What's your story?
C.W. Cale
So here's the deal...
He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
why are you here?"
----------------------------------
My name is C.W. Cale and I sell books for Borders in Ft. Worth, TX. I
have been reading crime stories since the 80s and have just finished
writing one myself.
(we're working on polishing it up and getting an agent!)
I love RAM for the people, the author info and the bantering among all
the crazy people here. The digressions into politics and streaking only
add spice to the stew! This is the only newsgroup I read, although I am
heavily involved with Birthmarks.com and I'm still trying to teach
myself the violin.
I live with 3 cats and a bellydancer.
Simon
"C.W. Cale" <cali...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:duOdnTZd0pF...@comcast.com...
This is a good thread for a newcomer like me.
My name is Simon, I'm 32, work in local government (currently on sick
leave), and live in Leicester, UK. I've been reading crime novels seriously
for the past five years. The grittier the better. My other reading is mainly
SF. Non-fiction? No thanks, I get enough at work. Having said that, I do
work with politicians..............
I like the sense of community in RAM, although it can be a bit intimidating
for a newcomer. The most important thing for me is sharing thoughts on what
people have been reading so I can pick up new authors. I don't mind OT
stuff, but there have been times when it seems to have dominated the group..
But hey, I suppose that's what comes with being a real community.
The two other newsgroups I read and post to cover walking (whenever I can -
Snowdonia, Yorkshire Dales, Brecons) and depression (afraid so).
Apart from the Black Dog, I live on my own.
It's good to meet you all.
Beth Tindall
"C.W. Cale" <cali...@comcast.net> wrote
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
okay, here goes. I'm Beth Tindall, 42, from a farm town in Illinois but
lived in Cincinnati nearly 20 years. I've been reading crime fiction as an
adult for probably 15 years or so, having once been a big
spy/thriller/espionage reader but now pretty solidly medium-boiled in my
tastes. I live with active mental illness (thankfully mostly managed --
agoraphobia, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder mostly) -- and
it's led me to a home-based business designing websites for the last 3 years
fulltime.
I don't mind the off-topic posts in RAM, lord knows I've committed enough of
them myself. I do feel like the on-topic pickings are slim these days,
though, so I'm always grateful when anyone posts an on-topic question. I've
met some incredible friends through RAM and it's the only Usenet group I
participate in. I am a reality TV junkie who spends far too much time on
Television Without Pity.
Beth
vj
]I don't mind OT
]stuff, but there have been times when it seems to have dominated the group..
]But hey, I suppose that's what comes with being a real community.
partly, it depends on how much time Jane has at any one time.
partly, it depends on how outraged i get about something at any one
time.
it should get worse between now and November, and then slack off
considerably, IF the election doesn't end up contested like the last
one.
-----------
@vicki [SnuggleWench]
(Books) http://www.booksnbytes.com
newest creations: http://www.vickijean.com/new.html
-----------
I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America,
and to the republic which it established, one nation from many peoples,
promising liberty and justice for all.
Rae
Well, my 'nom de web' is Rae - it's my middle name, my first name is
Tracy. I work for an investment management firm in San Francisco. One of
the more interesting things about me is the variety of jobs I've held: in
real estate, construction, as an optician, and as a funeral director.
What I love most are reading, my friends (both on and off the Internet),
my cat, and Paris.
I'm here because about this time last year I re-discovered 'crime' fiction
through the books of Robert Crais and Lee Child. Then I discovered their
forums, and it was such a thrill to find communities of people who like
the same things I do. I can't remember now how I heard about RAM (I'm
pretty sure it was Maggie Griffin) - I lurked for awhile, read Vicki's
how-to at Books'n'Bytes, and jumped in. I love RAM for the conversations
and the book recommendations, but most importantly for the good manners
and lack of mean-spiritedness, which are so increasingly rare in this
silly old world.
Cheers,
Rae
And oh, by the way, I think of myself as a Kennedy democrat - lots of
social programs and some really big bombs ;-)
Dan Goodman
h...@comcast.com:
> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
> ----------------------------------
I'm Dan Goodman. Used to be a clerk-typist -- in the last few years of
that career, the title got changed to Computer Automation Assistant.
Took early retirement; looks as if I'll have to go back to work at least
part-time.
I live in southwest Minneapolis.
I grew up in a rural area (between two places of a couple hundred people
each) in a state which most people think is one big city.
I like to say that I was born during the first atomic war.
I don't read nearly as many mysteries as I used to.
I'm working on writing fiction -- mostly science fiction, but I do have
one mystery story in mind.
I have political positions which give me credentials in the vast leftwing
conspiracy, the vast rightwing conspiracy, and the half-vast moderate
conspiracy.
--
Dan Goodman
Journal http://dsgood.blogspot.com or
http://www.livejournal.com/users/dsgood/
Whatever you wish for me, may you have twice as much.
Mary Reagan
A bellydancer, that's cool. I've just started taking lessons.
Mary
Ali
>His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>> why are you here?"
I'm Ali - an Industrial Chemist and big mystery/thriller/crime fiction fan, but
I also enjoy Horror and SF.
I used to publish a fanzine back in the 1980's, interviewed my first writer
[Ramsey Campbell] back in 1982 for Comics Interview Magazine. Have written for
many magazines since as well as reviewing the odd book. Now I write for
Crimespree, Deadly Pleasures, Jan Mag and am the assistant editor for Shots
eZine.
I've worked and travelled throught Europe, Middle East and the US, with an
interesting life and managed to survive and have a family in England.
I had an agent for a while, though been writing for a long time; pretty serious
now.
I found RAM around 1998 a year after I went online first, and found RAM by
searching for a mystery newsgroup.
I also bumped into Hannibal Lecter a year later :-
http://members.aol.com/akarim1462/thomasharris.jpg
BSP :-
Currently working with the Shots team to get our most ambitious online issue
together - our summer special and we got a stack of books to giveaway.
Hope to be online 18th May
Ali
Shots #22 Contents
Interviews and articles :-
MIKE CONNELLY
GEORGE PELECANOS
HARLAN COBEN
GAYLE LYNDS
DAVID PEACE, MARTYN WAITES
SIMON KERNICK
JOE FINDER
LAURA WILSON
BARBARA SERANELLA
KEN BRUEN
MARK BILLINGHAM
LEE CHILD
MO HAYDER
SHEILA QUIGLEY
MIKE MARSHALL (SMITH)
LINDA FAIRSTEIN
JODIE COMPTON
JOHN HARVEY
PHILIP GOODEN
MICHAEL ROBOTHAM
Special Competitions
Train by Pete Dexter
Nightscape by David Morrell
Dirt Nap by Brian M Wiprud
Plus : Original Fiction, Book Reviews, Competitions and a great deal more
e...@zoominternet.net
<mre...@ldeo.columbia.edu> wrote:
>C.W. Cale wrote :
>
>> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
>> So here's the deal...
>>
>> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>> why are you here?"
Fun! I am Ellen, 48 yrs old, soon to be 49 (gulp! my dad would say
that is the sunny side of 40). I am married forever to Don, really
long time, if you add on the five years of being together before
marrying in 1980. One kid has flown the nest, and some Rammers may
remember that time....it does get better, but wow, waiting for that to
happen hurts! She is just in Pittsburgh, a forty-five minute drive,
and I see her lots. Still have a kiddo at home, a 17 year old son who
has always been easy to live with...we are doing the college search
this summer....one more year to have a real empty nest, yikes!
I am a social worker in private practice as a psychotherapist. I like
working for myself, and I could be busier, but the business is
established and I am busy enough. (I am not a very ambitious person,
my goal was not to be ultra successful, just to be busy enough).
Like Beth, I struggle with anxiety issues, but through some excellent
counseling and meds, I have been panic free for a long time. (yes the
therapist sees a therapist..it actually has enhanced my skills to be
on the other side of the relationship) Panic sucks, as does another
chronic problem, asthma.
As I have posted before, the best part of asthma is reading time!
That is the ONLY redeeming quality I can find to being sick like that.
Fortunately, asthma flare-ups are rare lately.
Reading mysteries started in my earliler forties...I sort of didnt'
read them because my mom did? But then, reading literary fiction all
the time was too much like what I did for work, so the world of
mystery reading was a much needed and enjoyed place! I found RAM when
we still had AOL, and have enjoyed the bantering of the OT"s (ignore
the major controversies) and the book suggestions.
When I am not on the computer or reading, you can find me at our local
YMCA-I love to workout although my zaftig build belies my activity! I
also like knitting, movies, or just hanging out with the fam.
That's about it!
C.W. Cale
> vj found this in rec.arts.mystery, from Mary Reagan
> <mre...@ldeo.columbia.edu> :
>
> ]A bellydancer, that's cool. I've just started taking lessons.
>
> i want to, too!
>
>
> -----------
> @vicki [SnuggleWench]
> (Books) http://www.booksnbytes.com
> newest creations: http://www.vickijean.com/new.html
> -----------
> I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America,
> and to the republic which it established, one nation from many peoples,
> promising liberty and justice for all.
