worse,,,,,,,,,much worse,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The bathroom cupboard was always more than big enough for your toothbrush, toothpaste and shaving kit. Whats the
idea of carrying out a "stress test" of the wall mountings??. Why do women need so many lotions, creams, shampoos
etc etc??. And why are they all half full,, can't you finish one before buying another?. (psst,, it isn't illegal ya know!)
But we men know that there is one thing that we can do to "fight back" in the bathroom,,,(VBWEG>

LEAVE THE TOILET SEAT UP !!!!!!

What is it about that simple little act that gets women so worked up?? <sniggerin>

The living room is no longer a place to lay around in,,,, as you sit there watching your team play,beer in hand, you can fell
those eyes burning into the back of your head. What is it that you've done?,,OMG!!!! no coaster for the glass!!. (no longer
allowed to drink from the can). No putting you feet up on the arm of the chair either,,thats sure to result in some comment
about the way you're sitting or the damage you're doing to the chair!. (oops,,thought it was my furniture?). Sometimes that
look is just because you're sitting there, not running round like a headless chicken doing jobs around the house.,,,,,

Time passes.....

6 months later,,and there are those little nagging doubts in the back of your mind,, is this really what you wanted?,,mmmmm
Ok now you have 2 basic options at this stage,,

OPTION 1 Simple,,,have a few drinks and then just stand there and tell her,,,,
" Look this isn't working out is it"
Response 1,, Multitude of tears etc etc , maybe the odd name too,,
Walk away and leave her alone,,she'll get the idea and soon be gone...
Response 2,,, All sorts of tricky questions,,, "Why,,, What,, How",,, bla bla bla "but I love you",,,,,

OPTION 2,,, Lets give it another month or two and see what happens, ,convince yourself that there are more benefits
and its worth it. ( probably the best course of action at this stage)

So you settle on option 2 (wise move!) but just put your foot down a little,, you know, assert some authority,,change back to your old newspaper, use that old chipped cup,, bring a mate back for a drink (without asking permission!!)...
But slowly things change,,people see you as a *couple*,, you go to her friends' house at the weekend and out come
their wedding photos etc (gulp!) She gets a new job,,,its a little more responsibility,,and when you dare to ask what
happened to wearing those skirts etc,,,"they are just not suitable for my new image". She's buying suits, and then one day
she tells you that shes going to the hairdressers and have her hair "trimmed" a little shorter!!!. You find out (to your horror)
that this actually means that her hair is now shorter than yours!!!!!. " But darling,, it fits my new image, and its easier
to look after". Who cares??,,,,women should have long hair.
You start to find yourself cooking about 50% of the meals again,, why?,,simple,, you're back home before her,,shes
still at work, completing a report. Then she gets home and all that trouble you've gone to is wasted, because they got
"something in". Typical!!!!!.
Shes changing ,,,,,,day by day, week by week,,,,

Shes turning into ,,,,,,,,,,,,,THE MODERN WOMAN,,,,,,,

Well thats how your fantasy girl became the modern woman,,,,evolution,,not over thousands of years, just 1-2 years,
Well almost,,,,,,thank heavens life isn't really like that. Of course it isn't ,,,,,,,,,,,,

OR IS IT???

I'll leave you all to ponder on that thought!.

Byeeeeeee

Ok Folks.... thats it!! A bigger (less brighter) issue! I'm positive you will enjoy it as much as our first issue, I know I have!

I'm sure all your creative juices will be just raring to flow after the holidays.

So get all those articles mailed off, yep it's your turn!! Send to LyndaAtCasual@Compuserve.com