What's New Archive

What's New - January, 2002


(Click here to go back to the Archive index)

Monday January 28, 2002

Raven's Ravings (by Raven)

Tonight we have a new rambler who has just graced us with her first story Uber and I think you will enjoy this one as much as I did!
The story is Snowbound and it tell a unique story and shows us that beyond some peoples prejudices may lie a scared soul. Truly worth your time!

  • Snowbound Part 4 By Queenfor4 Posted on Academy of Bards(Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Recommends!!!!

Now for Queenfor4!!!!

Hey everybody! Wow! I almost fell out of my chair when I read Raven's invitation to ramble. I mean, this just happens to the "Super Bards" out there. Doesn't it? Wow!

Aaanyhoo, Raven said I could ramble about anything, my thoughts on fiction, (FANfic is my favorite) the writing process, (It's a pain in the a**) or life in general. (MAJOR pain in the a**) I figured I'd give a little insight on the birth of Snowbound.

Snowbound isn't new. Not really. It's been in my head for at least five years. Do you ever go to bed at night and, unable to fall asleep right away, make up little fantasy scenarios in your head? (not 'those kind! get your minds out of the gutter!) Well, that's what I did. I created an entire story in my 'awake' dreams. At the time though, I didn't really have faces to go with the characters.

Until Xena and Gabrielle. And the Xenaverse.

X&G gave me the faces. And the wonderfully talented and prolific bards out there gave me the inspiration. Well, them and a sweet and gentle young friend from work who, having read my first attempts, encouraged me to step outside the X&G characters and create my own. And so I did. :-) I took that dream and put it on virtual paper.

And, even though he's no longer with us, I know he's somewhere up there giving me his classic lopsided smile and saying "I knew you could do it!" Yes, my friend, you did.

Good night all. And thank you. :-)

emailQueen4for

  • Revolutionary by SB Zarben Posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Have you ever started messing around with history and coming up with your own version of things? That's what this story is about. Set in Russia in 1920 it's about two women who meet and happen to change the world while they get to know one another.

  • Hunger - Poem By Nancy Hill Posted on Academy of Bards(Beyond Uber Alt)

Saturday January 26, 2002

Raven's Ravings (by Raven)

Gooood Evening!

I hope you all had a very nice week! In Eye news I am doing fabulous and can't believe how quickly you can adjust to perfect vision. I just completed my first week and now get to sleep without my cool sunglasses (to make sure I don't rub my eyes at night) I have had no issues and even attended a wonderful Stars on Ice and enjoyed seeing it all for the first time with my own vision :)

Tooo cool!! Again I highly recommend the procedure and can't believe how liberating it is to see and function without my contacts.. I still walk to the bathroom to take them out and have to remind myself that there is not need !! ;)

Well I have scoured high and low and have found some great fiction for you all to enjoy! Remember to email the authors .. these talented bards work quite hard to produce some enjoyment for us all and a few minutes of your time to tell them what you think .. makes a world of difference in their day and our opportunity to see more of their works!

Feed The Bards!!!

  • Lifetime Employment By Crow Posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Megan and Jodie are back but this time the setting is a small town outside of Los Angeles and considered a first time tale. Megan is a mechanic who comes across a stranded woman (Jodie). Megan helps her out but ends up getting more than she bargained for.

  • Somewhere In Time By DS Bauden Posted Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Recommends!!

  • A Major Connection 1-6 By J. Kurre Posted on The Beach House(Beyond Uber Alt)
    What happens when fools fall in love? Follow the adventures of college students, Keagan and Rudy, as they do exactly that. Don’t be fooled by the subject matter, though. The road to bliss is plagued by obstacles, not the least of which is Keagan, herself. Actually, she’s the only obstacle.

  • The Last Test 1-12 By J. Kurre Posted on The Beach House(Beyond Uber Alt)
    In this sequel to A Major Connection, Keagan and Rudy are co-workers at Tandem Publishing, but it becomes apparent that Keagan isn't cut out to be an editor. Will she finally reveal the truth to Rudy about why she quit writing or will their relationship fall prey to time, deceit, and Keagan's insecurities?

  • The Brass Ring Part 2 By Mavis Applewater Posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Highly Recommends!!

  • The Plain Lands: Meeting of Heroes By Christina Anton Posted on (Beyond Uber Alt)
    It has been 300 years after the long-lived race of the elves had been forced to leave the Plain Lands, leaving humans as the only occupants. Kayna Davermost, a cleric of the benevolent goddess Krystia, and Vera Linshaw, and ex-soldier from the army of Chae, will be brought together to learn the past of the land in which they live. With the company of a few new friends, of course.

  • Final Exam By Mavis Applewater Posted on Academy of Bards(Beyond Uber Alt)
    ICE Warning - Don't Read at Work!! Raven Recommends! Check out Mavis's Other PWP stories!!

  • Sophies Game By Mavis Applewater Posted on Mavis Applewater Site PWP :)(Beyond Uber Alt)
    ICE Warning - Don't Read at Work!! Raven Recommends!

Thursday January 24, 2002

Random Ramblings (by Celine)

In medical news, I am happy to report the wisdom tooth pulling went very well on Monday. The dentist was the direct opposite of the demon dentist from hell -- she was nice, didn't treat me like a moron, that sort of thing -- and the tooth was out before I truly felt like strangling anyone. So now I have duel holes in my head and am happily munching on pain pills.

In Tango the Wonder Kitty and his sidekick, Butler the Purring Klutz, news, they are presently climbing on some boxes in the corner of the room, knocking things over at random. They've become quite the pair. In fact, I am shocked but pleased to report, when it comes time to feed the little critters, Tango actually steps back and lets Butler eat first. This is indeed strange, because normally Tango just kinda pushes in front of the other kitties and chows down. But not when it comes to Butler.

*sigh* My little boy is growing up. Now if I can just convince him it's not nice to climb on my back and chase his tail while I'm sitting down doing things (like reading uber), life would be good.

New URL for a Spiffy Site:

The Uber Abode now has their own domain... check it out at:

Short, easy to remember... gotta like that in a domain name.

What's New:

Tuesday January 22, 2002

Raven's Ravings (by Raven)

Well I hope you are all doing well!

I was only off by a day but I must tell you that you are in for a treat tonight with the first posting of a completed tale that I must say is one of the most touching tales I have had the pleasure to read.

The unique authors and the manner in which they collaborated only adds to this fine tale. As a good little Raven I have invited these wonderful authors here to ramble about their offering.