Ladies I've tried to figure out a way to get her interested in RAM, but
she's just too busy. Strange thing is she loves the early Evanovich
mysteries. I'll keep trying!
--C.W.
Donna
"C.W. Cale" wrote:
> My name is C.W. Cale and I sell books for Borders in Ft. Worth, TX. I
> have been reading crime stories since the 80s and have just finished
> writing one myself.
> (we're working on polishing it up and getting an agent!)
>
> I love RAM for the people, the author info and the bantering among all
> the crazy people here. The digressions into politics and streaking only
> add spice to the stew! This is the only newsgroup I read, although I am
> heavily involved with Birthmarks.com and I'm still trying to teach
> myself the violin.
>
> I live with 3 cats and a bellydancer.
What a great idea Charlie! And I'm really enjoying everyone else's
stories. I'm 41 and work for an Employee Benefits Consultancy, trying
to avoid doing anything that involves numbers :o) I've been reading
crime fiction since I discovered the Famous Five and Nancy Drew and my
tastes run to dark, warped and funny. If I can get them all in the same
book then that's even better.
I discovered RAM a couple of years ago and it's my only newsgroup. I've
met some lovely people online and in person and really enjoy being here.
I love the off topic threads but totally ignore the political ones from
the start. So I really appreciate it when people rename them when they
turn back ON topic :o)
I love dancing, screwball comedy, film noir and music in addition to
crime fiction. I don't have any proper hobbies, nor any skills or
talents - although I'd love to learn to play the drums.
Is this where I say I love to travel and want world peace? :o)
tata,
Donna
vj
<cali...@comcast.net> :
]Ladies I've tried to figure out a way to get her interested in RAM, but
]she's just too busy. Strange thing is she loves the early Evanovich
]mysteries. I'll keep trying!
please do!
Gina Metz
wrote:
>Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
>So here's the deal...
>
>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>why are you here?"
>----------------------------------
>
My name is Gina Metz. I just turned 41. Has been a year of ups and
downs. Left my husband, tried to reconcile and left again. So I am
starting over again in a new town, in a new place to live and
hopefully will have more time now for reading and RAM. Have also
started tanning and got a radical new hairdo change to go with my new
life. I also have about 800 books now to pack and get moved to the
new place.
I work as a glorified secretary at a fence company. Am originally
from Kansas City, Kansas but moved to West Viriginia in 1997 with the
last husband. Loved West Virginia and have never left it, just the
idiots I married.
I love RAM for the people. I have gotten loads of wonderful
suggestions for new reading material. Have found that RAM
recommendations have helped me find a whole lot better class of
mysteries. I also enjoy the fact that you actually get to interact
with real authors who also participate on RAM.
But mostly I love RAM because if I am just having a bad day, week or
month, one can always turn to RAM for plenty of support. Also suffer
from anxiety and depression issues but keep them pretty well under
control with meds. RAM is also a great source for just about any type
of information you are looking for. Ask RAM and someone usually has
an answer or can point you in the correct direction. I just ignore
the political threads or the ones of no interest to me. This is the
only newsgroup I subscribe to and try to keep up with. Although I
have not been posting often, I have still been lurking.
Thanks RAM for being a wonderful group of people and for all the great
book recommendations.
Naomi Darvell
>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>why are you here?"
Part-time (maybe soon to be ex) teacher, part-time researcher and part-time
pornographer! I came to RAM 7 or 8 years ago, which was not long after I
started reading mysteries regularly. A huge percentage of the mysteries I read
have been recommended and/or discussed here. For example, I'm finishing Denise
Mina's trilogy right now. RAM is really nice for me, because I don't know
anyone else who reads mysteries. My Mom and I used to read all the same
mysteries, but she's been dead for five years now.
I live in Chicago with my boyfriend and a Boston Terrier named Poppy.
Naomi D.
No Doze
I own many books.
and movies
and much music.
I have an problem with being obsessive which is why it's a good thing I
don't
drink any more.
I am by day a machinist and machine repair specialist.
By night I write, and work on mystery related books and magazines.
I hope to one day own a really really big house so I can fill it
with books.
Lots of books.
Ram makes me smile.
--
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You might think that, but I couldn't possibly comment...."
House Of Cards-1990
Pam K
>
>Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
>So here's the deal...
>
>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>why are you here?"
>----------------------------------
>
greatest aerospace company in the world. I live just outside Seattle with
an engineer husband and two (occasionally) delightful girls and two pugs.
I'm from a loud, raucous family, liberal in politics, Catholic in faith,
irreverent
in humor and contemporary in music. When possible I cook, travel, shop,
and exercise (sometimes all at once). I'm a homebody for the most part,
and really enjoy spending time with my family.
I'm here because I love books, I love mysteries, I love the interaction
amongst the participants, and it feels like home. I like knowing a bunch
of people who enjoy words, understand the value of education, are not shy
about speaking their minds, and know how to write really funny stuff.
Getting recommendations on what to read has opened me to authors
I'd otherwise not know about.
I miss hearing from Katy and Karin, and wish Sparkle would hang around
a bit more.
Pam K
For all you right-wing conservatives or whoever is slurping the Bush koolaid...
my2...@yahoo.com
Catherine Thompson
C.W. Cale wrote:
> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna
> know two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are
> you and why are you here?"
> ----------------------------------
Oooh, fun!
I'm Catherine Thompson, 34. I live just outside of Saint John, New
Brunswick, Canada. I used to slave for Chapters/Coles/Indigo, but now I
have a nifty job as an assistant editor (contract basis) with
DreamCatcher Publishing. I spend waaay too much time on the internet.
RAM is a terrific place to be. I first discovered it way back in 1995,
when I was starting my first year of grad school. I'll admit to not
reading most of the political stuff, 'cos it's US-based & I don't get US
politics. [Not that I get Canadian politics, but I'm sorta used to it
;-) ] I've discovered a lot of new authors here, & I think it's really
wonderful how all you authors participate & hang out here! RAM is one
of only 2 newsgroups to which I subscribe, the other one being
alt.music.duranduran (hi, Tirya!).
>
>
>
--
"It is one of the blessings of friends that you can be stupid with them."--Ralph Waldo Emerson
vj
<cat...@nb.sympatico.ca> :
]alt.music.duranduran
IYDMMA . . . how old are you??????????
Mary Reagan
from my email address, I work for Columbia University. I've got a BA in
History and an MS in Geophysics (so much for fitting the mold of liberal
arts majors not taking science/math and vice versa).
I've been on RAM since 1995 when I first moved to New York. I did lurk a bit
for those early years, and then we developed a problem on campus where I
could only read and not post. But I think I've more than made up for those
lean years lately.
I started out reading mostly cozies, but now read all sorts of stuff. I
don't really like the gory bits, though. My favorite authors change with my
mood. And I've got a pretty good sized TBR pile - not that that keeps me
from buying more of course ;-)
When not reading you can find me at live music, good restaurants, wine
shops, and bellydancing lessons. And of course thanks to a recent retail
therapy trip with Donna - shoe stores. I also play the tin whistle, take
photographs, and I'm trying to improve my cooking ability.
Mary
Mike Burke
Hi Simon. My Black Dog says 'hi' to your Black Dog too.
Welcome to RAM. Would you like to be on the Birdy List?
Mique
Melissa Cooper
I am Melissa, I am almost 34, and I teach 7th grade English in Austin. I
graduated from UT and am an avid Longhorn sports fan, primarily football. I
have season tickets, although sooner rather than later I won't be able to
afford them, with pro-football-like-ticket prices. Ouch.
My almost-one-year old keeps my very busy and has put a big dent in my
reading time; I don't remember the last time I posted something on-topic.
Bad me! But school's almost out and Bryan will be going to the sitter's two
days a week, so maybe I can get caught up on reading once I get caught up on
sleep.
My interest in mysteries goes back to Encyclopedia Brown and I love RAM for
both the mainstream and off-the-beaten-path recommendations. I love the
sense of community here, and the fact that I am still welcome despite the
lack of aforementioned on-topic posts. I occasionally post on an education
NG but RAM is really the only place I post with any regularity.
And now I am off to watch Friends.
Melissa (14 more school days left!)
"C.W. Cale" <cali...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:duOdnTZd0pF...@comcast.com...
Doug Wood
> ----------------------------------
Doug Wood, r.a.m. lurker, book collector and sometimes book dealer at
conventions. Forty-ish and living in Utah. I was a classical music
fiend through my college years, then worked in small concert
production (running sound systems) for several years. Currently
organizing a performing arts series for our state Arts Council. Other
jobs - postal work, travel promotion and college teaching, often
several at a time.
Reading preferences run toward either very dark or very humorous
mysteries, and those with Southwestern settings, arts-related
backdrops and crossovers with Sci-Fi or horror elements.
Grant Dixon
So here's the deal...
He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
why are you here?"
