From:  "L-Soft list server at Indiana University (1.8d)" <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
To:    "ARTF@MemoryAlpha.nil"
File:  "LOISCLA-GENERAL-L
LOG9903E"

=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 03:03:27 PST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Tanya Walsh <tanya_walsh@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      PLEASE help me !! I am not kidding I'll go crazy if you don't
<g>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain

Hi everybody !! =)

Ok...

I had a story in my head and it was bubbling away so I HAD to write it
down =) After about the first paragraph it morphed into a Fanfic =)
(I don't know how.. it just did)

Anyway, it got tucked away and then lost in the "Great Harddrive Crash"
BUT... (This is really sad) I'd e-mailed it to myself at school to work
on when I was really bored in my computer studies class.. and yesterday
I actually found it =)

So today I wrote more on it.. and I actually really like it. But I'm
getting worried. You see, it's in "diary entry" form and therefore 1st
person, and I'm just worried if it's "in character" or not. It's written
>from Lois' perspective but I'm truly not sure whether it sounds like
Lois, or like ME or some kind of hybrid form and was wondering if
anybody would like to read it and tell me what they think ? Please ? I
REALLY want to continue writing it but I don't want to write it wrong..

If you'd like me to send a copy just e-mail me privately on....

Tanya_Walsh@hotmail.com

and I'll send you one (there is no way I'm posting it to the mailing
list at this stage !!)

Thanks heaps =)
Your help would be really appreciated =)
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 03:26:20 -0800
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Elisabeth <all4_mr_d8a@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Kerth Awards better than Oscars
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

--- Maggie  wrote:
> Why were the Kerth Awards, even better than the
> Oscars?
> Because you know the part in the acceptance speech
> where
> so and so thanks John Smith and Marilu Merriwhether,
> etc?
> Well, when a Kerth Award Winner gives their speech,
> we *know* who they are thanking and why.

Great observations, Maggie.  I'd like to go one step
further, though.

 When a Kerth winner makes an acceptance speech, I feel
like I'm getting their honest opinion.

This is not to say that an Oscar winner isn't happy
that they won or isn't appreciative of the help they
were given, but there have to be times when the
'nobodys' who truly were a support and an inspiration
aren't thanked due to the fact that there's a limited
time allowed.  Others with bigger 'names' are thanked
to further a career.

In FoLCdom, THE GREATS are normal people with hobbies
and lives who read what they like and write just for
the sheer fun of it.  When they thank a person, with
nothing material to gain from it, that thank you means
a lot to me.

And now, my personal note of thanks.  Thanks for all
the writers out there who've been putting out great
material, the editors who turn good into great, and the
readers who support and constructively criticize.

===

Elisabeth

Feel free to visit my home at http://geocities.com/Area 51/Starship/7859

_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 13:53:31 +0000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Wendy Richards <ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK>
Subject:      After the Kerths
In-Reply-To:  <000c01be7973$704320c0$bc1f883e@BTClick+>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII

I don't read my email at this account at weekends, so this morning -
in between giving a lecture, dealing with students etc etc - I found
time to read all the posts in relation to Saturday's ceremony. I feel
like saying 'me too' to just about everything! But even at the
expense of being repetitive, I'd still like to say a number of
thank-yous.

This was the first Kerths I'd attended - I've only been using IRC for
a couple of weeks. It was a tremendous experience for me, meeting up
with so many like-minded and VERY warm and friendly people. I was
hugely impressed with the organisation of the ceremony: so
professional and entertaining, as well as being friendly and
welcoming. So to Erin, KathyB, Pam, Demi, Anne, Georgia, Annie, Chris
and anyone else involved in the organisation I may have forgotten,
thank you for a fantastic job. My husband - an L&C fan and occasional
reader of fanfic, but not an online fan normally - was 'watching'
with me, and he was immensely impressed by what can be done with IRC
windows, sounds and a bunch of really talented people.

Second, I'd like to congratulate *all* the nominees. It was so hard
to vote in a number of categories, and there were some categories
where I was rooting for two, three or even four writers as the
announcement was made! Full Circle or WIMTLY... Margaret Brignell or
Carol Malo... Speaking personally as a nominee, being *nominated* was
a fantastic feeling in itself, and I was on a high for weeks
following the nominations list.

Incidentally, a special thanks to Demi and anyone else involved in
the 'special effects' - I think the award certificates are wonderful,
a work of art, and my husband wants to frame mine for me! And the
Kerth Nominee icon which appeard so quickly s on the fanfic site
looks great.

Like Crystal, I was inspired to write by the work of so many 'greats'
of fanfiction: Zoomway, Sheila, ChrisM, Pam, Phil Atcliffe,
Margaret Brignell, Jeff Brogden (great to hear Jeff will try to find
time to write again), KathyB, Demi and many others. I was encouraged
to *continue* by the kind words and support of my first editor, Lynda
L, who is also entirely responsible for 'That Super Man of Mine': it
was *her* idea, and she edited it for me before it went to the
Archive. In true Oscar fashion, this award is for you, Lynda!

Some final thank-yous before finishing - sorry if this sounds like a
list, but it is none the less sincere for that. Thanks to everyone
who turned up to the ceremony to cheer on the nominees - you can have
no idea how wonderful it feels to 'hear' people rooting for you
before the winner is announced! Thanks so much to everyone who
nominated my stories this year, and also huge thanks to everyone who
voted for me. I went to the Kerths not expecting to win at all -
there were so many great stories nominated in all the categories I
was in, and 1998 seems to have been an exceptional year for new
writers!

But awards aside - and believe me, I am still completely overwhelmed
that I won two - the real reward from writing fanfic (as Crystal
said) has been the number of friends I have made. Editors, readers
who write with feedback, other authors who correspond on this list...
I have hugely extended my list of on-line friends in the past year.
Even if I never get to meet most of the people I now count as
friends, you are all special to me.

I'll finish here before this descends even further into a
raspberry-winning Oscar speech. Roll on next year's ceremony!

Wendy
(who's hoping Pam can now get some rest before going into labour!)

----------------------
Wendy Richards
w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 08:25:18 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Charlotte Fisler <Cdfisler@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: combo: law & stereotype characters
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In a message dated 3/23/99 3:43:44 AM !!!First Boot!!!, kubitc@KENYON.EDU
writes:

<<
 Was it just me or did the possibility of Lois being executed seem
 far-fetched to anyone else?  >>

True but who's to say she would have lived - We're talking Lois Lane there.
She sent a lot of people to jail many of whom could be expected to take
advantage of the opportunity to get revenge.

Did you see Dean's Fantasy Island episode?  An innocent man is sent to jail
and dies there in a brawl before the lawyer Dean plays can reverse the
conviction and he wasn't an investigative reporter with enemies.

Jail aint a nice place or a safe one.

And remember Clark knows the evidence disappeared from police custody so
even
if he doesn't suspect the DA, someone has it in for Lois Lane.

The joint episodes had an excellent progression from Clark believing that
justice will be done to realizing that justice was anything but present in
the
'railroading' verdict that the 'jury'  came back with.  Too bad I wasn't on
that jury.  I would have believed the champion of truth and justice and
voted
for aquittal.

Okay, here I go.  Blindly following the law is not justice when the law
itself
is wrong.  Nothing is worse than people accepting injustice because it has
the
backing of the law. That is the way a madman could kill 6,000,000 people.
After all what Adolf Hitler did was legal in Germany at the time.

And need I remind you that America's  founding fathers' would probably have
hung in the 1700s had they not won the war.  They were after all breaking
the
law of the country to which they belonged at the time.  Whatever their
motives, liberty or because "you're taxes are too high,'' these men were
willing to risk everything because they believed the rights of free men were
more important than the law.

Can Superman do any less?