The story of which I am speaking so highly and carries Raven's Highest Recommendation is:

  • Connecting Hearts Part 1 by Celphalgia and MJ Posted on Amazon Trails(Beyond Uber Alt)
    Completed Fiction - The devastating illness of a loved one prompts an online meeting between British poet Denise Jennings and American nurse Randa Martin. The professional relationship that begins continents apart changes to one of trust, friendship and more as they deal with some of life's most difficult circumstances.

    Raven's Highest Recommendation!!!

Each of their own works are posted on Amazon Trails and I HIGHLY Recommend you Read all of their stories or your missing some great stuff!!!

Cephalgia:

  • Whenever You're Ready By Cephalgia Posted on Amazon Trails(Beyond Uber Alt)
    Though recently met, Del and Claire belong together. Can Claire overcome her fear and small town conventions to give their love a chance?
MJ:
  • Four Mondays By MJ Posted on Amazon Trails(Beyond Uber Alt)
    One of my FAVORITES Raven Highly Recommends - When Alice Bateman misses the woman she is destined to be with, purely because she is too busy to look up, a greater power decides to give them another chance. But how many will it take?

  • Two Tuesdays By MJ Posted on Amazon Trails (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Highly Recommends - Sequel to Four Mondays: When Alice and Leah take the next step in their relationship and move in togeter, neither of them are aware of what is about to take place, and will Leah get a second chance to right a terrible wrong.

  • Misunderstood By MJ Posted on Amazon Trails(Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Recommends!! - When Charlie Taylor starts her new job at a hospital for the mentally ill, she meets a patient whom she believes does not belong there.

  • Snap Shots By MJ Posted on Amazon Trails (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Highly Recommends - A brilliant yet introverted photographer, Tess Alexander's life takes a dramatic turn when she undertakes a shoot for the city's Lord Mayor. There she meets his daughter Nikki, a young woman whose visual disability has forced her into a world of overprotectiveness. Instantly drawn to each other, neither of them are aware of the lengths one person will go, to try and keep them apart.

  • Snap Shots Part 2 By MJ Posted on Amazon Trails(Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Highly Recommends - Three months later, Tess and Nikki are ready to move into Riverside Farm. They both soon realise the ‘trials and tribulations’ of moving home are if nothing else an extremely hectic and at times a comical occurrence. However, it is Nikki who is first to sense that when they moved, a face from their past followed.
Now for their ramble and a reminder to email these talented authors and let them know what you think!!!

Greetings to all of you and thanks to Raven for asking us to do this ramble.

Last September 11th I could no longer watch the horrific news from New York and I turned to online fiction to escape. I read a story that touched my heart and I responded to the British author with some very complimentary feedback. She wrote back, we began corresponding and one day, in a blinding flash of nerve, I asked if she would like to co-write a piece of fiction based on an idea that had been knocking around in my brain. Why MJ ever said yes to this American is one of the great mysteries of the universe. Three months later we finished “Connecting Hearts” and I have to tell you it has been one of the most fun things I have ever done. Not only have I found someone to write with, I made a wonderful new friend.

Cephalgia

The way in which we decided to write Connecting Hearts was for us to both approach it from specific character perspectives. Cephalgia would write from the view point of Randa Martin the American nurse, while I took the view point of Denise Jennings the British poet. Approaching the story from this angle meant that we could stay true to the differences between US and UK forms of language. The ways in which we think and speak; the differences in slang, humour, syntax and even spelling, all of which we hoped would add authenticity to the tale.

MJ

We each wrote half of a chapter and e-mailed it to the other who carried on the story from the other perspective. Having only the tiniest idea where we wanted the story to go, we wrote away, sometimes surprising each other with what came back to us. We think it worked out though in the end and we hope you enjoy reading the story as much as we enjoyed writing it.

MJ and Cephalgia
Email MJ (by MJ) Email Cephalegia (by Cephalegia)

Now on with more exciting fiction!!!

Sunday January 20, 2002

Raven's Ravings (by Raven)

I'm Baaaacccckkkkk!!!

Good Day!!

Actually it a wonderful bright and shiny ..CLEAR DAY!! I first want to thank all you wonderful folk who sent your well wishes and thoughts of encouragement!

I must tell you that LASIK is no less then a wonderful miracle and as of 24 hours after my procedure I walked into my doctors office (after driving myself to the doctor :) with 20/15 in my left eye and 20/20 in my right!

It is totally amazing I am reading off my palm, books , computer and watching DVD's in bed :) It has been like wearing my contact but I don't have to worry about taking them out :)
Still have to remind myself that I am seeing with my own eyes!

I would HIGHLY recommend this procedure and if any of you are in Denver or want to know of a great doctor email me and I will give you all the wonderful details (my Doc is so nice he sent me a card yesterday congratulating me on my new vision with movie tickets to enjoy my gift!). This procedure if I did not mention ran me about $2,700 but check if your company offers a Medical Cafeteria plan as that is how I am having it done. The way they work is that a deduction is taken out of your pay pre-tax and they give your Doc the check up front. For my plan I was allowed to deduct a total of $2,500 a year and that cover most of my procedure and I save about 30% of that as I get the pre-tax advantage. I tell you seeing like this is unbelievable and worth every penny and I am surprised not more!

I must tell you... to those out there that have bad vision you will understand ..... I celebrated my new vision in a crazy way as I went out and bought a new shaver and shaving cream and for the first time in my life shaved my legs by sight Not by touch :).. its these little things that make me happy :)... Yes I am nuts!! So there!!

Now I must tell you all that I have been privy to a couple of excellent beta projects and one of them will begin posting tomorrow I believe.. I must tell you to clear your palms and get ready as this is a touching tale that I was impressed with that well.. I think I have teased you enough to keep an eye out for the post..

heheh.. yep I am evil!!

Now on with some great fiction.. ... Life is GOOOOD!!!

Friday January 18, 2002

Random Ramblings (by Celine)

BREAKING NEWS

DENVER AREA, CO -- This just in: Raven, our lovely Beyond Uber editor, reports her Lasik eye surgery went well. Her vision has indeed improved, and she is in the process of adjusting to her new vision. Details are vague -- her vision is still fuzzy, after all, but she is enjoying doing things such as watch TV without the aid of contacts or glasses. Raven will have more information after her post-operative appointment.

More on this late breaking development as details become clear. Stay tuned to this, your emergency Raven health update channel.