----------------------------------
Hi,
My name is Grant Dixon and I am a bookaholic from Dundas. I am not sure how
long I have been hanging around the RAM table, maybe five years. At times I
have been a lurker and at other times way too vocal. Right now I am keeping
very quiet as I have some extremely strong views on "THE WAR". Probably
based more on emotion than anything else!
I am semi-retired which means that I go back to work when I want new toys or
when there is a job that interest me. I just quit my last one because they
wanted me to go to Iraq to help with establishing the oil links. I am much
too old to dodge bullets, friendly or other wise.
I have been with Doreen, a woman that is far better than I deserve, for
almost 40 years. Our son is raised and has turned out to be someone I am
very happy to call a friend. We have three great dogs, all were rescued in
one way or other. My outside interest are legion and I would not object to
a 28 hour day. An example is that tomorrow morning I am leaving for a four
day canoe trip. The weather should be nice for strong paddling, a low of -5
and a high of 7!
I hang out in RAM because I find the noise very stimulating. While I often
don't agree with what is the consensus of the day/week/month it does
stimulate my grey matter and give me a second point of view. As well as the
noise I do find the people that hang out here to be wonderfully interesting.
I read one other forum that is mainly devoted to graphic arts and secondly
to photography.
Not sure what else to say.
Grant - from Dundas
vj
<mmco...@alumni.utexasGOHORNS.net> :
]Bryan will be going to the sitter's two
]days a week, so maybe I can get caught up on reading once I get caught up on
]sleep.
**HUGS** sweetie!
Catherine Thompson
vj wrote:
>vj found this in rec.arts.mystery, from Catherine Thompson
><cat...@nb.sympatico.ca> :
>
>]alt.music.duranduran
>
>IYDMMA . . . how old are you??????????
>
34*, like I said... we children of the 80s just kinda faded into the
background when Gen-X took away our spotlight, but we never really went
away ;-)
Vicki, please translate "IYDMMA"... I'm not so up on my 'net acronyms.
Catherine
*(yes, really--on my birth certificate it says "6 April 1970"!)
vj
<cat...@nb.sympatico.ca> :
]Vicki, please translate "IYDMMA"... I'm not so up on my 'net acronyms.
If You Don't Mind My Asking.
[in some places, it's impolite to ask nosy questions]
and that explains the duranduran
Catherine Thompson
vj wrote:
>vj found this in rec.arts.mystery, from Catherine Thompson
><cat...@nb.sympatico.ca> :
>
>]Vicki, please translate "IYDMMA"... I'm not so up on my 'net acronyms.
>
>If You Don't Mind My Asking.
>[in some places, it's impolite to ask nosy questions]
>
Eh, ask away! I've never felt I needed to hide my age. Like Kinsey
Millhone once said, "I like lines; I earn mine." ;-)
>
>and that explains the duranduran
>
Yep. *blushes just a little*
Catherine
Clockwork Orange
Doze <nig...@execpc.com>!
> I have an problem with being obsessive which is why it's a good
> thing I don't drink any more.
The world is a better place today.
--
Cheers,
--Jeff
"If you want to get rich from writing, write the sort of
thing that's read by persons who move their lips when reading."
--Don Marquis, novelist
B'Con '03 - Las Vegas - PHOTO GALLERY
http://www.cincinnatimedia.com/bcon03/
Lois
be able to remember them.
I'm Lois. I took early retirement 7 years ago because I had counted enough
beans to last a lifetime. I discovered books nearly 60 years ago and have
been hooked ever since. I've spent a lot of time and money on science
fiction, legal, medical and espionage thrillers but I pretty much will read
anything that looks interesting. Since finding RAM I read a lot more
mysteries.
Besides reading 5 or 6 books a week I play bridge, paint, crochet baby
things and chemo caps to donate to hospitals, bowl and go to the gym
regularly.
Since I seem to be busier now than when I worked, I tend to skip over most
of the off topic things.
Jeremy
"Donna" <Tootsbi...@yahahahhahaooooo.com> wrote in message
news:409AB3A4...@yahahahhahaooooo.com...
Jeremy
Gml...@scvnet.com
"C.W. Cale" <cali...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:duOdnTZd0pF...@comcast.com...
> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
> ----------------------------------
moderate/severe handicapped junior high students. I live with my husband,
two daughters, and four tarantulas. I like the psychological mysteries such
as Deaver and the Kellermans, but I also love the "series" mysteries such as
Lescroat, O'Shaughnessy, etc. where the lives of the main characters are as
important as the mysteries they solve. I like RAM because of the community
feeling--I feel like I know these people even though we've never met, and
I've also gotten some great recommendations.
Marie
WareWolf
mbu...@pcug.org.au says...
> The two other newsgroups I read and post to cover walking (whenever I can -
> >Snowdonia, Yorkshire Dales, Brecons) and depression (afraid so).
> >
> >Apart from the Black Dog, I live on my own.
> >
> >It's good to meet you all.
> >
> Hi Simon. My Black Dog says 'hi' to your Black Dog too.
>
> Welcome to RAM. Would you like to be on the Birdy List?
>
> Mique
>
>
Maybe all our Black Dogs can form a pack. But which Dog will be the
Alpha?
Dusty
--
This Week's Column: King George?
http://dusty.booksnbytes.com/columns/2004/2004_0502.html
ian
> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
> ----------------------------------
Ok, I'll play too. I am Ian, and I live in Vienna, VA. I was born in
Dublin, Ireland mid-century, and came to the US to both marry my
then-girlfriend and divorce her 6 years later. I have lived in NYC, New
Rochelle (home of Leslie Gore, E.L.Docterow, and, of course, Rob and
Laura Petrie), Atlanta, and have been here in Vienna for the last 11
years. I have a brother living in Barcelona/Amsterdam; a second in HK;
and a sister in Dublin.
I studied a lot of psychology, both in Ireland and here, in NYC, but
ultimately dropped out of a doctoral program, and went into programming.
While some of it can be very enjoyable, far more of it has become dull,
and I am actively trying to figure out an alternative (not working at
all would be very nice). I got laid off from a telecom long-distance
company that was ceasing to do business in the US, last year, and
currently work for a huge government contractor, helping to put together
government web sites.
I live alone, though I feel that one day I will succumb to the old
saying, "if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog".
I have loved books ever since I can remember, and am never without one.
I like mysteries and novels, and try to vary my reading diet. I find SF
too arbitrary, usually, and resent the ratio of exposition to plot.
I have become more and more interested in cooking in the last few years,
and now am pretty good at creating various Thai and Chinese dishes.
I wish you all lived in my neighborhood, so we could chit-chat over the
fence and at cookouts about the latest great books we had read.
Car: Accord, Computer: HP Pavilion. Music: Moby, Tosca, Allan Broadbent,
Jessica Williams, Tommy Flanagan.
Ian
vj
<myste...@comcastNOFREAKINGSPAM.net> :
]World Peace can lead to overpopulation.
**snort**
point!
suedaniels
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
> ----------------------------------
>
>
> have been reading crime stories since the 80s and have just finished
> writing one myself.
> (we're working on polishing it up and getting an agent!)
>
> I love RAM for the people, the author info and the bantering among all
> the crazy people here. The digressions into politics and streaking only
> add spice to the stew! This is the only newsgroup I read, although I am
> heavily involved with Birthmarks.com and I'm still trying to teach
> myself the violin.
>
> I live with 3 cats and a bellydancer.
My name is Sue (yes, I know - "how do you do?" - I'll never forgive Shel
Silverstein for that one) and I am, gasp, 60 years old. I started reading
mysteries early with Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and Judy Bolton. I read a lot
of mainstream stuff, and used to read a lot of science fiction, but
mysteries have always been my favorite. I have a B.S. in biology and
education and an A.D. in nursing and have been retired since the year 2000.
My husband of 41 years is also a reader, although not mysteries, and we live
on five acres in the country outside Norman, Oklahoma in a houseful of books
and animals. We have two daughters, aged 26 and 33 and two grandchildren,
all of whom live close by. Life is pretty good for us right now.
I found RAM while searching for a mystery newsgroup a little over two years
ago. That was before we got a satellite connection and I was still Lauradog
on aol. I have found so many excellent authors, new to me, from this
newsgroup. I do read the political threads most of the time. In fact I
read most of the threads most of the time unless I've been away for too long
to catch up. I lurk on five other newsgroups, but the only one I post to is
RAM. I think that is a matter of trust. I've never met any of you, but it
feels friendly here. I hope to be able to afford to come to a Bouchercon
someday and meet a bunch of you.
Sue D.
Jeremy
> "C.W. Cale" <cali...@comcast.net> wrote
> > He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> > two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> > why are you here?"
Jeremy Lynch. 34 years old...not exactly a youngster, but also not yet a
fossil. Live in St.Paul.Currently work in the emotionally(and mentally)
rewarding field of retail management.Enjoy exercise.Enjoy a nice Vodka...or
Gin...hey, there are some really nice beers out there! Been seriously
reading mysteries for about 13 years and my main interest is hard boiled and
P.I. fiction.
