Cole Parker

He does have a handy leg support to keep it slight elevated. Something else appears slightly elevated, too.

From Bruin: Good question! Some time ago I was part of a grouping where participants were using the word Rostrum to describe the furniture behind which a speaker stands, and which carries his notes and perhaps a microphone. I looked it up and discovered this usage is wrong. the Rostrum is the raised platform on which the speaker stands. The furniture in front of him is a Lectern. The only use of Podium that I'm aware of is in sports where the winners stand on a podium to be presented with their medals. I rather imagine Rostrum and Podium are interchangeable. That's my understanding. But I see podium used in place of rostrum much more than I see the word rostrum used at all. C

with that last one, you have to wonder if there's a crowd of people lining the pool's edges waiting for him to come back up.

Or that there are people who haven't tried this delectable treat!

That picture doesn't speak to me at all. For a picture to evoke a story, it has to provoke strong feelings. At least that's how it works for me. C

Very glad to see there's at least one sagacious member of this forum. Mayo with fruit adds a richness and piquancy that is amazing it you've never had it. It's quite nice with bananas, too, if I may take exception to some benighted opinions here. I've never heard of Duke's mayonnaise. Hellman's or Kraft's, which may be the same thing, are good and Duke's may be as well. What I was deftly doing was leaving my options open. C

All I can say is, try it. Then you won't be so quick to pooh-pooh it!

Thanks so much for the kind words, guys. I'm blushing. At my age, I'm not sure that's safe. C

Beautiful! C

A new short—well, medium long—story begins Saturday. Be the first in your neighborhood to . . . oh, wait, that's some other sales pitch, huh? C

You might try contacting Timmy. He may remember it. Or it could be asked about in his forum.

Finding the exact difference in dictionaries is difficult, too. My understanding is, both rostrum and podium describe raised platforms, and a lectern is a vertical stand with a slanted top to hold lecture material. I think 'podium' is often misused to mean a lectern. C

I'd guess your definition would be a common one. Anyone else? C

I have a question for you guys. I assume we're an educated group, erudite, knowledgeable especially about English language words and usage. My question is this: Without looking it up—and I have to trust you on this; anyone can look something up, and what I want to know isn't what great researchers you are, but what you know without doing that—is if you know what the difference is between a rostrum and a podium. I've had problems with those words in the past, and would like to know if I'm the only one. So, I'd hope to see you guys taking a stab at defining these two terms, WITHOUT LOOKING THEM UP!!! C

Finally had time to read this. Hey, I've been busy! But I just read it and, Wow! You've still got it Camy! Got in in spades. Great writing! C

One of my early stories, one I was proud of but felt less that happy with how it was written, has now been re-edited and reformatted and will begin posting at the beginning of the year, which is appropriate, don't you think? Anyway, look for Tim to reappear in a new cover. Same story, but better presented. C

I too saw some of Mihangel in it, but some of your description didn't fit with anything of his I've read. Close, but no cigar. I don't think I've read the story you described. C

Merry Christmas everyone! And special greetings along with best wishes to Mike who's had a hard year. C

Glad to see you back computing again, Camy! And Merry Christmas right back atcha! C

Good one, R! 😁

More please! C

Okay, not as good, but then, this is off the top of my head: Christmas trees, all aglow With balls and lights and ersatz snow Wreathes and stockings hanging low “Which are mine?” they want to know. Kids and Christmas—made for each other Just like twins, brother and brother Piles of presents under the tree And each kid asking, “Which one’s for me?” Christmas day, two’re up already “Can we go down?” “No, no, hold steady: First wake Timmy, Neil and Freddy And for God’s sake, also get Betty!” And then, all up and rarin’ to go Down they fly as I yell Tally-ho-ho!” Santa has come and their faces shine. I can’t be happier—these kids, they’re mine.

Just great! Now I'll have to come up with something. Bloody Yanks. C

Not all of us have been as lucky! C