Charlotte - who thinks Clark Kent was completely justified in 'breaking'
Lois
out of jail.  I would have held his cape while he did it.
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 14:37:23 +0000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Wendy Richards <ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK>
Subject:      Help needed: Maternity leave
In-Reply-To:  <NCBBJNGDMKLABKKGIMFDEEMPCFAA.erink@ida.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: QUOTED-PRINTABLE

Yet another UK-based writer needing help with US practices: while=20
working on my sequel to 'Super Night', I realised I know nothing of=20
American law and practice in relation to maternity rights. I have a=20
few US textbooks on human resource management (one of the subjects I=20
teach), but although these look at other aspects of equal=20
opportunities legislation there is no mention of maternity rights=20
other than the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

What I want to know is this: what statutory entitlements are there to=20
paid maternity leave for employees? (and if they vary by state, I'll=20
simply assume that New Troy is relatively generous ;) ). What kind of=20
benefits do good employers offer to supplement whatever statutory=20
entitlements there are?

To explain what I'm looking for, in the UK a woman who's been=20
employed by the same employer for 2+ years is entitled by law to 26=20
weeks' leave, the first 6 of which is at 90% of normal pay and the=20
remainder of which is at about =A360 per week. Good employers (which I=20
will assume the Planet is  ;) ) often have policies which offer the=20
entire 26 weeks at full pay.

So what would Lois be entitled to? (Even if we assume that Lois Lane=20
would be highly unlikely to take six months off work!) Oh, and by the=20
way, are paternity leave provisions in any way common?

Thanks in advance,

Wendy

----------------------
Wendy Richards
w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 08:46:07 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "K.M. de Castro" <ChoirGirl2@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Superman Museum
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Okay, here's a plug for a fellow FoLC's website...

I visited Barb and Jon Knutson's "Honeymoon in Metropolis" page the other
day,
and it had all sorts of shots of the Superman Museum, as well as a mini-tour
of the town. I highly recommend surfing by, except that the URL is lost to
me.
I know that it's in Barb's sig at the bottom of her mail...

Care to answer, Barb?

Marie,
ChoirGirl2@aol.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 08:49:19 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help Please
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I don't know about tractor pulls and roller coasters, but I have heard of
people
getting married on a fox hunt.
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 06:37:13 PST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         irene d <sirenegold@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tech. question re: printing out stories
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain

Thanks, Eileen,

Your instructions were very easy to follow.  I'm printing out a *long*
story even as I write this.

Take care,
Irene

>From: Eileen Barnard <eileen@BARNARD70.FREESERVE.CO.UK>
>Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Fanfic"<LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
>To: LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
>Subject: Re: Tech. question re: printing out stories
>Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 15:53:41 -0800
>
>Irene
>
>If you have a word processing programme, such as Microsoft Word then
what
>you need to do is to save them in that format as Text has very limited
>applications.
>
>Once you have saved the story into a document then select the whole
page and
>make the changes to font and text size etc (I use Ariel 7 or 8).  While
you
>still have the whole thing highlighted chose the column function and
chose
>however many columns you think will fit comfortable onto a page.  After
that
>you need to go into Page Set-up and save as landscape.  (I personally
don't
>change to landscape because I bind my stories into flat ring binders
and I
>find portrait easier to read.)  This sounds really complicated but it
only
>takes a few seconds once you have done it a couple of times.
>
>When you go to print tell the PC to print all the odd pages then when
it has
>done this put the paper back in the other way around and ask it to
print odd
>pages.
>
>Some printers have an economy mode and will let you print on both sides
of
>the paper but mine at home doesn't.  If yours does then use that print
>function.
>
>I hope this is clear but feel free to mail me for further help.
>
>Kind regards
>Eileen B
>-----Original Message-----
>From: irene d <sirenegold@HOTMAIL.COM>
>To: LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
><LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
>Date: 27 March 1999 04:39
>Subject: Tech. question re: printing out stories
>
>
>>I saved a message sent out by Patricia Chernenko re: printing out
>>stories and conserving paper by changing to Landscape mode and
printing
>>out 2 columns.
>>
>>I have figured out how to change the font setting, and how to change
the
>>paper to Landscape mode but for the life of me, I can't figure out how
>>to print in two columns.
>>
>>My computer has Microsoft software - Windows 98.  I've been saving the
>>stories in Notepad.
>>
>>Would someone more computer literate than I, please email me privately
>>to talk me through this.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Irene
>>sirenegold@hotmail.com
>>sirengold on IRC
>>Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>>

Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 06:57:08 PST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         irene d <sirenegold@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      author - David Weber - Is he a FoLC?
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain

I just finished reading David Weber's book "Echoes of Honor".  Towards
the end of the book, he talks about the planet "Lois"  in the "Clarke"
system.  Either in the same paragraph or the next one, he mentions two
characters - one called White, the other Olson.

This is too big a coincidence.  I have to assume that the man is a
Superman fan.  Does anyone know if he is also a FoLC?

By the way, for those who enjoy science fiction, you won't find any
that's better than his. My husband and I are both huge fans.  We have
many lively discussions about his works. I especially recommend his
"Honor Harrington" series.

Take care,
Irene
sirenegold@hotmail.com
sirengold on IRC

Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 10:00:13 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Wendy,
The Federal Family Leave Act of 1993 is a federal law that gives a parent
time
off.  I believe that it is 12 weeks of unpaid, but job protected leave, to
care
for a newborn, recently adopted child, or seriously ill child, parent, or
spouse.  To be eligible, the employee must have worked for that company for
at
least a year.  Also, there are stipulations that the employee had to have
worked
a certain number of hours, and that the company has to have at least 50
employees within a 75 mile radius.  This is to protect certain small
businesses.
I could be wrong on the specifics, so if anyone out there knows more about
this,
please feel free to comment.  Some companies offer paid maternity leave,
some
don't.  Some companies allow accumulated sick days to be used for maternity
leave.

I hope this is helpful.  JOY:)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 10:15:19 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Donna Burton <BURTOND@CONAN.UNION.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave

Wendy, there are probably more people with first hand knowledge than
I have, but I'm a government documents librarian and there was a
federal Parental Leave Act passed in 1993 with a bit of info at:
http://ericps.crc.uiuc.edu/npin/pnews/pnew896/pnew896d.html
I think this is a required minimum and that if employers want to offer
more time with or without pay that would be part of the employees
benefits package.  This is evidenced at the following university site
where they spell out the option:
http://www.unl.edu/svcaa/Policies/Parental.html

Maybe this will give you somewhat of a start and I'm sure those who've
had direct experience with maternity leave (which I haven't), will
chime in here too...

Donna in Schenectady
burtond@union.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 18:00:23 +0000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Wendy Richards <ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
In-Reply-To:  <990329101519.12621@conan.union.edu>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII

Thanks very much to both Donna and Joy for their responses to my
query. I've looked up the URLs, Donna, and they were very helpful.

It's beginning to look to me - and please, people, correct me if I'm
wrong - that there is NO statutory entitlement to paid leave for a
woman about to give birth (for someone from the European Union, this
has been a lot to get my head around! If I became pregnant, I would
have six months paid leave, with the period of leave determined by
statute and the full pay as a benefit of my employment - statutory
maternity pay is much lower).

Well, assuming my reading of US federal law is correct, can anyone
give me an example of what a good employer might offer, in terms of
length of leave and whether or not it would be at full or partial
pay? Preferably a good private sector employer - if the US is like
the UK, public sector employers tend to have better practice in this
kind of thing since they can't compete in terms of pay.

Thanks again for any info - much appreciated.