I am also a HYOOGE music fan. Have somewhere around 2000 cds(about half are
live concerts...another big interest of mine) and it is growing weekly. This
week added new Los Lobos, Remastered Queensryche, Paul Westerberg cd and
DVD, Special Ed of last Aimee Mann cd and imported MONSTER MAGNET greatest
hits collection.
Movies. LOVE movies. Watch LOTS of movies. Buy LOTS of movies. Am currently
spending a lot of time learning as much as I can about movie industry(Gotta
love Variety and Hollywood Reporter). I enjoy just about any kind of film as
long as it is not crap. Am really looking forward to Collateral(new trailer
look very cool), Before Sunset and Coffee and Cigarettes.
You can see what Jon and I babble about when we get together.
Am currently getting really into Mixed Martial Arts(UFC,Pride) and am
learning as much as I can about it. Any time I develop an interest in
something, I pretty much dive in and try to learn everything about it's past
and present.
I think Miz Slaughter is to blame for me popping into RAM. That would be
about 2 1/2 years ago. I lurked for about 10 minutes and took the plunge.
Have not been posting much in recent times, part of it is that I honestly
prefer to avoid the political debates.I do like the Off Topic aspect to RAM
but the politics seem be have been dominate in recent times. I am actually
very politically active, but on RAM it is pretty much the same voices making
the same points. Don't mean to insult any of you, but I just find myself not
drawn to RAM quite as much. I still try to follow it as I really do enjoy
some of it and do miss many of you when I don't read it. I loved the On
Topic Fridays and think we should still do them even if no gifts are given
out.
Hey, I have RAMbled on enough here.
Jeremy
Jeremy
"vj" <websp...@booksnbytes.com> wrote in message
news:v82m90tef1vo38hsp...@4ax.com...
> vj found this in rec.arts.mystery, from "Jeremy"
> <myste...@comcastNOFREAKINGSPAM.net> :
>
> ]World Peace can lead to overpopulation.
>
> **snort**
> point!
>
>
> -----------
> @vicki [SnuggleWench]
Jeremy
Larisa
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
My name is Larisa; I used to work as a mechanical engineer, but after
the nth layoff, am currently self-employed as a math tutor, pianist
and piano teacher, Russian to English translator, and mechanical
design consultant. I am 27 years old and live in San Mateo, which is
about 20 mi. south of San Francisco, with a roommate and a lot of
books (both mine and hers).
I've been on RAM for a while now; I came for the books (I've been
addicted to mysteries since age 10), and stayed for the wonderful
people. Though the book recommendations are great, too. Mysteries
are pretty much the only fiction I read these days, and it's great to
talk to fellow addicts.
LM
No Doze
> Yer mother was a hamster and yer father smelt of elderberries, No
> Doze <nig...@execpc.com>!
>
> > I have an problem with being obsessive which is why it's a good
> > thing I don't drink any more.
>
> The world is a better place today.
>
> --
> Cheers,
> --Jeff
Tell that to the poor folks at Johnny Walker who lost thousands in
sales.....
Jon
Ramsey Campbell
> I used to publish a fanzine back in the 1980's, interviewed my first writer
> [Ramsey Campbell] back in 1982 for Comics Interview Magazine.
And you survived! Just don't look behind you...
Ramsey Campbell
Simon
"Mike Burke" <mbu...@pcug.org.au> wrote in message
news:nskl90534llj10d2j...@4ax.com...
Thanks. That would be good. It's 29th February, so you won't need to
remember it until 2008! I celebrate it on 1st March in non-leap years.
Pogonip
> I don't have any proper hobbies, nor any skills or
> talents - although I'd love to learn to play the drums.
Now there's a big fat boldface lie! Anyone who has read
any of Donna's stories knows better than that! There's
also her two recent awards!
--
Joanne @ stitches @ singerlady.reno.nv.us
http://bernardschopen.tripod.com/
Life is about the journey, not about the destination.
C.W. Cale
> x-no-archive: yes
>
>
>>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>>why are you here?"
>
>
> pornographer!
Uh, are you just gonna drop bomb that and leave? Details sister!
--Charlie
C.W. Cale
> vj found this in rec.arts.mystery, from Catherine Thompson
> <cat...@nb.sympatico.ca> :
>
> ]alt.music.duranduran
>
> IYDMMA . . . how old are you??????????
Vicki what is that?
You've gone too far lass!
"Is Your Daughter My Mothers Age?" What the shrug?
Maybe, "Is Your Dog Mating My Ankle?"
I don't know what 'IYDMMA' could possibly mean!!!!
Clue me in!!
(I'm trying to popularize 'TWAJ' as in, That Was A Joke.
I seems to need THAT one a lot!
--Charlie
vj
<cali...@comcast.net> :
]I don't know what 'IYDMMA' could possibly mean!!!!
]
]Clue me in!!
If You Don't Mind My Asking.
-----------
C.W. Cale
Sue! (...and with the Johnny Cash remasters just out, I'm sure your
doubly thrilled!)
I think we in the "fly-over" states should make it down to (...uh okay
I'm at a loss here) is it Cluefest in Dallas? Anyway, the convention
there would be easier for many of us. It's cheaper and closer than
Toronto. (which I would also love to go to!)
Beware of Broken Bow! Mad Judi lives there!
--Charlie, who loves Mad Judi actually!
C.W. Cale
> Donna wrote:
>
>> I don't have any proper hobbies, nor any skills or
>> talents - although I'd love to learn to play the drums.
>
>
> Now there's a big fat boldface lie! Anyone who has read any of Donna's
> stories knows better than that! There's also her two recent awards!
>
Clue me in please? Where are Donna's Stories to be found?
--C.W.
vj
<cali...@comcast.net> :
]Clue me in please? Where are Donna's Stories to be found?
a few [far too few] are on Books 'n' Bytes.
the rest are here.
just look for threads started by herself.
they're usually easy to identify.
C.W. Cale
>>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>>why are you here?"
>>----------------------------------
>
>
> My name is Larisa; I used to work as a mechanical engineer, but after
> the nth layoff, am currently self-employed as a math tutor, pianist
> and piano teacher, Russian to English translator, and mechanical
> design consultant.
Larisa and Jon! ?????? ? ????! ????? ???????! ???????? ?????????? ?????!
--Charlie
(Hey, I'm am insomniac, what's your excuse?)
vj
<cali...@comcast.net> :
](Hey, I'm am insomniac, what's your excuse?)
same excuse.
plus busy during the day and still finishing up on the typing not done
during the daylight.
Ali
>From: ram...@ramsey-campbell.com
>And you survived! Just don't look behind you...
>
>Ramsey Campbell
>
Sent by email and posted on RAM
WoW.................................
That is one helluva blast - RAMSEY CAMPBELL on RAM!
Ramsey - when you came to my house back then, and we had that Indian food my
mom cooked, that was a pivotal moment for me......that is so freaky....That
interview got me working for a load of magazines........and got mean agent back
then....this is so freaky because after graduation I was in the States and then
traveled Middle East and Europe with my job....sheesh....your post has really
made my day.
Sorry but I'm gonna have to sit down....
I actually have moved back north - you fancy having a beer and chat for Shots?
I would love to do a follow-up as I have followed your work for so long.
All RAMMER's - if you've not read RAMSEY CAMPBELL - you have missed out on one
of the UK's greatest talents in the field of Horror.....WoW Ramsey Campbell on
RAM....
Amazing to see you on RAM!
Ali
C.W. Cale
It was supposed to say (in Russian):
Larisa and Jon, it is time! Assemble the Giant Robot!
But alas the vast right wing conspirators got to it first!
--Charlie
Mary Reagan
> Last mystery novel
> read: The Clovis Incident by Pari Noskin Taichert, which I got from Vicki
> to review, and which I really liked.
You really liked this one? I read it just before you and I still can't
figure out what I thought of it. I guess I should just write a review that
says that. But I was hoping my thoughts would get clearer with a bit of
time.
Mary
No Doze
Hopefully gathered into a trade paperback from Crime Spree Ink next year!
In the meantime, vicki's got a boatlaod on Booksnbytes
jj
--
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You might think that, but I couldn't possibly comment...."
House Of Cards-1990
Mike Burke
>>
>> Welcome to RAM. Would you like to be on the Birdy List?
>>
>
>Thanks. That would be good. It's 29th February, so you won't need to
>remember it until 2008! I celebrate it on 1st March in non-leap years.
>
Gotcha. You're our second with Feb 29.
Mique
Cheryl Perkins
> figure out what I thought of it. I guess I should just write a review that
> says that. But I was hoping my thoughts would get clearer with a bit of
> time.
