From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=10">Galadrial</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

I am seriously upset by something that happened outside of AC...but I have a request, and you guys need the background. <BR>
<BR>
Lately, I have taken to going to poetry chats to drum up new talent...it's sort of a neat way to spend a night. <BR>
<BR>
Anyway. one poet struck me as exceptional---only 25---but her stuff seemed quite polished...over all a remarkable read every time. <BR>
<BR>
Tonight, I was in a room she invited me to...and she started to read. <BR>
The poem was good---but I got this WEIRD feeling as I read the words... <BR>
<BR>
SHE WAS READING ONE OF MY POEMS---and passing it off as IMPROV. <BR>
Not similar...Not close...MY POEM. I posted it to a half dozen sites over a year ago---including this one...and this PUNK is presenting it to the world as her own. <BR>
<BR>
I looked up a site for the date and time stamps---but the whole time, this IDIOT is claiming that she "JUST wrote it tonight". <BR>
<BR>
MY GOD...she didn't even change my TITLE. <BR>
<BR>
So what I would like to ask, is if someone could make a post ...explaining that plagarism is really a dumb idea? <BR>
<BR>
This flake didn't even know WHO she had stolen it from...but now I know why she doesn't post to poetry sites... <BR>
<BR>
GOD...I am FUMING...<BR>
<BR>
Dee. I remember how upset you were when a nutbird tried to pass off rip offs of your paintings..
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1058">Chances are</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Today is Australia Day! Hello to all the fellow Aussies.<BR>
<BR>
Gala - forgive my ignorance, what is AC?
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

SCQueen; We've actually had a thaw out but are expecting more snow today sigh, then the 40's for the rest of the week. Crazy weather here.<BR>
<BR>
Gala; You need to confront this one and maybe explain where others can hear that it's not cool to take poetry without permission of the author or giving the author at least credit for writing it. That's pretty nasty doings there but it would be so easy to do if one were not of an honest nature, completely unoriginal and needed to pretend to be something they weren't (like a poet) I would have been fumming and maybe pulled her hair out..ha (yep on the spot but thats only if I had been drinking hahahaha) Some people need attention any way they can get it. Sad to think that they can pull anything out of air and call it theirs. But tell me this whose to stop her or anyone. I mean there aren't any plagerist police??? Think of all the kids giving plagerist papers in classes in college, its the same thing. They graduate thinking this is GREAT! Guess it depends on to what degree we have or don't have a consciense.<BR>
<BR>
bk  
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Rennie~<BR>
Your comments always bring a smile to my face. Thank you! Yes, Chris is an awesome photographer. His landscape photos of the Southwest are incredible. He has a terrific sense of lighting and composition. In that particular photo, I was waiting at the depot somewhere in New York (I get all those small villages mixed up...ha! Chris is from Wappingers Falls.)waiting for the train to Grand Central Station. I rode there with Chris and his parents and sister. We met my sister and her husband there and had a blast in the City. We ate lunch in Little Italy and then headed for Ground Zero. I didn't want to go there 'cause I don't consider it a tourist attraction but majority ruled. Me and Chris and his dad wanted to spend an hour or more in The Strand (a really big bookstore!)but the group hurried us out of there to make it to the financial district before dark. I was able to snatch a Ferlinghetti book before I was torn away. <BR>
This was right after Christmas. My mom gave me and my sister matching coats and hats for Christmas. First time we matched since we were kids. It wasn't too bad, though, 'cause we wore our hats in different ways. I've been compared to a Gibson girl before. That always thrills me! Thank you.<BR>
<BR>
Muchness,<BR>
Misti
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Gala ~ just straight up confront the girl, PUBLICLY, and state that she plagarized YOUR poem. Don't be rude or nasty. Just be matter of fact. Done in public, this may stop her behavior. Seriously, be upfront!
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=801">Bridget O</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Gala~ holy crap, maybe i take an irrational way around but i would have kicked some serious ass. That's bull, I would have stopped her right in the middle.  Rude people these days, i tell you what. Well I hope everything turns out okay.<BR>
<BR>
Bridget 
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=801">Bridget O</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

I have a question for anyone who will answer it...<BR>
<BR>
Do you think it's possible to be best friends with some one of the opposite sex and never have any feelings for eachother other than friendship?<BR>
<BR>
Just surious what you guys think (i value your opinion so)<BR>
thanks!<BR>
<BR>
Bridget
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Bridget; I have to answer that by my own experience and thats that somewhere down the line they always ended up making a pass at me...but I have to tell you it's well worth the try. <BR>
<BR>
Storyheart:  <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.01.26.05.26.27903">EMERALD EYES</a> Welcome to the blender and we hope you'll stick around and post more of your writing for us. <BR>
<BR>
bk<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=776">Walking Contradiction</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Hey all,<BR>
<BR>
I know I'm not a regular on the msg board, so please excuse me for being so selfish when I drop by only to ask this. <BR>
<BR>
If, despite being a normally rational, reasonable, head strong person, you fall in love with a married man, who seems so like you it's scary, should you deny your heart because your head tells you it's just wrong to break up a marriage?<BR>
<BR>
All feedback welcome... and apologies again for my self indulgence.<BR>
<BR>
Peaceful vibes,<BR>
<BR>
Wlkin C x
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Hi Walking; Well I haven't any experience along those lines at least not yet anyway haha but after watching that woman in Texas every night on the nightly news running over and over and over her cheating, lying, now dead husband with her Mercedes, I would say be real careful with that one. <BR>
<BR>
bk
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=911">Inflatable Sushi</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Walking Contradiction-<BR>
NO ONE is "so like you that it is scary."  That is only a story you run in your head, but not reality (even if it seems to be).  Stay out of other people's relationships and don't ever be a catalyst for a break-up.  Bad, BAD karma, man.  Integrity is far sexier and sane(r) than damaging other people's lives and relationships.  Do the right thing and someone who is so like you it is scary will show up in your space.  Or not.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=835">Liz</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Walking Contradiction:  Married men, in my experience, are not worth it.  Generally married men are looking for excitement, not another relationship.  They want a diversion from their safe, comfortable marriages, but more often than not, they have no intention of leaving their spouses. When I was younger I wasted two years of my life on a married man, and although things started out very passionate and exciting and intellectually stimulating, over time the relationship became a source of resentment, and all the thing we had in common didn;t matter anymore.  No matter how much time and  passion he spent on me, I always knew he was going home.<BR>
If he is one of the few that will leave his marriage, remember that old saying :  if he does it WITH you, he'll do it TO you. <BR>
Either way, best of luck! <BR>
<BR>
Bridget ( I think it was you who asked about platonic friendships)...the only way you can have a truly platonic relationship with a man is if he is gay...and gay men are the best friends to have any way. <BR>
<BR>
Everyone's work on here of late has been spectacular,  I can't wait until I can settle down and write again. Love to you all! 
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=254">chris</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Inflatable~<BR>
Amen, brother. People who break up relationships--or help break up relationships--for higher purposes are pond scum.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=676">Cyan</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