What's New:

  • Coffee Break By Mavis Applewater posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Wednesday Afternoon PWP. Monica finally has some time only to find herself meeting someone she can't wait to spend her time with. (Note from Celine -- I may have to start drinking coffee and work crossword puzzles) *****Celine Recommends*****

  • Ring In the Old, Ring In the New By Mavis Applewater posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Wednesday Afternoon PWP. Co-workers celebrate New Years Eve. *****Celine Recommends*****

  • Matinee By Mavis Applewater posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Wednesday Afternoon PWP. Two women share more than popcorn at the picture show. *****Celine Recommends*****

  • Jury Duty By Mavis Applewater posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Wednesday Afternoon PWP. Walker finds that doing her civic duty can be very rewarding. (Note from Celine -- if all jury duty went like this, I think more of us would be happier about going... heck, we'd volunteer!) *****Celine Recommends*****

  • Anam Cara - Parts 19 and 20 Conclusion By Moonchild posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Conclusion.

  • Twelve Days - Part 6 Conclusion By Colleen posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Conclusion.

  • All That Jazz - Part 6 By Blue Dragon posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Continuing story.

Thursday January 17, 2002

Random Ramblings (by Celine)

In medical news, our lovely Beyond Uber editor Raven is having her Lasik surgery on Thursday. Please keep her eyes, and the rest of her as well, in your thoughts. And, Raven - get well soon, lady. :)

She probably won't be off-line very long, as the recovery time for the surgery is pretty much a matter of hours. It remains to be seen.

In Singer news, she's taking a bit of time off, so Raven and I will be covering for her until her return.

In me news, I'm still here. No surgery, no time off, no life... you know the drill. The highlight of my day was taking two AAA batteries to my next door neighbor because the batteries in their remote had died. I did see a wee bit of snow falling as I walked next door... and then it was gone, leaving no trace of its existence. It doesn't snow much in my part of Oregon. We have some very nice mountains and the Columbia Gorge (which runs along the Columbia River) for that.

For some reason, I've been waxing nostalgic by going back and reading some of my old ramblings. Mostly, I would read them and wonder, "What in the heck was I thinking?!" But after a while I gave up wondering. It's a futile effort.

Remember back when it was only me who posted and some folks thought I made Raven up? Like she was some sort of alter ego or something. As if I could.

*sigh* After a year and a half of my ramblings, you guys must all think I'm completely and utterly nuts. Makes me wonder about you folks, though. I mean, here you are, all 750 of you, who read my ramblings, Raven's ravings, Singer's considerings, day after day...

What I want to know -- do you sit there reading these things, and think "boy, those gals are craaazy!" or "wow, I can *so* identify with them!" Maybe you should think about it. It might provide a much needed insight into your own psyche. Or it could just scare you and send you running off into the night.

Don't run too far. You might miss the next update, after all.

What's New:

  • White Nights - Parts 1 through 5 By Minerva posted at the Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
    White Nights is the story of two women finding each other and themselves on the back drop of Minnesota blizzards with danger and jealousy not far behind threatening to tear them apart. Continuing story.

  • An Affair To Remember By Zeta posted at MaryD's (Beyond Uber Alt)
    A rewrite of the movie by the same name. Complete.

  • Storm Surge - Chapters 21 through 23 By KatLyn posted at MaryD's (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Post of missing chapters.

  • A Perfect Fit By DS Bauden posted at her site (Beyond Uber Alt)
    A short little PWP story. Complete.

  • Acacia - Parts 1 through 9 By Scribe posted at Wordscape Fiction (Beyond Uber Alt?)
    Acacia is a violently psychotic, man hating, stuck in the sixties go-go girl, who also happens to be a werecat/vampire. It follows the Akuji sisters' efforts to protect a young woman who, as a child, may have witnessed her parent's murder, and is now being stalked by the killer. Continuing story.

  • Littlermates - Parts 1 through 9 By Scribe posted at Wordscape Fiction (Beyond Uber Alt?)
    Kitten, a special child, sees her beloved father die in a mysterious and terrifying manner. Her mother, an ambitious woman, remarries, and Kitten's life becomes a living hell. Her psyche shatters, and she becomes a multiple personality to survive. When it seems that she has escaped, her very nature brings about a horrific incident that both frees her imprisons her, physically and emotionally. How she once again finds freedom through the intervention of a creature of the night paves the way for a planned series of books. Continuing story.

  • A Major Connection (formerly Bar Girls) - Parts 1 and 2 By Jules Kurre posted at Wordscape Fiction (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Reworked version of a previously posted story. What happens when fools fall in love? Follow the adventures of college students, Keagan and Rudy, as they do exactly that. Don't be fooled by the subject matter, though. The road to bliss is plagued by obstacles, not the least of which is Keagan, herself. Actually, she's the only obstacle. Continuing story.

  • A Promise of a Deliciously Sinful Life By CJ posted at Wordscape Fiction (Beyond Uber)
    Things that drive us don't always end up the way we expect them to. Someone's dreams of revenge turn out differently then they hoped for, not to mention it doesn't balance out with what they gave up for it. Complete.

  • Lady, Warrior, Healer, Thief - Parts 1 through 6 By Leslie Ann Miller posted at Wordscape Fiction (Beyond Uber Alt?)
    In a world where blackelves and humans share a mutual hatred for each other, four women (three humans and one blackelf) join together in an impossible quest to unite their warring peoples against an enemy even the Gods fear to face.

Wednesday January 16, 2002

Random Ramblings (by Celine)

Things I believe, based on TV commercials:

  • Toby Keith and Terry Bradshaw really do stand around talking about the merits of dialing 10-10-220 while fishing, throwing darts, etc., and become really excited whenever they spot a dollar.

  • If I call Miss Cleo, psychic extraordinaire, she really will know me better than I know myself.

  • Garth Brooks really does sit around in small towns jamming with folks while singing about Dr. Pepper.

  • There really are thousands of people who really do become extremely happy every time they hear AOL's "You've Got Mail" on their computers and don't feel at all compelled to shoot their computer speakers rather than hear that annoying voice one more time.

  • And, finally, I believe every claim made by every infomercial ever made.
What's New:
  • Carpe Doodah By Carrie's AJ posted at her site (Beyond Uber Alt)
    A touching love story set against the world of... no, no, waitasec. Wrong story. This one is a spoof of uber fan fiction. And where else can you find a story with a name like "Lysolus" in it? Nowhere, my friend. *****Celine Recommends*****

  • The Last Test - Part 10 Updated By Jules Kurre posted at her site (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Continuing story.

