Beckyseyedoc

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Your vast talent is amazing, and your undying support for all other writers and artists is beautiful.

Yes, although they refer to them as "gift cards," and more often than not are essentially a pre-loaded debit card. Most of the major franchises have this option, and many of the non-franchised restaurants do as well. Hope this helps!

I am so sorry to hear of your beloved pet's passing, @mphs95. Abbey Road was obviously very much a part of your family and well loved. May she continue to live on in your heart.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! I think it is awful that someone could be hateful about someone else's hard work. If your story wasn't something they wanted to read, why do so in the first place? It strikes me that some people, unfortunately, are only happy in tearing down what someone else has built. In this case, something that you built from within yourself. I believe is says far more about that reviewer than it does you. I'm glad you took down the review. Continue to be strong, @karyshamy. As my mother would say, "Consider the source..."

Like shamour, I have come to enjoy AU stories as well. I believe what constitutes AU, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Similarly, what may interest one individual to read, may completely be off-putting to another. In general, as both a writer and a reader, I believe you write what you are compelled to write. Hazelra, you and I have discussed your interest in history many times, and I am thrilled that this idea has burgeoned within you. I shall be equally thrilled to read the outcome. Looking forward to your next story, then...

Further proof that, like Stephen, I can't keep out of a good fight... I will pose the following, in a less philosophical answer than I think you are seeking. Approximately three years ago, the three doctors in our office (all female) posed for pictures for our website. Did we choose to wear lab coats, and forego makeup and hair? Not by a long shot. We spoke with the professional photographer in advance, determined a color and wardrobe scheme that would be most flattering, and I even scheduled an appointment with my cosmetologist prior to the appointment (because I can never get my hair to look as good as she does.) We weren't flaunting our individual sexuality by any means. But we knew, even as professionals (and scientists at that!), we would be judged on our appearances by the potential patients viewing our website. So, Amy might be right in principle... but Bernadette is right in reality and practice.

Read and reviewed... I eagerly await the next two updates you promise! The reviews system with FF appears to be down, so I shall have to post it here to make certain you see it: Happy Birthday!

@Stephen Hawking: My mother is English by birth, raised the first 26 years of her life there, and I had to look this idiom up! I had not heard this one before! Instead, I would suggest try "talking a mile a minute" for a more American feel, to describe an overly talkative person, especially someone who is doing so in an overexcited or over emotional state. I hope this helps!

Overall, I thought this was an excellent episode, and the scenes leading up to the bedroom showcasing Sheldon's nervousness (contract, anyone?), followed by those in the bedroom with Amy's nervousness were superb. Mayim deserves the Emmy for her few lines in that room. Jim, for "We'll learn together." Complete bliss for me as a viewer. And Koothrapali stole the show when he channeled Amy: "I don't think I'll be able to walk." I laughed the loudest tonight at that line! But I'll admit... Even though I know it was most likely related to time issues for the editors... I was sorry to see the post-coital hug and Sheldon's head on Amy's end up on the chopping block. It would have been a silent ode to what we shippers already know... This was not just a "find out what all the fuss is about" event for Sheldon and Amy. This is the real thing. Undying, fully committed, love. All right, TPTB. Make it up to us. Bring on the ring! #needyviewergreedyviewer

I'm supposed to be "better behaved," and set an example. Let's pretend we know better...

Hazelra: I think traffic stats are down with FF, period. It's not you, girl! Drat... I have (sadly, legitimate) work to do before I can go read this... but will make sure I do before the end of the evening!

A true guilty pleasure... Feelings of righteous indignation for the characters you like, wanting to pummel those who are as nasty as can be... I used to be a fan of soap operas in my college years. This takes me back to those days. Today, we'd yell at the screen: "Oh, no, you didn't!" Thanks for making me laugh at myself!

I haven't seen this advertisement, nor have I watched the Long Island Medium ever (I find her mannerisms abrasive; just my opinion, though). However, as someone who suddenly lost a parent at a younger age (my father, 18 years ago today, when I was 27), I can completely understand if Jim did want to participate in this reading. If it was a visit that gave him peace and provided some meaning in his life, then who am I to say differently? If someone who had (or claimed to have) these talents felt compelled to share with me about my Dad, would I turn and walk away? Probably not. I hope Jim's discussion with (I believe her name is Teresa) was a blessing in his life.

Thank you again for all your support. The concluding chapter to this short story is posted. https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11646996/3/The-Reconciliation-Colloquium

I agree. I'm spoiled -- happily so -- and while I'm very glad to see the story line going where I believe it is ultimately headed, it does leave me feeling a little whistful for the pure surprise value of the first viewing. Plus, I can't imagine anyone at this point -- spoiled and unspoiled alike -- doesn't know what to expect as the key plot for 9x11. I do understand the "why," however. TPTB knew this one was going to get leaked. There was no other way around it than being the premptive strike...