Yes, I thought it was pretty good. I appear to have given it a 5, I think
I was going to give it a 4, and then after I wrote the review I changed
my mind. The cat nearly threw me off, but overall, I thought it was an
interesting and well-done story.
http://www.booksnbytes.com/reviews/taichert_theclovisincident2.html
I don't know why the cat got to me. I really like Tanya Huff's Keeper
series, and that has a talking cat. And I read a lot of "The Cat Who"
books before I lost interest in them. I generally love cats, although my
own express their conviction that they are starving to death in yowls, not
in English.
--
Cheryl
Beth Tindall
"Cheryl Perkins" <cper...@mun.ca> wrote
> I generally love cats, although my
> own express their conviction that they are starving to death in yowls, not
> in English.
<snort> amateurs! we find something inedible, eat it, and then puke it up
near mom's feet just to let her know that if she weren't starving us to
death, we wouldn't have to eat stuff like that. A couple of times a day. Or,
in the middle of the night so she steps in it when she gets up. We like that
one best!
Beth's 7 cats
(the 2 dogs have other tricks for similar starvation routines)
Naomi Darvell
>Uh, are you just gonna drop bomb that and leave? Details sister!
It's too complicated to get into. Let's just say I recently wrote an article
about dildos. (Dildoes? I better decide.)
Naomi D.
Jr@Ease
>Dildoes? I better decide.)
Dil does what?
John P
Jeremy
"Jr@Ease" <Do.not.s...@this.address> wrote in message
news:q87n90le8o4d2a0is...@4ax.com...
Jeremy
Jr@Ease
Well, enquiring minds want to know.
John P
Bruiser Brody
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
I'm Greg Roberts, I'm 35 years old, and I live north of Dallas, Texas
with my wife, my two strapping young sons, and my spotted dog Cisco.
My interests?
1. Sports - Rangers baseball (at least that's not an oxymoron so far
this season) and Philadelphia Eagles football (it's a long story,
don't ask).
2. Music - I dig good country (Haggard, Cash, Nelson, etc), Texas
blues (SRV, Johnny Winter, Bugs Henderson, etc), and southern rock
(Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet, Marshall Tucker Band).
3. Movies - Gimme a good shoot 'em up action flick like "Desperado" or
a good shoot 'em up western like "Outlaw Josey Wales".
4. TV - Good crime dramas like "The Shield" and "NYPD Blue".
5. Books - Stephen Hunter, George Pelecanos, old Dutch like "Stick"
and "Swag", Block's Scudder series, JLB's Robicheaux series, and
"newcomers" like Victor Gischler and Michael Crow.
6. Poker - I love me some cards, especially Texas Hold 'Em and stud.
I frequent RAM not only for the info on authors and books but also
because of the stimulating socio-political discourse. It's getting
increasingly more difficult to find a challenging, intelligent debate
these days and RAM never fails to give me my fix. Hopefully one day
I'll be able to argue with some of you folks over beer and bourbon.
I'll buy the first round.
Greg
Jim Barker
Falkirk, right between Glasgow and Edinburgh. I'm a freelance graphic
designer/illustrator/cartoonist for 22 years after working in much the
same capacity for 8 years with my local newspaper. Married for fifteen
years to Linda - better known as "Mrs Jim" here on RAM - and owned by
Dawn our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
I've read for a as long as rember, starting with comics, graduating to
Enid Blyton. Whem I joined the adult library the first two books I
borrowed were Asimov's "I ROBOT' and and an omnibus edition of Ed
McBain's first four 87th Prexinct books. That more or less dictated my
reading habits for many years. I was very overweight and wore thick
glasses as a kid - a "Cootie Boy" - and spent a lot of time reading. In
my early twenties I discovered SF fandom, discovered that there were
other people out there just as interested in SF asme and spent most of
the seventies and early eighties attending conventions and making lots
of friends. I was contrubuting cartoons to fanzine and was nominated for
a Hugo for my artwork in 1979.In the late eighties a relationship I had
with a female SF fan fell apart spectacuarly and almost overnight I lost
all interest in SF and fandom and I started following my other reading
interest instead - crime fiction.
I was introduced to RAM by by buddy Ian. Before I had a computer he
would download the meassges for me and print them out. When I eventually
got hooked up I found my way to RAM, lurked for a day or so then stuck
my toe in the water and was pulled in by Ellen Conford. And I've been
here ever since.
Years ago I posted amessage on RAM about why I liked it so much, which
basically daid that it was the closest thing I've found to an online SF
convention. I don't do Serious very well, which is why I'm usually to be
found making the excruciating puns, the bad jokes. Like a lot of people
I can't get involved in the political threads but they're easy enough to
ignore. For better or worse RAMmers constiute the majority of my
friends/ social contacts. Despite my RAM persona, I'm actually a very
shy person. The vocal chord problems can make it very difficult for me
to take part in conversations so i tend to just stay in the back ground/
When I went to Washington it was graet to have this instant group of
friends to join instead of standing on the fringes like Johnny No Mates.
Like a few other RAMmers, I too suffer from lengthy bouts of depression
and melancholy. RAM usually plays a good part in getting me out of that.
I plan to be around for a while.
Oh, and I also write books under the name "John Baker".
JiMb
Jim Barker
Jr@Ease wrote:
Where there's a dil, there's a way.
Judi
Simon
"Jim Barker" <j...@cartoonise.com> wrote in message
news:5dNmc.4353$Cv5.42...@news-text.cableinet.net...
Dil Does Dallas? No, hang on, I'm thinking of something else.............
Jim Barker
Simon wrote:
Dil the Galactic Hero
JimB
>
>
Jr@Ease
wrote:
>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>why are you here?"
>----------------------------------
It was a dark and stormy night, or so my mother told me, the night I
was born 49.6959804 years ago. Since then I careened through life
finally ending up as a practicing (always practicing) attorney in
Harrisburg PA. I have one wife and three children. My oldest is
working in Florida at Disney World at the moment, the middle one is
working at finishing her last year in high school, and the youngest is
working at driving us crazy, though he's a good boy. I live on what
used to be a small farm, now overrun with scrub and badly gone too
seed, but the barn is still there. I'm in relatively good health, with
a few minor setbacks this past year (some anxiety problems of my own,
a melanoma scare, and a few others) but hopefully things are looking
up. I've been swimming at the Y, and am really enjoying exercise for
the first time in my life. It helps to keep a book in my locker, for
motivation.
I'm here because after having a more eclectic reading taste for most
of my life (a little of this, some SF, a little of that, a lot of
history and biography, and a smattering of mystery starting with the
Hardy Boys, Alistair Maclean, and a few other) I've sort of settled
down into the mystery genre. I started collecting signed mystery
firsts, then in my drive to know more about the books I was
collecting, I found RAM. I lurked for about 8 months, then screwed up
enough courage to say something about a book I read , and of course,
in the process I alienated a few people and endeared myself to a few
(anyone remember my delurk post? Hint: it involved Jane and
homosexuals and Freddie Phelps).
I enjoy the repartee and camaraderie here. I don't mind the so called
political posts or the religious posts. I've learned a lot from
reading them, and try to read most of them, if I don't participate. My
thinking about a lot of subjects has been modified as a result. I've
met some of the people here and like and enjoyed everyone I met. As
good as they seem on the printed post, they are that much better in
real life.
My favorite mystery authors are everyone on RAM (see, I don't hurt
anyone's feeling by forgetting names) in addition to Block, Hillerman,
Lehane, James Lee Burke, Pelecanos, Crais, Peter Robison, Jerome
Doolittle, Lee Child, Michael Connelly (who I credit with making me a
full time mystery reader), Crumley, Jon Jackson, John Dunning, Bill
Fitzhugh, Rankin, and a host of others. I thank RAM for introducing me
to most of these. I have run out of space for my books, and my wife
won't let me buy anymore shelving ("Another shelf to dust - no way!")
I'm getting creative about storage now. You should see my office at
work.:)
Sometimes, dark and stormy nights work out.
John P
Jr@Ease
wrote:
>My name is Gina Metz. I just turned 41. Has been a year of ups and
>downs. Left my husband, tried to reconcile and left again. So I am
>starting over again in a new town, in a new place to live and
>hopefully will have more time now for reading and RAM.
Hi Gina. Good to see you posting. Hope all works out well for you.
John P - speaking for the rest of RAM, I'm sure.
MRFeathers
>(anyone remember my delurk post? Hint: it involved Jane and
>homosexuals and Freddie Phelps).
Oh, was that really your first post?
Well, you certainly arrived with a bang. I'm glad you stayed, though.
Mary
Happy Pennsylvania Lawyers Who Are Members Of RAM Day!
MRFeathers
>Falkirk
Well, well. Falkirk. Isn't that the town with the impressive song? Or was
that Halkirk?
Mary
(can't f#$%ing remember)
Greenbanks
>> John P
> Ouch.
> Jeremy
TMI, Jeremy... really.
M'Lou
Greenbanks
This thread will lead me to read my current night-book (Dilly of a Death) in a
whole new way...
Jim Barker
Kill Dil
JiMb
Luke Croll
wrote:
>Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
>So here's the deal...