  • Under the Mistletoe By Mavis Applewater posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Latest in the Wednesday Afternoon series. A holiday story about a dog walker who gets snowed in with her attractive employer. *****Celine Recommends*****

  • Casablanca By CN Winters posted at MaryD's (Janice/Mel Alt)
    Summary pending.

Tuesday January 15, 2002

Random Ramblings (by Celine)

Did you ever have one of those when you just couldn't find anything to ramble about? I guess I'm having another acute case of rambilitis.

Sorry about that. I had a boring day. Well, I posted a resume to monster.com... eh, still boring. Um... worked some... fed about a zillion animals...

Yep, had a boring, boring day. Tell you what, I'll try to do something fascinating to tell you all about in my next ramblings. I could... oh, hey, I could choke on a pretzel and knock myself silly. That worked for the President, after all. He's been getting press coverage all day.

What's New:

Monday January 14, 2002

Random Ramblings (by Celine)

First up, a note from our lovely Beyond Uber editor Raven: "Due to meeting work deadlines I have fallen behind in my email and will be working this week to respond to those who have sent comments or questions."

In candy-coated news, guess what I've discovered? M&M e-cards! Yes, friends, now you too can send electronic greeting cards featuring those adorable M&M characters to your friends, relatives, and random strangers!

No, this isn't a plea for folks to send me e-cards. :) I just thought you'd like to see 'em. They're awfully cute. Especially Yellow. He's cool. You can also order bags of M&M's online in custom colors, and download M&M desktop wallpapers.

*sigh* I'm in virtual M&M heaven.

In semi-related doggie news, how do you convince a Doberman who's bigger than you that M&M's and other forms of chocolate are bad for her? I've tried talking to her but she just doesn't listen. Instead, she just gives me this pitiful look that says, "If you really love me you'll give me an M&M." I try to placate her by giving her some wintergreen Tic Tac's, but she's not fooled. She can smell the difference.

In kitty news, I am happy (???) to report the new kitty, Butler, has now officially picked up all of Tango's bad habits. This includes taunting the Doberman, playing with the blinds, climbing up in my window directly above my head when I'm trying to sleep and playing with the blinds cord, and knocking things over in the garage. And neither one know the meaning of the word "no." But Butler is picking up on the meaning behind me firing the water spray bottle at him. When I did that earlier (he was playing with the blinds), he actually tried to climb a *wall* to get away. He figured out right quick that wasn't the best escape route and jumped down instead.

Goodness. Withholding M&M's from the dog *and* spraying water at the cat. I'm obviously a bad, bad mommy. Well, dip me in honey and throw me to the lesbians.

Oh, wait. I'd like that.

:-)

That's my new favorite phrase, by the way. I got that from a short little uber alt and adorable story... The Gift by Littlespit:

While you're checking that one out, check out Littlespit's other short (but slightly longer than the other) uber alt and adorable story, Raven and Sparrow: In site news, I changed the layout a bit and added several more links to the Fiction Sites page: The list was getting rather lopsided before as a two-column thing (the bards sites far exceeded the fan fiction index sites), so I thought maybe this new layout would work better. If you have any thoughts on this terribly important matter, let me know (uber@wvi.com).

What's New:

Saturday January 11, 2002

Raven's Ravings (by Raven)

Well Folks I have a treat for you here .. more Mavis Applewater!! I highly recommend that you take a look at her site and pruse her works! Some of these are listed below!

  • Whatever happened to By Mavis Applewater Posted on Finding Mavis (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Recommends! ICE WARNING!! :)

  • Laundry Day By Mavis Applewatter Posted on Finding Mavis(Beyond Uber Alt)
    ICE WARNING!! :)

  • Just One Of Those Things Part 12 By Mavis Applewatter Posted on Finding Mavis (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Highly Recommend

  • Brass Ring By Mavis Applewater Posted on Finding Mavis (Beyond Uber Alt)
    Raven Highly Recommend

From the mind of Mavis,

Raven has invited me back to be a guest rambler, so I guess I didn’t scare anyone off the last time. I’m Mavis Applewater the bartending bard from Boston. (Say that five times fast.). If you are not familiar with my work, I write Uber. In fact I’ve just finished my second series, Just One Of Those Things.

It’s a tale about a young woman who has a one-night stand, only to discover in the morning that she just slept with her new boss. I know I’m shameless. I’ve also just started a new series The Brass Ring. If you would like to know more about that one, just check here at beyond uber for the updates.

Anyhoo, that’s not what I want to talk about. I want to talk about Wednesday. You know that day that falls in the middle of the week. It’s a special day for some. I know it is for me, since it is the day of the week I was born on. But for others here in my country it’s known as hump day. In honor of the special day, I started a series called the Wednesday Afternoon Series. Each and every Wednesday I post for members of my egroup and on my Website, a short little innocent tale. What type of tale? You may ask, well they what is referred to as a PWP. Now these stories have caused some problems for folks. So I just want to clear up some things. It’s not my fault. These are just innocent little stories, about different folks in interesting situations. Like the postal carrier and the Liberian, the shop girl and the cop, the pirate and the lady and have course the governess and the lady. You get the idea. Now the problem seems to be that folks are reading these at work or other public places. Don’t. Also it has been brought to my attention that I need an ice warning. Heavens to Betsy, I don’t understand why but since this keeps being brought to my attention, I am going on record and telling everyone to keep some ice handy. I hope this clears up this matter. That’s all from little old innocent me. I’ll see everyone at BardCon in Orlando.

Mavis Applewater

Now for somemore GREAT Fiction!!!

Friday January 11, 2002

Consider this (from Singer)

Did you know that most dogs can't ice skate? Well, I found out that Kam sure can't. She can barely even walk on ice. It's really quite funny to see her little legs go every which way and her butt spin around. I was laughing so hard and she was just staring at me. You could almost hear her..."Mom! Why won't you help me?"
"A" and I worked out today. Treadmill, bicycle, and Bowflex. Of course, we can't walk now, but at least we're healthy invalids.
"A" says we'll rest tomorrow and do it all over again on Saturday. I can't wait!
I'm still looking for gainful employment. Funny how all the jobs can sound wonderful and horrible at the same time.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Xena Live tickets are now on sale. The new website is up and running and you can get your tickets there.
Xena Live Tickets
Let's see if I can find some new stuff for you kids tonight!