Wendy
----------------------
Wendy Richards
w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 12:00:23 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Help needed: Maternity leave
Comments: To: Blind.Copy.Receiver@compuserve.com
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

>> So what would Lois be entitled to? (Even if we assume that Lois Lane =

would be highly unlikely to take six months off work!) Oh, and by the =

way, are paternity leave provisions in any way common? <<

One of the "wonderful" things about the US is that maternity leaves are
much less long-ranging and comprehensive than in the UK or Canada. =

Employers with more than 50 employees are required, through the Family
Medical Leave Act, to allow their employees 12 weeks *unpaid* leave, at t=
he
end of which the woman is guaranteed to still have a job (it may not be t=
he
same job, but it will be a job at at least the same rate of pay). =

Companies offer varying lengths of paid maternity leave as part of their
benefits packages, and the packages vary; I suspect six weeks is about th=
e
average.  I used to work for a contracting firm that offered no paid leav=
e
at all, and considered myself fortunate to move to a job with three weeks=

paid.  Employees are expected to bank up sick leave and vacation time to
supplement that leave, if they wish.  (With my first baby, I managed 13
weeks leave at half-pay)

Paternity leave is growing more common, but it's by no means universal. =

My husband will be expected to take vacation time to be home with me when=

this baby makes up her mind to appear.  My old company offered one week
paternity leave vs. three weeks maternity, so you might use that as a
ratio.

Personally, I think it's horrible to expect the mother of a six-week old
to leave her child and go back to work, but on the other hand I can
understand the arguments against longer paid leave, which I don't suppose=

we ought to get into here :-)  (My ideal would be for moms to quit & stay=

home to raise their kids, but that's a very touchy subject so forget I
mentioned it :-)

PJ
who tried going back to work, but discovered she didn't have time for bot=
h
her job and her L&C habit, so naturally the job had to go.... <g>

and who is still in the very early stages of labor, but things are
gonna happen any time now...

!^NavFont02F0656000FMGJHGA0MGA2HM583FDC

  Pam Jernigan (jernigan@compuserve.com)
  ChiefPam on the IRC
~~~~~
It's KERTH time!  Read all about it at:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jernigan/folc.html
~~~~~
Read L&C Season 6 (S6) at: http://tempus.simplenet.com/season6/
(I'd turn off the NavFont garbage if I could <sigh>)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 11:12:49 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Mandy Crustner <mandyc@LCC.NET>
Subject:      Pregnancy Questions
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
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Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Good Morning (or afternoon, or evening, depending on where ya'll are!)
FoLCs! :)

I'm finally coming down from my Kerth high (it's taken two days and I'm
still smiling!  Just being there and presenting an award was *so* much fun!)
to ask ya'll a question for my next fanfic.  I've never been pregnant and
never actually been around anyone when they're first pregnant so, I need
some help.  I need to know, how long after you become pregnant do you start
getting morning sickness?  Also, how soon do you start showing?  When do you
start getting cravings?  Any help on these questions and just about any
other aspect of pregnancy would be greatly appreciated as Lois's pregnancy
will be the first big chunk of this next fic and I don't want to make any
*big* mistakes that will leave people that have actually *been* pregnant
cringing! :)

Thanks in advance,
Mandy Crustner
Moonlight on IRC
http://members.spree.com/sip/mandy0924/lnctnaos.htm
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 18:38:00 +0000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Wendy Richards <ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
In-Reply-To:  <199903291200_MC2-6FD4-D9D5@compuserve.com>
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Thanks very much, Pam - that really does confirm my growing
suspicions about the US system. Six weeks the average!!! I did wonder
why, in fanfics where Lois is pregnant, she was usually written as
continuing to work almost up until giving birth - over here, she
would probably start her leave four to six weeks before the expected
delivery date, and I was half-planning therefore to have her commence
her leave within a few weeks from where this story begins (at eight
months, therefore).

Hmmmm....   /me returns to the drawing board!

>I suspect six weeks is about the
> average.  I used to work for a contracting firm that offered no paid leave
> at all, and considered myself fortunate to move to a job with three weeks
> paid.  Employees are expected to bank up sick leave and vacation time to
> supplement that leave, if they wish.

Ouch!!

Wendy
----------------------
Wendy Richards
w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 12:45:53 -0500
Reply-To:     nightsky@erols.com
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Genevieve <nightsky@EROLS.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Wendy Richards wrote:
>
> Well, assuming my reading of US federal law is correct, can anyone
> give me an example of what a good employer might offer, in terms of
> length of leave and whether or not it would be at full or partial
> pay? Preferably a good private sector employer - if the US is like
> the UK, public sector employers tend to have better practice in this
> kind of thing since they can't compete in terms of pay.
>

LOL!  I work for the federal government, Wendy, and we have *no*
"maternity" leave as such.  When I had my babies, I used up all my sick
leave, then used up all my vacation time, then went on leave without
pay.  Not only that, the Federal government has a "leave donation"
program, where employees can donate part of their leave to indivduals
with emergencies.  Pregnancy, however, is specifically excluded from
this program.  (We looked into seeing if my husband, who is also a
federal employee, could share some of his leave with me.)  But no.  You
are supposed to plan in advance, and make sure you "save up" enough
leave.

And that will tell you why *I* worked up to the last minute too; I had
to save up my leave for when after the baby came. Besides, staying at
home waiting for the baby to come -- especially a first baby -- would be
incredibly boring.  I can't see Lois doing it, myself.

As to the amount of time you can take, that has to be negotiated with
your supervisor, although the 13 weeks unpaid leave others have
mentioned is available.

I took three months of leave when each of my babies were born, and then
came back part-time for another three months, working four days a week.
I worked Monday and Tuesday, took Wednesdays off (without pay!), and
then worked on Thursday and Friday.  The day off in the middle of the
week gave me a chance to catch up on my sleep, and kept me from being
separated from my baby more than two days in a row.  This was important
as I was nursing and trying to maintain a milk supply.  One of the
problems a working mom can have with pumping is that that milk supply
tends to dwindle by the end of the week, due in part to exhaustion and
baby-separation.

And before you ask, there are no -- NO -- provisions in law to support
nursing mothers, except that in most states we can't be arrested for
indecent exposure anymore.  How much support a working mother gets is up
to her employer.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Genevieve Clemens  <mailto:NightSky@erols.com>
    Lots of good stuff on my webpage:<http://www.erols.com/nightsky>

For more information about breastfeeding, check on the ProMom page
<http://www.promom.org>
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 12:15:45 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Most companies, especially the large ones, offer generous health insurance
plans.  If a woman is lucky, she can have the baby, stay a few days in the
hospital, and only have to pay like a $50 co-pay.  I guess having that
$10,000
savings would make up for a few weeks of lost pay.  I have heard of
companies
that offer a few weeks of paid "disability" leave for new moms.  This is
meant
to help out just until the mother physically regains her strength, and is
able
to go back to work.
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 13:12:50 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Wendy, if it helps your fanfic any, I can tell you about a former college
professor of mine.  She worked until the DAY she had her baby, took ONE day
off,
and then resumed teaching.  I don't know what her schedule was like then:
i.e.,
Tuesday/ Thursday classes, Wednesday only classes, Monday/ Wednesday/Friday
classes.  OUCH indeed!
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 13:58:38 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         "Jacalyn S. Newman" <jsd119@EMAIL.PSU.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Pregnancy Questions
In-Reply-To:  <00f701be7a07$6119e7c0$6a8f46cf@pavilion>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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> I need to know, how long after you become pregnant do you start
>getting morning sickness?

Within two days of getting pregnant with me, my mother was vomiting every
morning. I'm currently pregnant myself, and I had radical mood swings
approx. 2 days post conception. Nausea, vomiting, and major food aversions
hit about 2 weeks post conception, along with bone crushing fatigue- and
all of those are with me still. (But no food cravings.) And there are lucky
women out there who feel great and don't have to deal with any of these
symptoms!
Some people start showing after 8-10 weeks, others spend the first
trimester losing weight because they can't keep food down. Every pregnancy
is unique.

I'd recommend the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" as a
reference. I've used it for my own writing (non L&C) prior to getting
pregnant, and that book does a great job of hitting all the highlights. For
a ton of info, you can also go to the web site
http://pregnancy.miningco.com/

Hope this helps!

Jackie
Jacalyn S. Newman
jsd119@email.psu.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 14:06:01 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Emily Angerer Crawford <ccsupec@HELEN.OIT.GATECH.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Pregnancy Questions
In-Reply-To:  <00f701be7a07$6119e7c0$6a8f46cf@pavilion> from "Mandy
Crustner"
              at Mar 29, 99 11:12:49 am
Content-Type: text

Mandy Crustner wrote:
>
> I've never been pregnant and
> never actually been around anyone when they're first pregnant so, I need
> some help.  I need to know, how long after you become pregnant do you
start
> getting morning sickness?

