The Pentagon

Just because Neil may be paranoid doesn't mean that somebody isn't out to get him.

Oh I'm sure he's atop a multitude of hit lists. What bloody bean-counter isn't?

God, you live in a fabulous country, Radio.

Actually Emma, the view from where I park my car is absolutely fabulous. I'd share it with anybody (bring a bag of weed if ya like). There are many that don't have it so well, I know this is true, but I've earned it. That's the beauty, you can earn something here that's damn hard to take away.

Yeah - they make sure you can't keep what you earn here. I pay back to the government the equivalent of one day's pay per week.

I pay that to the x-wives....there's the exception to every rule.

Forget the politics... It is a wonderful country so long as you don't become a Just look at Denver's homepage and I know I'd rather be living over there. He can go fishing...without catching nowt but tampax. There are mountains and hills to think about climbing and even though I'd never climb them there there if I wanted to. And big lakes. And New Orleans And San Diego And New Y...actually no forget that bit err and Denver not that I know what it'slike but I'm sure it's a damn sight better than Hackney

just not good if you want to make financial progress in the military

Ohhh but Jude, the best part you left out. We have a McDonalds restaurant within 5 miles in any direction.... At least down here in the foothills.

Come on, Jude, what's wrong with New York? It is an absolutely beautiful state. How can you not have fun in NY? Emma, how do you get away with the government only taking one day's pay per week? When I add it all up - V.A.T. on every item I purchase, council tax, tax on earnings (did you get your form in on time), road tax etc. - I go through to about Thusday afternoon before I actually earn any pennies for myself. Radio, great to hear some Country & The Fish lyrics.

Well, yes, Karl, if you put it like that...I was just talking about the proportion of my pay cheque and tax and national insurance. Now more depressed.

New York is a bit like London...fine for a short while or if you are under 25 and like partying. I am 28 now and prefer fishing! I like Philadelphia and you are just a train ride away...

Jude....you're only 28! My daughter is older than you.....Ohhhh, I need to be more father-like with my communications...., you are young and impressionable. *Lets see...where did I put that book? (how to be more father like) Nicole!!!!!*

Just remember: you know you're really in trouble when you start to believe the paranoids are out to get you.

didn't you know! I am just a baby! It's a bit like me not realising that George and Karl are old before I met them! It was some shock!

An I don't look good in orange. Burgundy is more my color.

OK, I'll bite. What is the web address for your web site, RD? It seems like I've missed something yet again. I f you want your mug shot in the ABC Rogues Gallery email me a picture. You can find the gallery on my web site: www.thymeworks.com

This time I'm just joking. Or at least I think I am.

Justyn, I've looked at your web-site before, nice job (even with the flash thingy) You can find me at: I'll find something suitable to mail over later tonight. I'm supposed to actually be working today.

Young in heart, though, Jude, young in heart. It comes with healthy living and clean thoughts.

you'll have to let me in on your secrets!

And what exactly was it that gave away the secret, Jude?

I was shocked when you said you were my father's age ...you only look about 35

Karl, Healthy living and clean thoughts! HA! Here I've been thinking all along it was directly related to not dying young.

I'm a lazy toad and have filthy thoughts (I can't deny it, can I?). But I don't look my age, do I? * anxiously checks mysterious painting stored away in attic *

Keep it up Jude, I may just treat you to dinner.

'I was shocked when you said you were my father's age ...you only look about 35.' Have you been to the optician lately Jude?

Shut your big mouth Flashy, SHE knows me, the nearest you ever came to meeting me face to face was last summer when I went past Corby on my way to York.

Don't feel too bad about the UK taxes. At least you get something for it, albeit not a lot. I've never figured out anything I get from my US taxes. And BTW, the total tax burden in the UK is not much more than in the US and might well be less for many people, once you add the cost of healthcare in the US to the tax calculation. Property taxes, the equivalent of UK council taxes, are generally much higher in the US and can easily be $5000/yr or more, depending upon where you live and the value of your house. BTW, that was Country Joe (McDonald) and the Fish, 'now it's one, two, three, what are we fightin' for?' The scariest thing I've seen lately is a news item about a survey of some 8000 college students about the First Ammendment to the Constitution. It showed that most of them nowadays think the right to free speech goes TOO FAR and that the government should have the right to control what is printed in newspapers. The article concluded that there is misunderstanding about what the First Ammendment means because such subjects are not properly taught in school anymore. Yeah, sounds like it. I'm thinking of making a short trip to the US in maybe June or July. I'm not sure why, other than to buy underwear and socks, but since I haven't been back since 1998, maybe it's time. There are some writing seminars at the Iowa Writers' Workshop this year that don't require an admissions procedure. Just sign up and go if there is a space, so I might do that. Fortunately, I have my official residency card for Poland, which means I can get back OUT of the US when it's time to leave. Did I hear someone whisper gulag in the back row?

Somewhere deep in the bowels of the Pentagon, this thread is being monitored and you just might have triggered their alarm bells with all this commie talk about free speech. Hope you look good in an orange jump suit and handcuffs, James! "Be the first one on the block To have your son come home in a box" Great song!

Neil, your paranoia is gonna be the death of you.