What's New:

Thursday January 10, 2002

Consider this (from Singer)

I have an addendum, I have an addendum....
It looks like we have a boo boo running around. It seems that there was a mix up both here at BeyondUber and at the Bard's Corner, with it being stated that Storm Surge concluded with chapter 26. Error, error. Guess what? There's more!!! Yeah!!! I thought I'd let everyone know (thanks Linda), and give you the link to....chapters 27-32 on KatLyn's site. Enjoy!

  • Storm Surge By KatLyn posted Her site (Beyond Uber Alt)

    Thursday January 10, 2002

    Consider this (from Singer)

    Well, the sun has come out, and temperature has gone up...melting all that pretty snow we got. I think it was somewhere around 4 inches which was plenty for the sledding expeditions with the dogs. No mishaps or injuries happened, but it sure was fun with a real sled instead of a piece of cardboard.
    In delusional news: "A" seems to think that Kam is done growing. The vet said that she probably had another 4 months to grow, but "A" is convinced that she's finished. I don't say anything about it...I just go on about my daily tasks.
    In food news: I cooked dinner tonight. No one died, and nothing burned down. You laugh, but this is a major accomplishment...trust me.
    In health news: We won't discuss that.
    A reminder, with Yahoo changing rates, many sites will moving. Mary D is one of them. Keep an eye on her page to find out when changes are made.
    Anyway, with it being so quiet here in the burbs, we'll just get on with the good stuff...

    What's New:
    :::Singer is seen rummaging through all the websites...desperately looking for something to update:::
    "Didn't they leave me anything?" She mutters as yet another site yields nothing new.
    "What am I supposed to do? I can't expect the Uberites to just listen to me ramble and not reward them with something new to read!"
    Raven and I searched and searched and came up empty handed tonight. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

    Wednesday January 9, 2002

    Random Ramblings (by Celine)

    Boy oh boy oh boy. The people have spoken, and the mystery uber, as about a zillion of you already know and kindly informed me of, is the R' Place Series by Minerva, which is at present unfinished. Check 'em out at Minverva's Erotic Zone:

    Thanks to all who wrote. I am once again indebted to you all. The check's in the mail. ;)

    In dental news, Wednesday is the day I get to visit with the demon doctor from hell. I'll do my best not to strangle him, but I won't make any promises. I think I said that once before, and I didn't kill him that time, so here's to hoping my record will hold.

    In new kitty Butler news, he has decided to become rather playful. Playful in the form of attacking unsuspecting human toes, fingers, feet, legs, arms, etc. I now am baring scratches on my right foot and arm from the little terror. Okay, so it's not like I don't usually have little nicks from playful kitties, but this is a first from Butler. He and Tango are getting along great now, and have been tromping around the house playing at all hours. There's nothing like hearing the pitter patter of little feet.

    Academy of Bards Moving:

    In case you haven't heard, the Merwolf.com domain, which hosts the Academy of Bards, is moving to a new server. So if you have any trouble accessing the latest stories on the Academy of Bards site, use this temporary URL:

    URL Boo-Boo Fix:

    As a helpful Beyond Uber reader reported, the link I posted last night for the last part of Storm Surge didn't work. So here's the corrected URL:

    I didn't check the link before I posted it. My bad. I apologize.

    What's New:

    • Something To Be Thankful For - Parts 4 and 5 By Carrie Carr posted at her site (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story (Yeah! Carrie posted more!). *****Celine Recommends*****

    • Snowbound - Part 1 By Queenfor4 posted at the Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
      A fantastic new uber by a great bard. It involves snow, overcoming fears, really smart dogs, and some awesome uber characters. This story is finished (with a little beta'ing left to do), and is being posted in parts. Be sure to email the author and tell her she shouldn't be so nervous over posting it, because it's a great story, 'kay? :) *****Celine Recommends*****

    • Time Flies - Part 2 By Ri posted at the Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story.

    • The Brass Ring - Part 1 By Mavis "Cliffhangers are Good Things" Applewater (Beyond Uber Alt)
      A young med student meets the woman of her dreams or does she? Continuing story.

    • Beneath the Brambles - Part 25 By Lady Savay posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story.

    • Anam Cara - Part 16 By Moonchild posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story.

    Tuesday January 8, 2002

    Random Ramblings (by Celine)

    *yawn* You don't mind if I take a nap, do you? Cause, um, I kinda didn't sleep at all last night, so sleep would be a very good thing right now.

    Remember that wisdom tooth I had pulled last month? Of course you do, because you follow every little word I write, don't you? DON'T YOU? Okay, maybe not. Anyway, it turns out there is a hole where the wisdom tooth was about the size of Montana, only more densely populated, inside my mouth. Unbeknownst to me, this hole has been catching food bits, which in turn caused my mouth to experience pain, which in turn caused me to not sleep last night. But I went to the dentist today and he cleaned the hole in my mouth out (I feel much better now) and I get to go back again on Wednesday to have the demon dentist from hell look at it. And then next Monday I get to go have my final wisdom tooth extracted (though not by the demon dentist, thankfully). Which will lead to yet another hole in my mouth.

    I need that like I need another hole in my head.

    In happy M&M news, guess what! I have a brand new M&M thingie! It's a very spiffy looking candy dish with Red and Yellow lounging on the lid. My sister-in-law decided it was just too cute to pass up and it was, in her words, "screaming Celine's name." Strange, I haven't heard it utter a peep yet. She also brought me an M&M tin which looks like a train station. It's adorable. So I'm in M&M-related items heaven. And it doesn't hurt the candy dish and tin came with M&M's in them (speaking of needing a dentist).

    Uber ID Request:

    Here's the summary:

    "I have been wracking my brain to figure out the name of a story I read a couple years back. I thought that since your wonderful readers were able to find yours that maybe they could help find mine. It involves two women A & B. who, of course overcome there pasts and fall in love. A woman from A's past, we'll call her C, is vengeful and a real B****. But the great writing Gods, introduce her to the younger sister of B. She ( C ), tries to use the younger sister (D) but ends up falling in love with her (D) and they ( C&D ) start a life and family together. Then they all become good friends. ( aaaawwww, a happy ending...)" ... any ideas? If so, let me know at uber@wvi.com and I'll forward the info on (and, yes, I'll post it here). It sounds a little familiar to me, but I can't place it. And you guys know everything, so I humbly ask for assistance yet again.