I never did get morning sickness.  Those who do can start it as early as
about 2 weeks after conception (when they're considered 4 weeks pregnant) to
as late as 5 or 6 weeks (7 or 8 weeks pg).  And that's only the "normal"
range -- some people don't get any until the second trimester (11 weeks
post-conception, 13 weeks pregnant), when most other moms are losing theirs.

> Also, how soon do you start showing?

A first-time mother may start feeling uncomfortable in snug clothing when
she is maybe 6 weeks pregnant, but it's not unusual not to "show" until 16
or 18 weeks, maybe even later.  I'm at 11 weeks and am still wearing all my
regular clothes, although things with really strong elastic at the waist
make me uncomfortable, and after a full meal I get very uncomfortable if I
bend at the waist while wearing non-stretchy clothes!  But none of the
people I work with know or even suspect that I'm pregnant now, and I
wouldn't be surprised if they didn't know until another month or two had
passed.  I plan on telling them before that, of course!

On second and later pregnancies, a woman will usually start showing sooner,
because her abdominal muscles are weaker and stretchier from the first
pregnancy (or so I'm told!).  On the pregnancy bulletin board I'm reading,
many of the experienced moms are already wearing maternity clothes, some
starting as early as 8 weeks.

A woman's chest expands, usually, before her waist does, so she'll outgrow
bras early (unless she's already wearing large or stretchy bras) and a more
observant individual might notice the difference and suspect the pregnancy
early.

> When do you
> start getting cravings?

I had my first craving about 12 days post-conception, before I even knew I
was pregnant.  I don't like ketchup but that evening I *had* to have some!
Cravings are definitely common in the first trimester and throughout
pregnancy.  This was my first symptom, although I didn't recognize it as
such.

> Any help on these questions and just about any
> other aspect of pregnancy would be greatly appreciated as Lois's pregnancy
> will be the first big chunk of this next fic and I don't want to make any
> *big* mistakes that will leave people that have actually *been* pregnant
> cringing! :)

Well, I'm still pretty new at this whole pregnancy thing, so anything beyond
first trimester is beyond my experience!  If you want to look at some good
sites on pregnancy, take a look at

http://www.parentsplace.com/pregnancy/

Parentsplace has has bulletin boards for every stage of pregnancy and
childhood, all of which are generally loaded with relevant information --
you'll see that every woman's pregnancy is different!  There are also tons
of birth stories, which make for interesting reading, to say the least.  You
can even create a calendar that tells approximately day-by-day what is going
on with a pregnancy, from pre-conception to post-delivery.  That includes
both the baby's development and likely symptoms of the mother.

Also try

http://pregnancy.miningco.com/

for lots more information.  I love this site, because they have ultrasound
images from conception to 9 months.  It's exciting to take a look at these
and imagine what my own baby must look like.

There are dozens of other sites; these are just two I really enjoy.  If you
need more pointers, let me know!

Can you tell you hit on one of my favorite topics of late?

Cheers,

-Emily
--
Emily Crawford/Warbler on IRC              ccsupec@helen.oit.gatech.edu

"Thus grew the tale of Wonderland:  thus slowly, one by one,
Its quaint events were hammered out -- and now the tale is done,
And home we steer, a merry crew, beneath the setting sun." -Lewis Carroll
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 14:50:41 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Annette Ciotola <AMCiotola@AOL.COM>
Subject:      FoLC Baby Boom <G> Re: Pregnancy Questions
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Hey Gang!

Coming outta lurkdom for this. <G> Just outta curiosity, (and if you feel
comfy sharing) How many FoLC are currently expecting?

Two of just yas just kinda announced it with this Question Thread. And I
know
of others, but I dont wanna be the one to let the cat outta the bag, so to
speak. ;)

And of course there's Pam (breathe breathe, push push ... well anyday now)
<G>

I think it's wonderful and I would like to extend my congratulations and
best
wishes to you all. :)

Curious Anne :)
(<sigh> someday when I find Mr. Ca ... um Mr. *Right*, I ment Right! <g>)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 13:08:54 MST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         DEBRA GRAY <dlgray@USA.NET>
Subject:      Jack
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Hi everyone,

Had such a blast at the Kerths that I'm getting inspired to write my firs=
t LC
fanfic! I've been mulling ideas around in my head for a couple of months =
now,
I guess, but this morning in the shower (EAGH! - you all didn't really wa=
nna
know that, did ya? <BG>) I got one that I need some input on. Question - =
does
anyone know if they gave Jack's little brother a name? You remember, Jack=
 from
first season, who might have figured out Clark's secret? Anyway, if he ha=
s no
name (poor fella), do you have any ideas on what I could call him? Nothin=
g
derogatory, like the Claude thread a few days ago. It's just I don't want=
 to
call him Hey You!. Also, did they have a last name, or will I have to com=
e up
with that, too?

Thanks all. Shutting up now and going back to my scheming.

Debra G
dlgray@usa.net
Melisma on IRC

"You get a biscuit, Scully."

____________________________________________________________________
Get free e-mail and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=3D=
1
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 14:19:52 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Mandy Crustner <mandyc@LCC.NET>
Subject:      Re: Jack
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Debra wrote:

<snip>

> Question - does
> anyone know if they gave Jack's little brother a name? You remember, Jack
from
> first season, who might have figured out Clark's secret? Anyway, if he has
no
> name (poor fella), do you have any ideas on what I could call him? Nothing
> derogatory, like the Claude thread a few days ago. It's just I don't want
to
> call him Hey You!.

Hmm, I seem to remember a name for him, but it totally escapes me at the
moment! Hehe, that didn't help you much, did it? Anyway, maybe I can help
you with the next one! :)

>Also, did they have a last name, or will I have to come up
> with that, too?

Well, there is no last name listed for them in any of the scripts.  I did
some extensive search on this for the last fanfic I wrote.  I came up with a
last name for them (with a lot of help from some *very* generous FoLCs - you
know who you are!) I used 'Overstreet' such as they came from the 'street'
it wound up sounding pretty good, I think :  Jack Overstreet.  So, I'd
suggest using something that brings up thoughts of the life they had, you
know so that everyone can pretty much get an idea of who you're talking
about :)  Also, you're welcome to use Overstreet, if you'd like, I don't
mind at all <grin>

Mandy :)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 20:46:57 -0800
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Eileen Barnard <eileen@BARNARD70.FREESERVE.CO.UK>
Subject:      Re: Pregnancy Questions
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-----Original Message-----
From: Emily Angerer Crawford <ccsupec@HELEN.OIT.GATECH.EDU>
To: LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
<LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Date: 29 March 1999 11:06
Subject: Re: Pregnancy Questions

>Mandy Crustner wrote:
>>
>> I've never been pregnant and
>> never actually been around anyone when they're first pregnant so, I need
>> some help.  I need to know, how long after you become pregnant do you
start
>> getting morning sickness?

This can vary from person to persona nd also pregnancy to pregnancy.  I
didn't get morning sickness for either of my first two babies but with the
next two, I felt sick all the time for the first about 12 weeks.
>
>
>> Also, how soon do you start showing?

This also depends on whether you are talking about first or subsequent
pregnancies.  When I was pregnant with my first child, I didn't actually
show at all until I was about 16 to 18 weeks along - apart from the increase
in bust size.  For the next pregnancies, I showed rather earlier, probably
about 12 to 14 weeks.
>
>
>> When do you
>> start getting cravings?