>
>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>why are you here?"
>----------------------------------
Cool idea.
My name's Luke Croll and at 22, I think I weigh in as the youngest
member of the newsgroup, though I've been here for some years.
Originally from Kent, England, I've lived in Marbella, Spain for the
last few years, as well as studying French and Spanish at the
University of Durham, England. Now that my course is coming to its
end, I'm preparing to embark on a Master's degree in medieval French
literature.
RAM's not my only newsgroup, as I also contribute to a newsgroup about
Dean Koontz (one of my favourite authors), plus film, TV, tennis and
linguistical groups.
I read a lot of crime, mystery and thrillers and I review for Murder &
Mayhem and Reviewing The Evidence. RAM is a great group and it's
always interesting to see the various debates. Whilst I don't
participate in those threads about US politics (about which I have
little interest and even less knowledge), some of the other OT threads
can be very interesting.
Cheers!
--
Luke Croll
The alt.books.dean-koontz FAQ is at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~abdk-faq/faq.htm
The ABDK Castle is at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~koontz-castle/
Steph
<cali...@comcast.net> wrote:
> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
My name is Steph and I live in Arizona. We moved her four years ago
from Seattle, where I lived most of my life. I love it here, in spite
of (or maybe because of) it being critterville. Just the other day, I
had a rattlesnake right outside my front door. However, it's pretty
cool to see javelina in the front yard and coyotes wandering by. Not so
cool to find a scorpion in the house....
I'm a dog lover and recently posted my dog's web page here on RAM in
that thread about the puppies.
I used to work in a technical field, but I really always wanted to be a
teacher. So, I went back to school to get my elementary education
degree and will finish this Dec. I am going to be student teaching in
the fall in fourth grade and I'm pretty excited about it! I currently
substitute teach and I really like it, which surprises most people. I
can't wait to have my own class, though. The thing I love most about
teaching is that it is always different and there is never a dull
moment. I hope I will make a difference in the lives of my students.
I have always loved reading and my best memories as a kid are coming
home from the library with a load of books and staying up late reading
them. I loved mysteries and science fiction. I mostly read either
mysteries, books about history (my hobby), or children's lit. now (have
to keep up with those kids). I tend to like either the more humorous
mysteries, like Evanovich, or cozies. I'm not very into the more
hard-boiled types, but will occassionally read one, especially if it
gets good reviews here in RAM. I love RAM because it is full of
interesting people and I have found a lot of new authors to read
through it. I don't post a lot, but I do read RAM a lot. For the last
three years, I have mostly only had time to read textbooks. I am
looking forward to reading lots of books this summer since I don't have
to take any classes (yay!).
Steph
Jr@Ease
>John said:
>>(anyone remember my delurk post? Hint: it involved Jane and
>>homosexuals and Freddie Phelps).
>
>Oh, was that really your first post?
Actually, no. When I first started lurking, I impulsively answered a
question someone asked about an Elizabeth George character. No one
responded. So I waited another 8 months, then posted the infamous one,
in which I declared that I was de-lurking, and intended to stay.
>
>Well, you certainly arrived with a bang. I'm glad you stayed, though.
Me too.Thanks
>
>Mary
>Happy Pennsylvania Lawyers Who Are Members Of RAM Day!
Never had a day to myself. Aren't there any other PA lawyers lurking
out there? C'mon, time to delurk.
Naomi Darvell
> Dil does what?
Hahaha.
It's a weird word.
Naomi D.
Pam K
Steph - go and read both of Cornelia Funke's books. Not only do the kids
like them, they are really, really good.
Pam k
Mitchy
>Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
>So here's the deal...
>
>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>why are you here?"
I'm Mitchy, 36 years old and I live in England, along with my cat, Rob
the Furball. I currently work as a Senior Admin for a furniture
company. I used to work at the store 15 mins from me but I applied for a
transfer/sideways promotion (pay rise but no change in job title!) to a
brand new store in North London. Now I drive for an hour each way a day
through appalling traffic but I'm hanging in there.
It'll be better when I'm not the only admin. I repeat this every
morning when I crawl out of bed. :)
I've been reading mysteries since I was old enough to choose my own
reading material, pretty much. Started out with the Secret Seven and the
Hardy Boys (hated Nancy Drew!) and then got onto adult mysteries via
Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Before I joined RAM, I had a very narrow view of the mystery field. I'd
found Sue Grafton and Sara Paretsky and was looking for new authors. A
trip to Washington D.C. lead me to the superb bookshop which closed
recently and the name of which, I'm ashamed to say, I can never
remember. But it was there I found Katy Munger and Laura Lippman's first
novels and it was via Katy that I found RAM. Can't remember the exact
how or why's now - possibly she plugged RAM on her website - but however
it happened, I got here.
Since I've joined RAM I've had to acquire four more bookshelves and an
overdraft but it's been worth it. I've discovered some terrific authors
and had hours of pleasure I would have otherwise missed out on and I've
also had the pleasure of interacting and meeting some of the biggest
hearted people on planet.
I am Keeper of the RAM FAQ (yes, I know, it needs posting) and I host
the RAM Chats every month, though I've been struggling with that the
last couple of months, I'm sure it'll settle back down again soon.
In my spare time I roleplay online a hell of a lot, as I run a website
dedicated to such fun things. I love movies though I don't get to the
cinema as much as I'd like. I'm also having oodles of fun (and spending
far too much money) collecting the DVD box sets of various TV shows.
Last box set I got was Law and Order: SVU Season 1. The joys of
subtitles: I can finally figure out what everyone's saying :)
I've also been known, from time to time, to push Penguins and Hob Nobs
onto unsuspecting foreigners. I think my addition rate is pretty good so
far.
:)
--
Mitchy
----------------------------------------------------------
Some days it just isn't worth gnawing through the straps
----------------------------------------------------------
sue kelso
"C.W. Cale" <cali...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:duOdnTZd0pF...@comcast.com...
> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
>
>
My name is Sue Kelso. I am 44 years old and live in Des Moines, Iowa.
Prior to that I lived in Evanston, Ill; Minneapolis, Mn; Ames, Ia; Denver,
Colorado; and Cedar Falls, Iowa.
I work as a warehouse manager for Scholastic Book Fairs. Prior to that I
worked for Borders for 13 years as an Inventory Manager, Human Resources
Manager and General Manager. Prior to that I worked for Waldenbooks for 5
years. I also worked for St. Paul Book and Stationary and managed a student
coop bookstore on the Iowa State Campus. So except for 3 brief hiatuses, I
have worked in a bookstore or selling books since I was 17. My hiatuses
were as an Agricultural Marketing Specialist for the Iowa Department of
Agriculture, bartending, and a store manager for Hickory Farms which is the
worst job I have ever had in my life.
I am married for 11 1/2 years and have a 9 year old son who keeps me very
very busy playing in 2 baseball leagues. I have 3 cats, Chipper Jones, Ernie
Banks and Frannie (named for Mr. Tarkington).
I like to read (duh), garden, ride my bike, eat fattening food and drink
good wine. Though I have been known to drink bad wine if that is all there
is available.
I have no idea how long I have been posting on RAM. Late 90's probably. I
have been reading mysteries since Encyclopedia Brown and then onto Nancy
Drew. I read 50% of the Off Topic posts and still cannot understand why
people like George W. Bush.
I wish more of you were going to Mayhem in the Midlands since I have a hard
time making it to Bouchercon due to my work.
sue k
sue kelso
alt.sports.baseball.chicago-cubs
alt.sports.baseball.minnesota-twins
alt.tv.er
alt.tv.general-hospital
alt.tv.the-practice
rec.arts.tv.soaps.abc
rec.sport.football.college (hi jeff)
sue k
"sue kelso" <suenow...@mchsi.com> wrote in message
news:lATmc.48230$Ik.3429968@attbi_s53...
Mark Alan Miller
"Naomi Darvell" <darve...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040507102235...@mb-m20.aol.com...
I'd ask Dan Quayle. He has lots of time now to worry about things like
this. I was just talking about dildos on Tuesday with my friend Gary, who
had seen a very weird but cool metal flake one.
Mark Alan Miller
dildo owner (all right, that may be too much information, but I yam what I
yam)
Greenbanks
>why are you here?"
What a cool thread! Even though I think I already "know" everybody here, I am
finding out new stuff about some, and meeting a few more!
I am nearing 50, living in BloodyNC for over 30 of those years but was born and
grew up in Florida (third-generation Native). I like living in a state where
we can actually enjoy Four seasons, instead of one and a half.
I work part time at the public library, also do bookkeeping for our custom
picture framing shop and for a high-end clothing boutique.
Live with the same woman for over 27 years (20 years in this house); we have
six cats and wonderful neighbors. One day we'll get another dachshund.
I read a lot less now than in 1999 (?) when I first started reading RAM. At
that point I was spending most days in a very slowly dying coffee-and-tea store
so I read at least two books a week, mostly mysteries, plus lots of newsgroup
posts.