    Carrie's AJ's Site is Back:

    Yes, friends, the author of Fresh From The Road Kill Cafe has her site back online. Actually, her lovely and now ultra HTML savvy partner, Carrie Carr, put it back up on AJ's behalf.

    Look for short stories to be posted sometime in the future, along with the further revisions of RKC.

    What's New:

    Monday January 7, 2002

    Random Ramblings (by Celine)

    This week was storage bin week for me. No, I wasn't actually storing things in bins (for the most part), but I did go on a semi-frenzied storage bin shopping spree. My goal was to find one I could hook to the back of my Purple Plaything which would hold more and be better protected from the elements than my plastic crate thingie, which is basically several holes surrounded by plastic. I live in Oregon. It rains in Oregon. Holes let in rain. Rain makes things wet.

    So I bought... um, seven? Or possibly eight storage bins (hey, they were all on sale!) before I actually found one which is turning out to work just perfectly.

    Okay, so all seven (eight?) weren't *specifically* for my scooter... I would buy one, then I would realize it wouldn't work for my scooter but it would work for something else, so then I'd buy another like it, and look for another type for my scooter... and so on. It wasn't until I found a place selling off the bins from the now defunct WebVan company did I find a winner. It's hard plastic, has convenient holes to hook straps to hold it on, and it has a hinged two-piece interlocking lid. Gotta like that. It is an odd light blue color which doesn't thrill me, but I can live with it. It holds a bunch o' stuff, which makes it worth it.

    Some of the other bins were put to good use... we used two 28 gallon bins and one 15 gallon bin to store my animated santas collection. And the cats are enjoying the others not yet used elsewhere. I nicknamed this collection the 'Couchside Kitty Condos'. Tango is chief resident.

    Hmmm. That was *way* more than you wanted to know about storage bins, eh? 'Tis why I call this Random Ramblings, I suppose.

    In site maintenance news, I went through a verified the links on the Fiction Sites page (http://www.beyonduber.com/sites.htm), and added some more bards to the list, such as Karen 'Surtees' King, and Nann 'Purferblue' Dunne, both of whom rock big time and are incredibly nice people. I've also done some other minor site maintenance stuff, but I won't bore you with the details. As always, if you notice any boo-boo's or have suggestions about the site design itself, please let me know (uber@wvi.com).

    In story recommendation news, I just read "Convergence" by LA Tucker, and it's adorable, funny, short, and uber alt. You should read it. if you haven't already. Heck, even if you have, read it again.

    Here's the summary: "A short uber story where 'Fractured Fairy Tales' mixes with 'The Twilight Zone' when strangers meet in a small town. The impossible becomes the possible when all the right ingredients come together."

    I hope there's a sequel. :)

    What's New:

    • In The Blink Of An Eye By Carrie Carr posted at her site (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Short and very spiffy story with a Halloween backdrop. *****Celine Recommends*****

    • Something To Be Thankful For - Parts 1 through 3 By Carrie Carr posted at her site (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Sequel to 'In The Blink Of An Eye' which was intended as another short story, this time with Thanksgiving as the backdrop. But, according to Carrie, "The damned thing got out of hand, and is turning into a novel." Poor Carrie. And we, her faithful fans, will just have to suffer along with her. Continuing story. *****Celine Recommends*****

    • Storm Surge By KatLyn posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Alex Montgomery - A ten-year veteran of the FBI. She lost everything of meaning in her life, in the blink of an eye. She has now returned to where it all began, to heal, to rebuild, and to find the man responsible for the hell in which she now lives. Will Alex ever find the peace she once knew? Will she ever find a love like she once had? Conner Harris - An undercover cop with the Jacksonville Police Department. Her home is the streets, and her life is her job. She is a loner by choice who finds her fun in chasing drug dealers, and her relief in one-night stands. Life is just as Conner wants it until one fateful morning when she is it by a storm surge, and finds life never to be the same again.

    • Wall Of Silence - Part 3 By GabGold posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story.

    • Second Half - Part 3 By Niki posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story.

    • All That Jazz - Part 4 By Blue Dragon posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story.

    • BF4EVR - Part 1 Revised By Miri posted at the Merwolf Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Revised version of a previously posted story part.

    • Maggie and Darby - Part 5 By DJ Wood posted at Tigg's site (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story.

    • Lorimal's Chalice - Through to Conclusion By Jane Fletcher posted at Tigg's site (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Conclusion.

    • Darkfin - Year Two - Chapter 9 By Lizzy TJ posted at the Darkfin site (Beyond Uber)
      Continuing story.

    Sunday January 6, 2002

    Raven's Ravings (from Well Raven Of Course!)

    Well folks!! I have another great video for you by Terri Hill and she is also our guest rambler for this evening!!
    Enjoy!!!

    Terri's Videos Can be found :

    • Video : That's What Hurts By Terri Hill
      Enjoy her other videos on her site as well.. and remember to email her and thank her for all her hard work!!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR to all you Xenites!!

    I hope you had a nice holiday. I wanted to ramble about the video on my page--How Do I Live. I know all of us feel that way since Xena has stopped making new episodes. Thank God for Fan Fiction and videos!! I did this video shortly after the last episode aired. And that is exactly how I felt, How do I go on without Xena? I made a video to show the love Xena & Gab have for each other and the love we have for them. They will always be a part of each other and they will always be a part of us. As the pain has subsided I realize that they will never be gone, as long as we keep them alive in our hearts and in the Xenaverse. So How Do I Live? I live by remembering the love, the friendship, the joy, & the life that this beloved show gave me.

    LONG LIVE XENA!!

    Battle On Xenaverse!!
    Terri Hill

    Saturday January 5, 2002

    Raven's Ravings (from Well Raven Of Course!)

    Gooooood Evening!!

    Well I must Thank All of you who emailed me about Lasik!
    THANK YOU!!!!

    I received about 50 emails with words of encouragement and stories of personal experience of the procedure.

    To Gail who just had the procedure completed THANK YOU and Best Wishes in completing your recovery!

    As I suspected most all of the emails spoke of very successful or only minor setbacks with the procedure and when asked if they would do it again were quick to say it was the best investment they had made in their lives.
    So I am still a go for January 17th and am know wearing glasses ( I HATE THESE THINGS) and am more then ever resolved to get this done!
    I will keep you all updated and those of you who are going to complete the procedure prior to mine please feel free to email me and share your experience!