This can happen really really early - often before you really know you are
pregnant.  This can vary so much, there really isn't a normal time.  One of
the things that happened to me during all my pregnancies was that I went off
coffee as soon as I was pregnant so for the subsequent pregnancies after my
first, this was usually the first indication that I may be pregnant.  Apart
>from that I had really bad cravings when I was seven and a half months and
onwards and didn't let up until I had actually produced.
>
I know there are some good sites on the web with some really good
information but I am so inexperienced on the web that I haven't a clue where
they are.  I have some friends that may know though, as they are newly
pregnant and surf the net regularly looking for info.  I will let you know
if I can find some good ones.

Good luck with your fanfic.

Kind regards
Eileen B
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 14:44:03 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Elizabeth Eve Davis <eed2@RA.MSSTATE.EDU>
Organization: Mississippi State University
Subject:      Re: Jack
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

His little brother's name was Danny, as I remember.
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 15:41:16 -0500
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              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Yes, he had a name.  It escapes me at the moment, but I'm sure it will come
to
me.  BTW, I would like to thank everyone again for suggestions for Claude's
name.  Mandy and I are working on it.  I'll post it when we finish it.
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 15:47:10 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
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              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Danny, that's it.
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 15:02:47 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Kathy Brown <kathyb@SPRINGNET1.COM>
Subject:      "Generous" maternity leave (was Re: Help needed: Maternity
leave)
In-Reply-To:  <SIMEON.9903291800.A@pc14.hrm.keele.ac.uk>
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At 6:38 PM +0000 3/29/99, Wendy Richards wrote:
>Thanks very much, Pam - that really does confirm my growing
>suspicions about the US system. Six weeks the average!!! I did wonder
>why, in fanfics where Lois is pregnant, she was usually written as
>continuing to work almost up until giving birth - over here, she
>would probably start her leave four to six weeks before the expected
>delivery date, and I was half-planning therefore to have her commence
>her leave within a few weeks from where this story begins (at eight
>months, therefore).

Several people have given good information about what women are entitled to
in the US, but since you also asked, Wendy, what a "generous" company might
give, I can pipe in.  Your plan of letting Lois take a month off before her
due date is not unreasonable.  Now, personally, I don't think Lois would
want to do that unless she was feeling uncomfortable or had complications,
but if the DP offers a generous benefits package (which I think it does,
also), then it would not be unheard of for her to have this option.

When I was pregnant, my former company (MetLife, the insurance company)
offered a generous package, especially for higher ranking employees.  I was
entitled to 4 weeks off with full pay before my due date.  I was considered
"management" level, however; lower ranking employees were given 2 weeks off
with partial pay (I believe it was either 1/2 or 2/3 pay, depending on how
many years you had with the company).  If you delivered before your due
date, you didn't get the extra money, but OTOH, if you went late, your
"before" time continued until you delivered, so it balanced out for the
company.

After delivery, all full-time employees were given 6 weeks of maternity
leave (disability leave) at either full or partial pay, depending on what
your rank was (again, management levels were full pay, or either 1/2 or 2/3
depending on home many years you had in).  If you had a c-section, you were
given 8 weeks of leave, at the same fractional pay.

This part is a fairly standard "generous" package.  However, my company
also offered what in my experience was more rare -- the option of taking an
additional 6 *months* off at no pay after the 6 weeks.  Now, no pay may not
seem like any big thing, but considering that the Family Leave Act, as you
have seen discussed here, mandates only 12 weeks *total* (that's before,
during and after delivery) with no pay before you lose your job, the option
of taking 7.5-8 months off without losing your job is highly prized.

Now, back to Lois taking time off before her due date -- again, unless she
is having complications or is uncomfortable, I can see Lois *wanting* to
work as long as possible since she loves her job.  As I mentioned above, I
was eligible to take off a full 4 weeks before my due date at full pay.
Believe me, I'm no Mad-Dog Lane <g> but I ended up working until 2 weeks
before I delivered anyway.  I, in essence, worked my vacation time.  Why?
Because I enjoyed my job, and I had things I wanted to get done before I
left--I was heading up a $3.5 million  account that I had just poured the
last year of my professional life into and considered it "my baby" almost
as much as the one inside of me. :)  It was important to me that I prepared
my assistant to take over as much as possible.  So, I went down to
part-time days for the last several weeks and just kept coming in.  It was
a pretty sweet schedule--I'd come in at 10, leave at 3-4, and still catch
lunch with my friends most of the time. <g>

So, if in your story, you want Lois to take off or reduce work a month
before her due date, you certainly could have her go part-time--picking and
choosing the "fun" stories that catch her eye and hanging out with her
husband, while still getting to take a nap during the day at home.  If you
want her off completely, you might explore some relatively minor
complications, like her blood pressure going up a bit, that would require
watching to make sure they don't get serious. (Blood pressure going way up
and/or retaining a lot fluids, can be very serious, but in the early
stages, they often just recommend women take it easy and get lots of rest.
Not full bed rest, but spending a few hours every day lying down, etc.  If
you want to go with this option, I'm sure there are women on this list who
have experienced complications like this and could provide you with
information on it.)

As for afterwards, I was planning to take the additional 6 months off at no
pay (like Pam, I can't imagine having to go back after 6 weeks, though I
have many friends that did), but I ended up going back part-time after only
4 months total (6 weeks paid, 10 weeks no pay).  The 3-month mark seems to
be a real milestone for babies--many are sleeping through the night and Mom
doesn't feel quite so exhausted.  4 months for me was perfect, since I was
really enjoying my baby  (the first 3 months aren't usually as "fun" as the
ones that come later!) and had good child care (my mom). My company also
made me an "offer I couldn't refuse" since I could come in 2 days/week and
work at home the other day, so I was excited to go back early (and the
extra $$ was certainly welcome!)

If you are considering Lois going back to work in your story, I would say
that 3 months would be a good minimum time (this is what we used in S6).
And again, having her start back part-time is a good option.  Even if she
plans to go back full-time eventually, starting part-time for a few
weeks/months is a great way to get used to the new schedule.

Bottom line, Wendy--it looks like your plans for Lois and the DP aren't
that far off. :)

Kathy

______________________
Kathy Brown
kathyb@springnet1.com
KathyB on IRC
______________________
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 16:29:30 +0500
Reply-To:     mulders@mindspring.com
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Bob or Chris Mulder <mulders@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
In-Reply-To:  <19990329200854.16026.qmail@.netaddress.usa.net>
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DebraG wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
Question - does
> anyone know if they gave Jack's little brother a name?

I've seen a couple of responses to this where someone thought his
name was Danny.  However, I seem to remember hearing "Denny"
which I took to be short for Dennis.  This may turn out to be another
one of those things we need to ask the close-captioned among us to
settle. <g>

--Chris
... who now keeps hearing Dean's voice in her head saying, "His
name's Denny, and he's about  ..."  Not that I'm complaining, mind you.
<bg>

 mailto:mulders@mindspring.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 16:34:03 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: "Generous" maternity leave
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Kathy, Mother Met certainly does offer generous health care packages in
general.
<g>  Also, Wendy, Lois and Clark may want to set up an employee spending
account.  Basically, that means that they can save "pre-tax" dollars for
daycare
expenses.  Because of the nature of their jobs, Lois and Clark could
probably
work from home without even having to have a lot of time off in the first
place.
After all, work (investigative journalism) is Lois's first love, and her
stories
are her "babies."  I figure that the Planet, and especially Uncle Perry,
will
bend over backwards to help the "hottest team in town" settle in.

JOY:)  {who loves reading these posts in between client calls}
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 16:34:36 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Annette Ciotola <AMCiotola@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
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In a message dated 3/29/99 4:29:57 PM Eastern Standard Time,
mulders@mindspring.com writes:

<< However, I seem to remember hearing "Denny"
 which I took to be short for Dennis.  This may turn out to be another
 one of those things we need to ask the close-captioned among us to
 settle. <g> >>

Or those with scripts. <G>

Yes, the name is indeed "Denny" as mentioned in the script under the CAST
page.