I don't recall how I found the group, but I have vivid memories of some
discussion about P Cornwell which caught my attention. Then I think the story
of Katy Munger in jail was what really hooked me.
Now I'm averaging one book a week, and get more variety -- some fiction, some
non-fiction, some juvenile fiction... I don't read as many groups either.
These days I read most of RAM, parts of a clutter newsgroup, and on rare
occasions I poke my head in at a Wicca/Pagan gathering.
My apologies to anyone who is annoyed by off topic posts. That seems to be
what I manage to contribute most often. I do try not to do it too much.
Thanks, Charlie!
M'Lou
Greenbanks
whole lot from them.
Since I enjoy writing letters to the editor of the local paper, and have vague
dreams of one day running for political office, I actually find them quite
useful in helping formulate my positions.
Still, I know it can't *always* be OT around here.
M'Lou
Rik Shepherd
I spent twentyish years working at Ferranti and Syseca (which were the same
company, with a receivership in between, due to a total twat of an MD who
spent most of the company money on buying a US subsidiary without checking
it actually existed). From this I learnt that (1) the only difference
between continuous casting steel and making Crunchie bars is that one
involves more chocolate, (2) chemical factories are fundamentally unsafe,
and should only ever be viewed from a distance, (3) cooling towers appear
much smaller on the inside, and (4) it's really surprising London
Underground trains run at all.
I live just south of Stockport, which is just south of Manchester, which is
in the north of England and is apparently the British city third most
visited by foriegners (after London and Edinburgh). I've managed to move
all of 15 minutes by car (assuming you're not travelling during rush hour or
when everyone is going to Sainsbury's) from the house I was born in. I
share a town house with Carol, who mistakenly believes the internet is
primarily for information. We've been here 15 years and we still haven't
redecorated any of the main rooms.
For the last few days, we've had wonderful blossom on the apple trees and
the Japanese maple has turned brilliantly red.
I hardly ever speak in public, and fear and detest travelling.
I can't remember when I first came to RAM, but I know it was in company with
Katarina, on the run from MysteryNet, via TartCity, and I suspect it's all
Beth's fault. I lurk at a few other newsgroups, and, every so often,
actually manage to post at 4MA.
Once a week a tattooed person described as "the greatest smallpiper of his
generation" comes to our house and tries to teach us to play the
Northumbrian smallpipes (which are the only form of bagpipes that can be
legally played in a built up area); if we practiced we'd probably be better
at it.
The first overtly detective books I can remember reading were Sherlock
Holmes, but I acquired a taste for Chandler somewhere before leaving school.
I like crime books of all sorts, except for serial killers.
Musically I tend towards folk/folk influenced and jazz. Except when I
don't.
And now I've run out of things to say.
[Some elements of this are not strictly true]
Bookwyrm
> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> why are you here?"
> ----------------------------------
I've been 'Bookwyrm' on the internet for 9-10 years. (Although my
family calls me Kathie!)
I'll be 60 in a little over a year. Married for 33 years and mother
of two adult (hah!) sons -- one of whom is married and living two
states away from here. The other is still in college.
Born in Minnesota, grew up in Montana, and moved back to Minnesota
when I moved out on my own. Been at our current location in metro
Minneapolis for 20 years.
For those portions of my life when I worked for pay, I worked in
libraries or bookstores almost exclusively. There was a 3 year period
a few years back when I was crazy enough to agree to be the high
school religious education coordinator at my church! Challenging --
to say the least.
I love to read -- obviously. SF, mysteries, historical fic, Regency
fic, some biography, with the occasional trashy romance thrown in the
mix. Spend entirely too much time on the computer each day. Do
crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. Springtime gardening -- I can't
take the summer heat though. Watch the occasional movie or listen to
CDs -- hooked my eldest on the Big Band sound! About the only thing I
watch on TV are the various versions of CSI.
Have one idiot dog -- a beagle/basset/springer mix. He's 11 years old
and on 3 prescription meds, but pretty lively and considers himself to
belong to my husband. When he's gone, I'm leaning toward possibly
getting a corgi -- my husband *has* to have a resident dog.
Husband is threatening to retire by the end of this year. Help! :)
I essentially followed Vicki over to RAM. We've known each other
online for over 8 years now. I greatly enjoy the company here.
I read 8 newsgroups and 6 Yahoo groups (mailing lists) -- am moderator
or co-moderator of two of them. Luckily, I'm a fast reader!
'wyrm
vj
<Book...@comcast.net> :
] Luckily, I'm a fast reader!
I GUESS!!!!!!!!!!
i thought i knew a lot about you, but loved finding out what i didn't!
i have a hard time keeping up with THREE groups!
alt.clutter was waaaaaaaaaay too much.
-----------
@vicki [SnuggleWench]
(Books) http://www.booksnbytes.com
newest creations: http://www.vickijean.com/new.html
-----------
I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America,
and to the republic which it established, one nation from many peoples,
promising liberty and justice for all.
suedaniels
> Sue! (...and with the Johnny Cash remasters just out, I'm sure your
> doubly thrilled!)
>
> I think we in the "fly-over" states should make it down to (...uh okay
> I'm at a loss here) is it Cluefest in Dallas? Anyway, the convention
> there would be easier for many of us. It's cheaper and closer than
> Toronto. (which I would also love to go to!)
>
> Beware of Broken Bow! Mad Judi lives there!
>
> --Charlie, who loves Mad Judi actually!
It almost killed me not to be able to go to the Bouchercon in Austin, but I
had obligations for those dates that I just couldn't abandon. I haven't
heard about Cluefest, but Dallas is even closer than Austin. hmmm, will have
to do some research. I could never be really angry with Johnny, or Shel
either - I admire their work too much. And I can never remember if Judi
lives in Broken Bow or Broken Arrow. It always worries me for her when a
tornado warning is issued for either town.
Sue D.
vj
Joe Konrath
I just (this very day) received my contributers copies for my first novel,
WHISKEY SOUR, which is shipping to a store near you May 12th. I also (this
very day) received a wonderful review from BookPage, which said, among other
things, that my book is "Easily one of the best debut supsense novels of
recent years." If that wasn't heady enough, I also picked up (this very day)
the June issue of Writer's Digest, in which I wrote the feature article.
This was a pretty good day. : )
I like to hang out at RAM because this newsgroup is one of the best places
on the net to find out about new books and writers, read reviews, and swap
recommendations. The people here are pretty damn cool.
J
--
Available in hardcover from Hyperion
WHISKEY SOUR by J.A. Konrath
www.jakonrath.com
"C.W. Cale" <cali...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:duOdnTZd0pF...@comcast.com...
> Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
> So here's the deal...
>
> He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
> two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
> why are you here?"
> ----------------------------------
>
>
> My name is C.W. Cale and I sell books for Borders in Ft. Worth, TX. I
> have been reading crime stories since the 80s and have just finished
> writing one myself.
> (we're working on polishing it up and getting an agent!)
>
> I love RAM for the people, the author info and the bantering among all
> the crazy people here. The digressions into politics and streaking only
> add spice to the stew! This is the only newsgroup I read, although I am
> heavily involved with Birthmarks.com and I'm still trying to teach
> myself the violin.
>
> I live with 3 cats and a bellydancer.
>
Mike Burke
wrote:
>My name is Joe, and I'm a writer.
>
>I just (this very day) received my contributers copies for my first novel,
>WHISKEY SOUR, which is shipping to a store near you May 12th. I also (this
>very day) received a wonderful review from BookPage, which said, among other
>things, that my book is "Easily one of the best debut supsense novels of
>recent years." If that wasn't heady enough, I also picked up (this very day)
>the June issue of Writer's Digest, in which I wrote the feature article.
>
>This was a pretty good day. : )
>
>I like to hang out at RAM because this newsgroup is one of the best places
>on the net to find out about new books and writers, read reviews, and swap
>recommendations. The people here are pretty damn cool.
>
>J
Congratulations, Joe. Well done. Looking forward to reading it
soonest.
Mique
Annie C
"C.W. Cale" <cali...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:duOdnTZd0pF...@comcast.com...
| Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
| So here's the deal...
|
| He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
| two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
| why are you here?"
| ----------------------------------
I'm Annie, age 50-something-ish (and now counting backwards!) I'm a native
Chicagoan who's finally returned to her beloved home turf after 17 years of
living in various Southern states -- Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina,
Tennessee. At the time, all the moving about (especially of our 1000's of
books) seemed a major hassle, but now, looking back, I'm really glad to
have had the opportunity to experience these other places and people
firsthand. It really opened my eyes and my mind. I can honestly say that
these were the best learning experiences of my life. I've been married to
the same fella (a non-dancing actuary who I met at work in 1967 ;) for 36
years and we have two grown sons who live in the area. Over the years, I've
held all kinds of jobs, many related to things political: legislative aide,
meeting planner for orgs.of elected officials, co-produced tv election
debates, political campaign coordinator/consultant, director of statewide
non-profit org., lobbyist, fundraiser, newsletter editor/writer, health
ins.claims adjuster, real estate sales, and my worst job -- in a grungy auto
parts store which, thankfully, only lasted 4 days.
