That Victoria's Secret clamshell contraption looks less like something from Boticelli and more like something from a community-theater production of Starlight Express. (But the bra is fab.)

Darn. Well, I guess I would try to just go have coffee as many times as necessary, or escalate it to whatever the next level would be... "We should go get dinner"? "We should go to this great exhibit/concert/movie?" I don't think it's a waste of energy unless you don't want the friendship at all, even if there proves…

Could it have been a stealthy reference to you? Have you asked him out? Unless there's a way to figure out if he meant you by that remark, I think the only way to tell if he's interested is to ask him out for coffee or such...

Congratulations!!

I don't have advice, but I'd suggest posting this over in #groupthink, where it has a much better chance of getting a response: [jezebel.com] :)

Given your Jez name, maybe "Pirouline"? They're those small skinny rolled wafer cookies. Delicious! Or "Tootsie" (for Tootsie Roll). :) All I can think of are food names. Congrats! Enjoy your new pup!

Also, Lee & Low Books might be a good fit—I think they have started doing some YA stuff.

500 words are typically one double-spaced page (with normal margins and no header)...and when you look at it that way, it's only a 3-page paper. :)

I started keeping flour (and breadcrumbs, etc.) in my freezer after a bug problem. Problem solved!

Wow. Just...wow. You may be this kid's only hope! Seriously, though, that's a lot of iL ego (for lack of a better word).

How have I never encountered these? I need to get out more. Thanks for posting the recipe!

Is this like gooey butter cake at all? Does the boyfriend take instruction well? :) If so, delegate!

Aw, I wouldn't beat yourself up about it at all. Teachers do this to their kids (at least, in every school I've taught at), and everyone knows it's all in jest. Or, at least, teachers can get away with it, more than substitutes can, because they're around the kids all the time and they know that that kind of joking…

That is...bizarre. It seems awfully attention-seeking (sorry to be harsh about people I don't know). But maybe let them get it out of their systems now? People aren't going to be paying attention to them at all after the baby pops out. Forgive me if this is overly cynical. ;)

That's great! A good starting point, I think, is this FAQ from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: [www.scbwi.org]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much. This is amazing! I'm printing this out and taking it with me to the liquor store, where I will feel invincible. :) Seriously, THANK YOU heaps.

'Scuse me for threadjacking, but can I ask you a wine question, assuming you're in wine? Namely, what do I serve 10 people for Thanksgiving? Low- to mid-range, price-wise (assuming my mid, $10-$12, is not way, way off)....? Thank you!

Ah, so a sort of anti-hero, like Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder. (Sins of the Fathers does a great job with the could-just-as-easily-have-been-my-daughter concept.)

Very cool premise. At first glance, I'd ask: What's at stake for Michael? Why is he invested in this? Why does he care (presumably he does this job because it's his calling, but what motivates him to go on this hunt)?

I'm afraid we'll always have Paris.