Anne :)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 16:58:41 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         The Zoomway <Zoomway@AOL.COM>
Subject:      precautions for meeting an "on line" friend in "person"
Comments: cc: LOISCLA@vm.ege.edu.tr
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Hi FoLC ;)

I'm writing this for a couple of reasons. Recently someone a few of us know
on
line met a "friend" from cyber space in person, and the experience for her
wasn't pleasant. The person seemed harmless on line, even "sweet", but in
person turned out to be "scary".  So I'm going to post some guidelines, and
anyone out there who would like to add to this guideline list, please feel
free.

First of all NEVER assume someone is being as truthful with you as you are
being with them. There are men and women who will say they aren't married,
for
example, because they're looking for action, not love and commitment.

On the flip side of that coin are people who say they *are* married when
it's
not true.  "Married" can sometimes make that person sound more disarming or
"safe".

Do NOT freely give out your address and phone number.

If you do agree to meet in person, meet in a PUBLIC place.

Let someone *know* you are meeting this person.

Quite often before the "meet in person" phase, photographs (usually the
cyber
variety like JPEGs) are exchanged.  If so, send the photo to the person
you've
told about this "relationship", the person you've told about the "in person"
meeting.

Once you reach the meeting, again, in a PUBLIC place, and the person looks
almost *nothing* like the photo he/she sent you, some serious alarm bells
should start ringing.

If the person looks nothing like his/her photograph, don't buy excuses like,
"I didn't think you'd agree to meet me if you knew what I really looked
like"
or "Really? I must have sent my cousin's (or anyone else's) photo by
mistake."
Most people who want a *real* relationship go to a lot of trouble to make
sure
they find a flattering photo of themselves to send, but *never* a deceptive
one.

If you're corresponding with someone and that person starts asking for too
much personal information early on, be suspicious, particularly if the
reason
you started corresponding with that person would not be conducive to such
personal questions, i.e., the person wanted help with computer problems,
career advice or even help with fanfic.

Don't shut yourself off from long-term friendships for the sake of your new
"romance". Be suspicious if this person wants you to segregate yourself from
old friends, or wants you to keep the relationship a secret. If everything
is
honest and above board, there's no reason in the world to keep the
relationship a secret.  Someone you trust being kept up to date on what's
going on could be your *best* protection.

Be aware too this can sometimes be about *money*.  If someone lays a sob
story
on you about needing money to finalize a divorce, save a business, start a
business or whatever, be sympathetic, but *don't* get out your check book ;)

Lastly, in or out of cyberspace, try and use good judgment and precautions.
Someone who truly cares about you won't balk at safety suggestions.  In
fact,
if they're just as sincere as you, they'll happily agree to them.

There have been several FoLC who met on line and have formed long lasting
frienships and some who have even gotten engaged and married, but many of
them
were caustious to begin with ;)

Zoomway@aol.com (coming to you from the FYI corner of the galaxy today ;)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 17:39:52 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         No Name Available <Larus2407@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
Mime-Version: 1.0
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In a message dated 99-03-29 12:38:38 EST, ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK writes:

<<  I did wonder
 why, in fanfics where Lois is pregnant, she was usually written as
 continuing to work almost up until giving birth  >>

Ah, Wendy, I think that was due more to Lois's workaholic personality than
the
maternity leave situation. ;)

--Laurie
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 17:56:41 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Margaret Brignell <brignell@CAPITALNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1999 Kerth Awards
In-Reply-To:  <4d611fad.36fe9935@aol.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 04:03 PM 3/28/1999 EST, Laurie F. wrote:
>Well, I still think you should have won for these, Margaret. You'll note in
>the chat logs that I was rooting for you---and I wasn't the only one!
>

Yes, I read the logs, and I see that I had a whole cheering section:):):)
Wow!  I thought the Margaret Wave was *really* cool!:)

I didn't recognize all the login names of the people in my cheering
section, but I really appreciate all the support:):):)

>Erin did tell us that the voting in several categories was a near tie with
>only a couple votes separating the winner.

Yep, that's the excuse I'm using<g>

>--Laurie F (who may have a vested interest but wouldn't accept Margaret's
>payoffs--after all Canadian money isn't worth much in the U.S. right now.
<g>)
>

<G>  And, I thought the rotten exchange rate was a problem up until now;)

I want to say a big "Thank You" to Laurie and everyone who was rooting for
me at the Kerths:)

Margaret

******************************
Margaret Brignell
brignell@capitalnet.com
Ottawa, Canada
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
My fanfic now available at:
http://www.capitalnet.com/~brignell/
******************************
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 17:51:49 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         No Name Available <Larus2407@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
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In a message dated 99-03-29 15:09:16 EST, you write:

<< does
 anyone know if they gave Jack's little brother a name?  >>

Danny

--Laurie
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 17:56:15 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         No Name Available <Larus2407@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
Comments: To: mulders@mindspring.com
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In a message dated 99-03-29 16:29:57 EST, mulders@mindspring.com writes:

<< ... who now keeps hearing Dean's voice in her head saying, "His
 name's Denny, and he's about  ..."  Not that I'm complaining, mind you >>

YOu sure that's not his California accent showing? <g>

--Laurie (who was sure she heard Danny)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 18:48:14 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Farah Meitzen Chisham <farah@CHISHAM.COM>
Subject:      OT: RE: precautions for meeting an "on line" friend in
"person"
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Gee Zoom,
I didn't think I was *that* scary. I tried to be on my best behavior this
time and I even wore my best non-blood-stained dress!

(all joking aside, she's really right)

At 04:58 PM 3/29/99 EST, you wrote:
>Hi FoLC ;)
>
>I'm writing this for a couple of reasons. Recently someone a few of us know
on
>line met a "friend" from cyber space in person, and the experience for her
>wasn't pleasant. The person seemed harmless on line, even "sweet", but in
>person turned out to be "scary".  So I'm going to post some guidelines, and
>anyone out there who would like to add to this guideline list, please feel
>free.

farah :)
farah@chisham.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 19:17:58 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         "Demona (Angel Of The Night)" <nightangel@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Re: precautions for meeting an "on line" friend in "person"
In-Reply-To:  <daa3d35d.36fff791@aol.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Advice well taken Zoom.  I'm sad to hear that someone many of us probably
know has been affected this way :(

I'm another person who was 'duped' before I became a FoLC, a few years ago,
I ended up having to change my phone number among other *address* related
issues.  (Believe it or not, there's a stalker out there for everyone guys
-- you don't have to be famous. ;P)

By the time I joined FoLCdom, I was already extremely cautious online.  To
this day, I almost never give out personal information on the internet for
that same reason.  That one episode literally scared the (heck) out of me
and it's made me gun-shy of internet acquaintances ever since,
unfortunately.  I pro actively had to lead the person who was looking for
me in the wrong direction before it stopped.. not much thanks to the
authorities either.  And not everyone can be as lucky as I was.

It's deceptive, I (like a lot of people) thought that there was protection
out there for things like this, but you'd never believe how difficult it is
to get the authorities on your side once you've __willingly__ given
personal information to the person who's now making your life a living
monster.  You hear a whole lot of: "there's nothing we can do unless s/he
threatens you or your family overtly." -- let me tell you, it sucks.

It's not worth it. Zoom's right.  Much better safe.. than sorry.

Demi (Which isn't to say there aren't some wonderful people out here in
FoLCdom.. it's just difficult to judge a person over an internet connection
unless you've 'known' them for a lot of years.. and even then...I'd go back
and re-read Zoom's advice on my way out the door ;)

___________________________________________
Demi aka Demona

nightangel@home.com
http://fantasia.simplenet.com/lcfantasy/

"Far away, long ago, glowing dim as an ember.
Things my heart used to know, things it yearns to remember.."
- 'Anastasia' (excerpt: 'Once Upon A December')

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountain.
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain.
There's more than one answer to these questions,
pointing me in a crooked line.
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.
                - Indigo Girls
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 01:28:47 +0100
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         LabRat <labrat@DIRCON.CO.UK>
Subject:      Re: precautions for meeting an "on line" friend in "person"
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
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Zoomway wrote:
>
>I'm writing this for a couple of reasons. Recently someone a few of us know
on
>line met a "friend" from cyber space in person, and the experience for her
>wasn't pleasant. The person seemed harmless on line, even "sweet", but in
>person turned out to be "scary".  So I'm going to post some guidelines, and
>anyone out there who would like to add to this guideline list, please feel
>free.

