The next part 864 of Bike has been written, I very nearly posted it tonight, but then thought you'll get too fat if I feed you too much.

I must confess that the character of Julie came out of the blue as I started to write, and I had difficulty stopping when I did. However, the plotline seemed so magnetic that I had to write some more - I know, saddo or what? So tomorrow's episode is about twice as long as usual, over 2200 words.

According to the popular content counter, Gaby's Manx Tale has received over 29,000 hits. Thank you to all who've read it, to Maddy Bell for creating the characters, and to Erin for allowing me to post it here.

Mexico allows same sex marriage (Don't cry for me Argentina!)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/dec/22/mexico-city-lega...

And the Archbishop of York condemns Uganda's anti-gay laws, and he's originally from Uganda.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/dec/24/john-sentamu-uga...

This a story running to two book equivalents posted in 2003/4 on Crystal's storysite, which is one I feel deserves more attention and because Sarah Bayen doesn't post any more - she seems to have left the scene altogether - you might not come across it unless you know it's there. It could do with a proper edit but it's still a very readable tale of adolescence and self discovery. I attach a link.

Part 1 The Contest Beginings

Part 2 Contest and Consequence.

Sarah Bayen at Crystal's.

The attached link to the Daily Mail is about a campaign to boycott 'pink' toys for girls, they claim stereotyping has held girls and women back for generations.

Personally, I'm more concerned about sexually objectifying young women - but what do I know?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1233779/Parents-urge...

DIY surgery isn't usually recommended by the medical profession. However, one Columbian farmer decided to cut loose. See the attached link.

http://news.uk.msn.com/world/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=151...

According to this link on the Beeb, some of Audrey Hepburn's gowns and hats are up for auction, so if you fancy some new glad rags... Oh, I'd better warn you, the last two pieces of her stuff that were auctioned raised over a million pounds ...but then it's for a good cause. Breakfast at Tiffany's anyone?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8390749.stm