    Well I must tell you I have found some treasures for you today in fiction including a Premiere of a new Virtual TV Show that I think you will all enjoy!
    So on with the Fiction!!

    • Convergence Pilot Episode 101 By Blitzgal Posted on Convergence Virtual Television Series (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Raven Highly Recommends.. Our First ORIGINAL Virtual Televison Show.. Run do not walk to check this one out!
      We are treated to a new delight and again expanding what Xena and Uber have nurtured for years!!

    • Lap Dance By Redhawk Posted on Redhawk's Site (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Short tale..Birthday parties...gotta love 'em. Especially when some loving soul rents a stripper for the big celebration!
      Raven Recommends!

    • Slow Movin By Redhawk Posted on Redhawk's Site(Beyond Uber Alt)
      Short tale...Inspired by a song by Mary Dolan, here's a new character I've been playing with for a couple of months.
      Raven Recommends

    • Dear Toni By Redhawk Posted on Redhawk's Site(Beyond Uber Alt)
      Short tale ..Originally written for the At First Blush anthology, it was rejected due to the number of entries and types of stories. Here it is for your perusal.
      Raven Recommends

    • Getting Lei'd By Redhawk Posted on Redhawk's Site(Beyond Uber Alt)
      Short tale ...Nothing like a tropical vacation to get those juices flowing...
      Raven Recommends

    • How Could I By Redhawk Posted on Redhawk's Site(Beyond Uber Alt)
      Short tale...While listening to the latest Queensryche album, this tale came into my head and wouldn't go away.
      Raven Recommends

    • Twelve Days Part 4 By Colleen Posted on Athenaeum(Beyond Uber Alt)
      Raven Recommends!

    • Riding Against The Odds By Faranath Posted on Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)

    • Time Flies By Ri Posted on the Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
      A Xena/Laura Croft Crossover

    • Hesed Part 2 By Mayt Posted on Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)

    • Terror of the High Seas - Parts 6 and 7 by Melissa Good Posted on Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Raven Highly Recommends!

    • Justice Deferred part 23-26 by Alex P on Merwolf's Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)

    • Convergence by L.A. Tucker Posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      From the Author of The Light Fantastic we have another winner...
      A short Über story where 'Fractured Fairy Tales' mixes with 'The Twilight Zone' when strangers meet in a small town. The impossible becomes the possible when all the right ingredients come together. These characters may be revisited in future stories, their boundaries seem limitless. I felt rather ... inspired to write something about unlikely acts of heroism, and the unlimited possibilities of the human spirit -- and beyond.

    • Iowa by Xenalicious Posted on Academy of Bards(Beyond Uber Alt)
      A blonde Texan doctor drives out to Iowa in order to avoid an impeding mental breakdown and there comes across a tall, dark-haired stranger on a horse.

    • Rainy Sundays By N. D. R.-Lewis (a.k.a. Nicky) Posted on Academy of Bards(Beyond Uber Alt)
      This is a short story about how the pressures of family and responsibility can darken the lightest heart. It's shows in a very real way how people cope with the problems that face them.

    • Time and Time Again part 9 (conclusion) By Dimples Posted on Academy of Bards(Beyond Uber Alt)

    • All It Took Is You Part 3-4 By Ali Vali Posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Raven Highly Recommends

    • Justice Deferred parts 24-26 Concluded by Alex P Posted on (Beyond Uber Alt)

    Friday January 4, 2002

    Consider this (from Singer)

    Ok. So you all know that "A" and I have been sick. Let me tell you about a brief moment when we were both feeling good...that didn't last very long.
    Last Friday, we'd had a great snow the evening before, and we were very excited to have Kam experience her first snow. So we bundled up, grabbed the video camera, gathered the herd, and headed outside. The first little bit was quite funny with Kam trying to find some ground to pee, but only finding snow. She didn't seem to understand that it was okay to make yellow snow. Then, she spent the next little while eating all the snow until she was shivering. We decided to come back in and let them thaw out.
    Later, we came back out and threw snow around and watched the dogs try and catch the disintegrating clumps. Then, Kam started sliding down this steep hill we have between the stairs and a rock wall. I thought it would be a great idea to catch that on video, so I headed up the hill to lure the poor, unsuspecting dogs, then would get them to slide down this hill. Alas, I lost my footing and ended up coming down the hill on my backside. The dogs LOVED it. So...I did it again.
    Now, over my sweatpants, sweatshirt, hat and gloves, I'm wearing my cherished Xena robe. After the first slide, it was brownish instead of dark gray. Oooops. Oh well...on with the sledding!
    I sneak inside to find the round sled-thing that "A" says we have, but end up with a piece of cardboard. Hey, it'll work! I slide down again, and almost hit a big rock, so I decide that we'll continue the sledding on the other side...known as sh**-hill. This is where they all poop. So down I go...really fast...the dogs chasing me the whole way. On tape, it looks like a school of piranna has overcome me. "A" can be heard laughing her head off.
    Well, this goes on a few times with me grabbing dogs for rides, sweeping them off their feet if they get too close, and the occasional leaving the sled somewhere behind me and continuing on without it. Finally, we decide it's time to go in, but I have to have one more run. I return to the original hill and head down, only to crack my hip on the corner of a step. Ow. Mommy's done.
    Well, that's the big adventure that led to "A" and I being sick again. But it sure was fun...Oh, and she wouldn't let me in the house until she swept me off with a broom!
    Not much to post this evening. It seems the holidays are still slowing things down. Just you wait...it's all gonna hit us at once, and we'll be swimming in Uber!

    What's New:

    • Graceful Waters part 9 By B L Miller & Verda Foster posted BL's site (Beyond Uber Alt)
      continuing story***Highly recommended by Singer & "A". Here's two awesome bards who have been delighting us with wonderful fanfic for years. Run...Do not walk!