That is so true about platonic relationships. A guy I know is going through a divorce right now because of this very thing. The wife had an "opposite-sex friendship" and said she would be fine if he had one of his own, but once he discovered a lady pal, she started to sing a completely different tune. And as they say.....the rest is history.<BR>
<BR>
You can't continue to exclusively hang around a friend of the opposite sex. Sooner or later romantic feelings will begin to unfurl and it doesn't matter if you where initially attracted to him or not. It's human nature. <BR>
<BR>
True platonic relationships are few and far between. And if you ask me, not worth the risk.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

I'm pond scum. I had a three night affair with a married man once. I remember bragging once to a guy friend who loved my poetry that I had no morals. I was just talking then...I hadn't lived enough of a life to make such a claim...but morality is something I struggle with daily. That's why I've always said I should run off to Africa and live a totally selfless life of service. <BR>
<BR>
And yes, I think you can be best friends with someone of the opposite sex if there is no physical attraction involved on either end. But there's always physical attraction involved at one end or the other. So it's definitely dangerous territory. 
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=12">Tanqueray Cowboy</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Walkin' ~<BR>
<BR>
I met this great woman in Austin, back 'bout '95.<BR>
Only trouble was see was dating a good friend's brother... who was a good guy in his own right.<BR>
<BR>
Every time we got together as a group this girl would spend more time with me than with her boyfriend.  We spent several evenings together just talking.<BR>
<BR>
I never went for "it."  I could have made a move and I think it would have been welcomed...  But I wouldn't have liked having MY girlfriend "stolen" so I couldn't bring myself to do that to someone else.<BR>
<BR>
This couple moved out of state and had a child.  Over the years I had my share of what-ifs, second-guesses and regrets.<BR>
<BR>
The man I wouldn't cuckold... boyfriend, lover and father... died a couple of years ago.  All the regrets and what-ifs vanished the moment I heard about his passing.<BR>
<BR>
Taking the high road can have it's own and more lasting, if more subtle, rewards.<BR>
<BR>
Good luck... <BR>
<BR>
~tc<BR>
<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=254">chris</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Don't say that, sweetheart! You are NOT pond scum. I was refering to those who should know better (they know who there are). You grew up. Some people never do.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Chris is right Misti, you realized your mistake and did not keep at it or break up any relationship. I think it's the  persuit that would make it bad, not just an error in judgement.<BR>
<BR>
Walking, personally I think you need to have the moxy to realize that you shouldn't have to share any man (much less a married one)ick. Not only that but this one is DADDY not one like yourself.<BR>
<BR>
bk 
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=254">chris</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Tanqueray~<BR>
Exactly. That's what people don't understand. You leave someone for a person who's cheating on their significant other and you're gonna be next. You can count on it.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Misti; That last line to the poem is brilliant<BR>
she was a freak flag always<BR>
whipping with a snap<BR>
in any wandering<BR>
wind. AWESOME!<BR>
<BR>
bk
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1112">ramaldrol</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

EMILY THIESSEN RULES!
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=2">scqueen</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

hmmm, and Raiders suck...
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1040">empyrean</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

WC - I'd avoid the married guy.  Such a situation can only bring heartache for all concerned.  Its not worth the hassle.<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

Misti ~ your latest is great! you're amazing! and you know, you're honest too. i respect that. you knew that what you did with the married guy was wrong. in your comment you say as much, and you make no bones about that. and as you get older, you consider morals an important part of life. It's a bit silly for people to condemn an action for one person and condone it for another. It's wrong for anyone, and just because we know and love Misti doesn't make it ok. As someone said, you DID learn, and change the behavior. THAT is what is acceptable. you are. and the learning. not the behavior. <BR>
<BR>
I'd just like to point out a very wise rule to the general population during this discussion of being a party to infidelity. I think it's simple in it's wisdom...<BR>
<BR>
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.<BR>
<BR>
-Teej<BR>
<BR>
PS<BR>
I think there's a line in some silly thing that says, "What God hath joined together, let no man tear asunder." Great words.<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1058">Chances are</a><BR>
Date: 26 January 2003<P>

I think there's also something written about leaving judgements to God and letting man examine his own conscience... who can truly know another?
<HR>