Sound advice, Zoom, which should be printed out and kept in wallets for
future reference - I hope that our 'mutual' friend wasn't too shaken by the
experience and managed to sever all ties to the scary one (if not severing
something more personal. Maybe that's another piece of sound advice - always
carry a pair of boltcutters with you at all times.....) without any hassle?

LabRat :)
Doc. Klein's LabRat
labrat@dircon.co.uk.
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 18:40:22 +0000
Reply-To:     wbarbara@execpc.com
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Comments:     Authenticated sender is <wbarbara@mail.execpc.com>
From:         Barbara Knutson <wbarbara@EXECPC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Superman Museum

On 29 Mar 99 at 8:46, K.M. de Castro wrote:

> Okay, here's a plug for a fellow FoLC's website...
>
> I visited Barb and Jon Knutson's "Honeymoon in Metropolis" page the other
day,
> and it had all sorts of shots of the Superman Museum, as well as a
mini-tour
> of the town. I highly recommend surfing by, except that the URL is lost to
me.
> I know that it's in Barb's sig at the bottom of her mail...

Thanks for the great plug, Marie!  Jon worked very hard on these pages.
And truly, the pictures of the museum don't come *near* to doing it
justice.  Whatever incarnation of Supe you want, they've got it -
and we were truly surprized and happy about all the L&C mementos.

http://www.execpc.com/~waffyjon/index.html
is the main page (us, the wedding, links to our own sites, etc.)

http://www.execpc.com/~wbarbara/metrop.html
is the Metropolis page

Barbara
trying to figure out if we can afford to go back this year to
meet Justin Whalin!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
   wbarbara@execpc.com           WAFFyBarb on IRC
 Brand-new-wife of Jon Knutson - the most wonderful man alive
      And a believer that fairy tales *can* come true....
check out his website, since Tripod won't let me into mine
       http://www.execpc.com/~waffyjon/index.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 16:49:52 PST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         Starfire 1138 <starfire1138@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain

>In a message dated 99-03-29 16:29:57 EST, mulders@mindspring.com
writes:
>
><< ... who now keeps hearing Dean's voice in her head saying, "His
> name's Denny, and he's about  ..."  Not that I'm complaining, mind you
>>
>
>YOu sure that's not his California accent showing? <g>
>
>--Laurie (who was sure she heard Danny)

I'm a little curious--what exactly does Dean's (or a California) accent
sound like?  I guess I never really noticed one before.  But, I am from
the West Coast, so maybe I wouldn't.  Comments??

Starfire :o)

Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 19:56:42 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Peggy Mueller <gremlino@PATHWAY.NET>
Subject:      Re: precautions for meeting an "on line" friend in "person"
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From: Demona (Angel Of The Night) <nightangel@HOME.COM>

>not much thanks to the
>authorities either.  And not everyone can be as lucky as I was.

In my experience, "the authorities" can be as bad as, or even worse than,
the original perpetrator.

>It's deceptive, I (like a lot of people) thought that there was protection
>out there for things like this, but you'd never believe how difficult it is
>to get the authorities on your side

*I* believe it!  ;-)

once you've __willingly__ given
>personal information to the person who's now making your life a living
>monster.  You hear a whole lot of: "there's nothing we can do unless s/he
>threatens you or your family overtly."
>
>-- let me tell you, it sucks.

You can say that again!

Sorry to hear of another FOLC who's had such bad experiences.  Does anyone
know if anti-stalking laws apply on the Internet?  The laws vary from state
to state in the U.S., and I was wondering what laws, if any, would apply if
the harasser lives in one state and the victim in another.

Peggy
gremlino@pathway.net
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 19:50:52 -0800
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Pat <peabody@MCS.COM>
Subject:      Re: "Generous" maternity leave (was Re: Help needed: Maternity
              leave)
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Kathy wrote:
>
>This part is a fairly standard "generous" package.  However, my
company
>also offered what in my experience was more rare -- the option of
taking an
>additional 6 *months* off at no pay after the 6 weeks.

Your company was *extremely* generous, Kathy.  That additional time
option at the end of a maternity leave is almost unheard of!

I've never had occassion to take a maternity leave, but the company I
work for (private sector) has what I beleive would be considered a
fairly generous policy.  All pregnant employees, regardless of the
time they've worked for the company or their job level, are entitled
to a 12 week maternity leave at full pay.  Up to 4 weeks of "banked"
vacation time, also at full pay, can be added at the end of the leave
time.

The company also pays the employee's health insurance while she is on
leave.  Unlike many European countries, there's no national health
care in the U.S, so a good, comprehensive health care plan for a
family can easily run to upwards of $500.00 per month.

>Now, no pay may not
>seem like any big thing, but considering that the Family Leave Act,
as you
>have seen discussed here, mandates only 12 weeks *total* (that's
before,
>during and after delivery) with no pay before you lose your job, the
option
>of taking 7.5-8 months off without losing your job is highly prized.

And, I would guess, almost unheard of in most corporate environments
;)

>Now, back to Lois taking time off before her due date -- again,
unless she
>is having complications or is uncomfortable, I can see Lois *wanting*
to
>work as long as possible since she loves her job.

Our staff have the option of starting the 12 week leave before the
baby arrives, but most of them wait until after the fact (I can't
count the number of women who've gone into labor at the office ;)  I'm
guessing they want to spend as much time as possible bonding with
their newborns.

Pat

peabody@mcs.com
pattijean@aol.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 18:15:58 -0800
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Elisabeth <all4_mr_d8a@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

--- Wendy Richards  wrote:
> What I want to know is this: what statutory
> entitlements are there to
> paid maternity leave for employees?

Sorry to disappoint you Wendy, but the only statutory
entitlement for maternity/paternity leave is that
you're given time off without punishment if you ask for
it.  Beyond that, not only does policy vary from state
to state, but also from company to company.

My assistant just got back from maternity leave in
February.  We had no idea how long she would be gone
because there is no set policy.  Instead, our company
treats pregnancy as a long-term disability. (Don't
laugh.  I know it's sad, but it's true.)  Because it a
disability, you are given time off until your doctor
signs a release stating you are fit to return to work.
===
Elisabeth

Feel free to visit my home at http://geocities.com/Area51/Starship/7859
_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
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=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 18:19:01 -0800
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Elisabeth <all4_mr_d8a@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Kerth inspired fanfic
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

--- DEBRA GRAY  wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> Had such a blast at the Kerths that I'm getting
> inspired to write my first LC
> fanfic!

All right, Debra.  How exciting!  I can't wait to read
what you write.
===
Elisabeth

Feel free to visit my home at http://geocities.com/Area51/Starship/7859
_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 18:29:42 -0800
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Elisabeth <all4_mr_d8a@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

--- Starfire 1138  wrote:
> I'm a little curious--what exactly does Dean's (or a
> California) accent
> sound like?  I guess I never really noticed one
> before.  But, I am from
> the West Coast, so maybe I wouldn't.  Comments??

I don't know about actors, but they train US TV
journalists to use a Mid-West (Aack!  They're stealing
my accent!) accent regardless of where they're from.
The accent could be the difference between employment
at a national news organization and a local one.
===
Elisabeth

Feel free to visit my home at http://geocities.com/Area51/Starship/7859
_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 22:41:58 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Pregnancy Questions
Comments: To: Blind.Copy.Receiver@compuserve.com
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

First off, Mandy, I'd like to thank you for actually doing research
into pregnancy symptoms :-)  It drives me nuts to see authors make stupid=

mistakes.

As many of you know <g> I'm currently about done with my second pregnancy=
,
so I have a little experience.  And I will stress that every pregnancy
is different, even for the same woman (1st vs. 2nd), but I can give you
my experience, anyway.