    Thursday January 3, 2002

    Consider this (from Singer)

    Well, I'm finally back. I must say that I missed chatting with all of you last week. My Mom's best friend's granddaughter was diagnosed with a type of Leukemia. I danced for years the child's mother, and it hit us all very hard. "M" is only 4 years old, and it's virtually impossible to explain to her what's happening. All she wants is to go home. They have already surgically implanted the 'permanent' I.V. tube so that they won't have to 'stick' her every treatment, and that completely upset her.
    In health news, "A" and I have been ill for a week or so, but we think we're finally on the up-swing. Thank goodness. It was really hard with both of us being sick. The poor dogs had to deal with TWO grumpy moms. Horrible, horrible, horrible.
    In chase mommies out of the room news, Kam has developed a killer case of...gas. It's nothing like I've ever experienced before. She seems to do it mostly at night when we have all the dogs inside with us, and then delivers the gassy bombs in repeating waves:
    Gas...cloud filled room...moms holding anything they can find over their noses...other dogs faint...cloud clears...starts all over. Doesn't that sound like fun?
    With a new year to play with, I wanted to recap all the good things that should've been in the news, but weren't.
    Celine got a kiss from Renee.
    "A" and Singer got a total of 4 new dogs, making their home a full-fledged insane asylum.
    Raven ended 2001 and started 2002 in a big way!
    Celine was voted #1 M&M collector in the world.
    Singer discovered that Uber is better.
    And finally, Raven ended 2001 and started 2002 in a big way!
    Although this year brought us a tragedy that we never dreamed of, we emerged as a bright and shining people. A people that overcame a terrible event, and showed the world what it meant to be a neighbor. So 2002...bring it on. We are ready to grow, live, and love. Here's hoping that this coming year brings the world closer together.

    What's New:

    • Linger part 9 conc. By Minerva posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Completed Story

    • Cool merchandise from LJ Maas posted LJ's site (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Get awesome stuff like t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, boxers, and bags. All artwork is my LJ herself. I just spent a few dinars...hee hee hee

    • Poems by Nancy Hill posted KatLyn's (Beyond Uber Alt)
      One of our own has some wonderful poetry up. Grab a nice cup of tea, and settle in for some lovely reading.

    Wednesday January 2, 2002

    Random Ramblings (by Celine)

    You did it again. Another zillion of you wrote to tell me the story summary I posted in yesterday's post is:

    Dark Heritage by Karen 'Surtees' King. The story is unfinished, but the lovely bard in question said her life, which previously was getting in the way of her finishing the story, appears to be settling down now, and she's actively working on finishing it. So, one day, possibly in the near future, it shall be finished.

    Her site is at:

    But the story isn't there. :) She's taken it down while she's working on it. But you can find the first seven or so parts at MaryD's: Be warned, the whole story is being reworked, so these parts are, in effect, outdated. Read with this in mind. I've heard tell from many of you how great this story is, so I'm looking forward to its completion. She's a great writer.

    In semi-related news, someone on the list/site is looking for a copy of "Wages of Sin" by Mathghamhna. I can't find it anywhere, and apparently it's an older X/G warrior/slave type story (and unfinished?). If any of you kind folks have a copy, please send it my direction, and I'll forward it on. Thank ya much.

    In new kitty Butler news, helpful Beyond Uber reader Scout was worried about the name, as people have a tendency to shorten names... which would make Butler into But or Butt. But never fear, Scout! It's already happened! By me, of course. It's also evolved into Butthead, and other such variations. But that's okay. Butler doesn't go outside, and if he ever accidentally escapes, the neighbors likely wouldn't think twice if I were to go about the neighborhood yelling "Butt! Here, Butt!" They think I'm weird already. So it all works out.

    In Butler and Tango news, I am happy to report they played merrily together today. That's the first time, and quite frankly, it happened faster than I thought it would. I didn't think Tango would adjust as fast as he has. I'm glad to see the youngsters getting along. It does this old heart good. Why, in my day...

    Er, sorry about that. Anyway... oh, hey... I did actually stay up until midnight last night, and then Mom and I wandered outside to try to spot Jupiter and Saturn, but it was too foggy. And we have too many trees to see much of anything, anyway. Well, except trees. But I like trees, so it's all good.

    Boy, do I lead an exciting life or what? I need help.

    What's New:

    Tuesday January 1, 2002

    Random Ramblings (by Celine)

    Hey, check out the date... 01/01/02. Or, for those of you in other countries who do the date day/month/year, unlike we Americans who generally do it month/day/year, it is 01/01/02. Sure, it looks exactly the same, but fundamentally, it's completely different.

    I hope all of you are having, have had, or will have a great New Year's. Me, I'm going to probably fall asleep before midnight, and then spend tomorrow cleaning my bedroom. But, then again, I might not. I haven't decided yet.

    In thank you news, I want to thank everyone (again) who ID'ed the stories by Bracer and Kodi Wolf. You people are just the best. So, um... you wanna help again? You do? Great. Here's the summary:

    "A long while ago..... I started to read a story where the Gab character was a scientist exploring a seemingly deserted planet. "Xena" was the mysterious sole survivor of a forgotten civilization."

    Ring any bells? If so, please email me with any info you may have on the story (author, title, and/or URL... if you don't have the URL, I can probably find it), it would be appreciated. Can't have uber fans out there losing their minds over trying to find a story, after all. We have to save all that brain power for reading. And, yes, once I find out what story this is, I will post here with the info.

    In kitty news, I am happy to report my new kitty has a name!! A friend of my mother's ended up suggesting it, though you guys sent some great ideas. Naming a pet is a gut feeling sort of thing, and it wasn't until we heard the name did we know we had a winner.

    Oh, heh. I guess I should tell you what it is. After all, it would be mean of me to just go on and on and on and on without telling you the name. And we all know I'm *not* mean. I'm the nicest gal in the world. Yep, when you look up the word 'nice' in the dictionary, you find my picture. I won citizen awards when I was in school, you know. When I walk down the street, people remark, "Say, there's that really nice young woman!"

    The name, which I will get to very soon, was an evolution from "Tuxedo" which led to the final name. 'Cause the kitty looks like he's wearing a tux, after all. So, my mother's friend did a little association thing, and came up with the name.

    Which is... oh, six letters long. Four consonants and two vowels. I think it's a good name. And it fits him, in some undefinable yet definite way.

    Okay, okay. The name is ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Butler. You know, like the profession. Since butlers generally wear tux-like outfits. At least, that's the way they look on TV. I personally don't have a butler, so I can't say for sure. But I do have Butler.

    The name Tannin, which was suggested by Sinjenkai, was a close runner up, but my mother couldn't seem to say it right. She kept saying "Tanner."

    So, to all of you who sent name suggestions, I thank you. I'll keep 'em on hand should I acquire any more kitties.

    What's New:

      Um, I couldn't find anything to post. I tried, really I did. It's not my fault! It is a holiday... apparently everyone took the day off.

    The Beyond Uber What's New from December has been archived