For as long as I can remember, I've been an avid fiction reader and have
been drawn to mysteries, thrillers, spy novels, etc. starting with Nancy
Drew and Hardy Boys, Sherlock Holmes and Christie, Greene and LeCarre. BR
(Before RAM), I was involved more with the somewhat 'softer side' of the
genre, not exactly cozy, but close -- but I have RAM to thank for really
turning me on to so many other authors that I might otherwise have not
discovered on my own (Billingham, Booth, Rankin, McDermid, Harstad, Bruen,
Reed Coleman, KS, Katy, Fidelis, Danuta, and so many, many others..) The
recommendations, reviews, and discussions here have really turned me around
and truly expanded my reading horizons.
IIRC, I first 'blundered' into RAM (my first newsgroup experience) in abt
1998 and started off on a really sour note by picking a fight with KS about
the quality of Patsy's work (geez, this is so ::::embarrassing::::) but I
soon caught on and saw the error of my ways! ;) The BEST thing about RAM
is the people who come here -- what an amazing group -- and, fortunately,
I've been able to meet a fair number of you in the 'real world' at Bcons,
booksignings, travelling, etc. For this, I will always be grateful.. Also,
I love the monthly chats (thanks, Mitchy!) and On Topic Fridays are fun too.
Cheers all,
Annie
Ali
>From: "Annie C"
>I first 'blundered' into RAM (my first newsgroup experience) in abt
>1998 and started off on a really sour note by picking a fight with KS
[SNIPPED]
Funny my first experinces of RAM were similar - I thought it was too
clique-ish, and I think my first major thread/post was something like 'a most
unpleasant newsgroup'....see below from March 2001 - as I had lurked around and
posted ocasionally circa 1999.
> Hiya
>
> Just a note.
>
> I've lurked for a while, and then placed some posts, only to be greeted with
> some sarcastic as well as unfriendly comments. Some of the Info I post I felt
> had some value, both in Info, as well as to generate comments.
>
> I find some of the people on this NG rather unfriendly, it's a pity really as
> some of the info is useful.
> Rgds
>
> Alberto
>
How wrong was I.
Other claim to infamy, out-ing Mark Billingham as a lurker in 2001 after
Dead-0n-Deansgate,
Ali
Jim Barker
BALAMORY which ahs a 'rum-te-tum" title song with the lyrics"
'What's the story in Balamory...
Wouldn't you like to know....?"
which I've found myself singing constantly while reading this thread.
JimB
k.
Born and raised on Long Island, but moved to southcentral Pa over 25
years ago..right into the heart of Amish country.
I have been reading mysteries ever since I can remember... starting with
Nancy Drew and then just kept going. We always had loads of Alfred
Hitchcock and Ellery Queen magazines in our house .
Haven't worked at a "real " job ( for money) in quite a while.
One of the high points ( which then became a low point) in my life was
starting a library for our town. It was an experience that gave me a
better understanding of people ,, both good and bad,, but at least we
had most of the kids in the town in there everyday !!!!!
And they were reading and always asking for more , so that part was
grand.
My mystery reading goes from cozy to police procedurals. I tend to steer
clear of women or children in jeopardy themes.
When not reading, l bake ,, A LOT !!!!
The neighbors are always glad when I become possessed by Betty Crocker.
I also am ruled by a 13 year old dachshund,, he is a rescue dog and we
have been owned by him for about 3 years. Amazingly, he is one of the
few doxies on the planet who never learned to bark.
I read other ngs, but usually only cooking related ones.
TV viewing is usually old Star Trek reruns and the Food channel.
Well, my 2¢ worth has expanded into 4¢ so this is all for now.
Kathy,, avid book sale goer
Beth Tindall
"k." <ke...@webtv.net> wrote
Well, my 2¢ worth has expanded into 4¢ so this is all for now.
Kathy,, avid book sale goer
nice to meetcha kathy! I'm glad to see some self-professed Lurkers coming
out on this thread -- that's always big fun! You know, there are plenty of
taste-testers here for when you become possessed by Betty Crocker (that
phrase made me LOL, as it used to describe me a lot too).
Come out, come out, Lurkers!
Beth
Pat Reid
wrote:
>Not much on RAM these days after skipping the OT.
>So here's the deal...
>
>He took another slug of coffee and sat back in his chair, "I wanna know
>two things!" His eyes focused on me like I was prey, "Who are you and
>why are you here?"
>----------------------------------
My name is Pat Reid and I'm here because I've been lucky enough, so
far, to be granted good health, a computer that works (most of the
time), my interest in reading and mysteries in particular. I live in
Kansas City, Kansas in an addition called The Homes, which sometimes
seems like a little "Peyton Place". I serve on the board of The Homes
that I intend to get off of in March having tired of all the petty
problems. I also serve on the board of the credit union that finances
these places and that is a breeze. I really enjoy that.
I am a good cook and still have a large collection of recipe books
although I don't cook like I used to when I was married and had
children at home. I am a pretty good housekeeper but just threw away
a brand new pair of pants that I washed and discovered they had to be
ironed. My sister has always considered me a disgrace to the family
because I don't iron my jeans.
I come from a large family and have one brother in Kansas City, Mo.
and one sister who is in Springfield, Missouri. She is ill and had to
move to Springfield last April so therefore I have a cat. I took her
cat Frosty and I do enjoy him although I hadn't had a cat in the house
for years. I've owned Cavalier King Charles Spaniels since the early
80's and I dearly love that breed. My last one I put down in November
due to heart problems and decided I would not get another Cavalier
because the last two developed bad heart problems. It made me sad to
look at Jim Barker's Dawn - what a lovely Cavalier. I've had the
Blenheims, black & tan, ruby's and tri's. Each color seems to have a
little different personality that is unique to that color. Then I
took in a puppy because a friend begged me to take her - she is small
and a mixed breed - not yappy but a handful nevertheless. Frosty &
Maxine get along well together and keep each other entertained.
I worked in something connected with real estate most of my life
either in a savings and loan or law office but since 1989 I've worked
at a company that processes products to be used for pet food. We
import and export and it gets quite complicated sometimes. I have
thought about retirement but I pretty much work the hours I want and
still get health insurance, 401 K and profit sharing so I keep
working.
Gina Metz is my daughter and I started reading RAM because she did and
it was a way to keep up with what is going on with her. I mostly lurk
but make notes of lots of suggestions on books and have read a lot
that Beth has recommended. Thank you Beth.
I have another daughter that lives a block and a half away - Lisa and
a granddaughter Kayla. Lisa & Gina are quite different personalities
but Kayla is an awful lot like her Aunt Gina and is also an avid
reader.
I've received many helpful suggestions from Rammers and have enjoyed
it very much.
Momma Pat
PS Happy Mother's Day tomorrow to all you mothers out there on RAM.
I always miss saying Happy Birthday so I will say Happy Birthday now
to all of you.
Priscilla G.
> out on this thread -- that's always big fun! You know, there are plenty
of
> taste-testers here for when you become possessed by Betty Crocker (that
> phrase made me LOL, as it used to describe me a lot too).
>
> Come out, come out, Lurkers!
>
> Beth
Yes, dear lurkers, one of the benefits of RAM (and BooksnBytes!) is Beth's
incredibly wonderful recipe, RAM Rice Salad, which is not to be missed:
http://www.booksnbytes.com/recartsmystery/cookbook/recipe_136.html>
Turst me, if you don't make this recipe, you are truly Missing Out on Life!
Priscilla (drooling)
sue kelso
weekly.
congrats
sue k
"Joe Konrath" <hak...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:z-2dnQlg3al...@comcast.com...
sue kelso
"Ali" <akari...@aol.comSpecialX> wrote in message
news:20040508063920...@mb-m28.aol.com...
> >Subject: Re: What's your story?
> >From: "Annie C"
>
> >I first 'blundered' into RAM (my first newsgroup experience) in abt
> >1998 and started off on a really sour note by picking a fight with KS
>
> [SNIPPED]
>
> Funny my first experinces of RAM were similar - I thought it was too
> clique-ish, and I think my first major thread/post was something like 'a
most
> unpleasant newsgroup'....see below from March 2001 - as I had lurked
around and
> posted ocasionally circa 1999.
>
> > Hiya
> >
> > Just a note.
> >
> > I've lurked for a while, and then placed some posts, only to be greeted
with
> > some sarcastic as well as unfriendly comments. Some of the Info I post I
felt
> > had some value, both in Info, as well as to generate comments.
> >
> > I find some of the people on this NG rather unfriendly, it's a pity
really as
> > some of the info is useful.
> > Rgds
> >
> > Alberto
> >
>
> How wrong was I.
I did the same. Jumping all over Vicki for some comment about chain
bookstores. seems a few of us talk first and think later.......
sue k