>>  I need to know, how long after you become pregnant do you start
getting morning sickness? <<

I usually started getting queasy around 7-8 weeks (which is really 5-6
weeks post-conception, because at the moment of conception, you're
considered 2 weeks pregnant -- pregnancies are dated from the first day o=
f
your last period, *not* from conception, because that's a lot harder to
determine).  The first time around, by coincidence, I'd had a cold about
the same time, so that confused the issue (I thought it was just post-nas=
al
drip <g>)    (another early symptom is sore breasts, btw; I had that befo=
re
I started feeling ill)

And "morning" sickness is a misnomer.  Mornings were always my best time,=

and I'd feel worse and worse as the day went by, til I was totally
miserable at dinner time :-(  But I didn't throw up much -- with my secon=
d,
it was, at the worst, once a week.  And I gradually outgrew it by 13-14
weeks.  Some women throw up a lot more regularly.  In fiction, of course,=

you get to choose which advances your story more.

When you "show" depends a lot on how you're built, and how you normally
dress, but in first timers it's probably not before 4-5 months.  Second
time around, you pop out a lot faster -- this last time, I was in materni=
ty
pants at 10 weeks, just because I couldn't stand anything tight around my=

stomach.

As for cravings... I wouldn't know, I never really had any.  Well, except=

for Cadbury Creme Eggs, but I do that every year about this time <g>  I
could see Lois using "cravings" as an excuse to eat more chocolate <g> bu=
t
Clark would probably catch on eventually...

Good luck with your fic! :-)

Pam

!^NavFont02F06760017MGHHH41MH43HH8DMH8FHM785FDE
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 22:41:57 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Pam Jernigan <jernigan@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Fifth season "corrections" (was Re: Why *do* we like, o
Comments: To: Blind.Copy.Receiver@compuserve.com
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I've been a bit preoccupied with other things, so I'm behind on many
e-mails, and just saw the comments on my S6 ep...

First, Charlotte very kindly wrote:

>> > Boring no way.  Matter of fact the ending upset me so much - who cou=
ld
be
> bored - that I couldn't read it in my usual detail until after episode
2 came
> out. <<

Hehe <eg>  I did have way too much fun writing that cliffhanger... I
half expected to be lynched anytime I went online before ep 2 was
released...

Then Sandy replied to Charlotte:

>> I didn't find it boring either.  In fact, I posted some comments about=

it to the reader review section of the Season 6 website -- I think I did
that on Tuesday or Wednesday.  <<

Cool!  I haven't checked for new comments in a while, so I look forward
to seeing what you had to say.  I know your comments helped to improve my=

S5 ep.

>> Anyway, I also hope (if I have time) to
post to the website some comments on Episode 2 as well.  I really had a
lot of -- or at least significant -- questions about the plot decisions
of the second story. <<

Well, if you and Chris would care to have that discussion on this list, I=

know I for one would be interested.  That was a tricky episode to plot,
especially under time pressure.  If Chris hadn't had a deadline to meet, =
I
think the story would have been much better, much more subtle, much longe=
r,
and not done for another six months <g>

PJ

!^NavFont02F04540033MGHHG80MG82HHGMHIHH95MH97HIiMIkHI9CMI9EHJ41MJ43HK557F=
49
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 21:31:44 -0600
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         joyceef <joyceef@MCS.COM>
Subject:      Re: precautions for meeting an "on line" friend in "person"
In-Reply-To:  <daa3d35d.36fff791@aol.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Along with a lot of good advice, Zoom wrote:

>
>If you do agree to meet in person, meet in a PUBLIC place.

I'd go even further than this and not meet someone for the first time by
myself.  There is always someone or a few people you can being with you to
meet your Internet "pal".  If the "pal" is sincere, they won't mind and
might even like having others there.

Joyce
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 22:42:48 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         No Name Available <MsLoisette@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help needed: Maternity leave
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit

In a message dated 99-03-29 12:00:58 EST, you write:

<< who tried going back to work, but discovered she didn't have time for
both
 her job and her L&C habit, so naturally the job had to go.... <g>
  >>
LOL.. I just had to laugh at that comment because I can relate that to my
college life!!! <G>
By the way, good luck with the baby girl! ;D

Alexis ;-.)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 23:21:44 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         No Name Available <MsLoisette@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: FoLC Baby Boom <.G> Re: Pregnancy Questions
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit

In a message dated 99-03-29 14:53:36 EST, you write:

<< Curious Anne :)
 (<sigh> someday when I find Mr. Ca ... um Mr. *Right*, I ment Right! <g>)
>>

I am glad that your caught yourself on that one Anne!!!  I mean if it is who
I
think it is, Mr. Ca... i mean Mr. *Right* you are going to have to get in
line, sweetie, right behind me! <G>  LOL

"I'VE DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN AND ALL THE ANGELS LOOK LIKE ALEX{IS}"
Tremaine Ramzey,  FUTURESPORT   aka: Dean Cain

"Dear Dean... You Rock MY World!!!"  ;-.)
=========================================================================
Date:         Mon, 29 Mar 1999 23:50:51 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         No Name Available <MsLoisette@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Jack
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit

In a message dated 99-03-29 19:50:31 EST, you write:

<< I'm a little curious--what exactly does Dean's (or a California) accent
 sound like?  I guess I never really noticed one before.  But, I am from
 the West Coast, so maybe I wouldn't.  Comments??

 Starfire :o) >>

I too am from the West Coast but not CA!
Anyways, I didn't think Dean had an accent, I thought it was just the *sexy*
voice he was born with!!!
Thank you Dean's mommy and daddy!!! <G>

"I'VE DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN AND ALL THE ANGELS LOOK LIKE ALEX{IS}"
Tremaine Ramzey,  FUTURESPORT   aka: Dean Cain

"Dear Dean... You Rock MY World!!!"  ;-.)
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 09:39:26 +0000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Wendy Richards <ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK>
Subject:      Re: "Generous" maternity leave
In-Reply-To:  <85256743.00766D77.00@MetMtaG2.metlife.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII

On Mon, 29 Mar 1999 16:34:03 -0500 Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
wrote:

> <g>  Also, Wendy, Lois and Clark may want to set up an employee spending
> account.  Basically, that means that they can save "pre-tax" dollars for
daycare
> expenses.

I'm intrigued - this idea is new to me. Here, workplace childcare is
tax-deductable, but I've never heard of an 'employee spending
account' or saving pre-tax dollars. Can you explain in more detail?

BTW, I'd got something worked out along the 'working at home' line,
though of course Clark would probably turn out to be more unreliable
than most new fathers who had managed to get time off ;)

Thanks very much, everyone who has responded. It's helped enormously,
as well as being a real eye-opener!

Wendy

----------------------
Wendy Richards
w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 11:47:52 +0300
Reply-To:     llck@netvision.net, il@alpha.netvision.net.il
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         ayelet goldman <llck@NETVISION.NET.IL>
Subject:      roses
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

> >>
> >> >>>   Red roses were her favorites, her name was also Rose.
> >> >>> @-->-------
> >> >>> And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty bows
> >> >>> @-->------
> >> >>> The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door.
> >> >>> @-->------
> >> >>> The card said, "Be my Valentine", like all the years before.
> >> >>> @-->------
> >> >>> Each year he sent her roses, and the note would always say,
> >> >>> @-->-----
> >> >>> "I love you even more this year, than last year on this day.
> >> >>> @-->-----
> >> >>> My love for you will always grow, with every passing year."
> >> >>> @-->-----
> >> >>> She knew this was the last time that the roses would appear.
> >> >>> @-->-----
> >> >>> She thought, he ordered roses in advance before this day.
> >> >>> @-->-----
> >> >>> Her loving husband did not know, that he would pass away.
> >> >>> @-->-----
> >> >>> He always liked to do things early, way before the time.
> >> >>> @-->-----
> >> >>> Then, if he got too busy, everything would work out fine.
> >> >>> @-->-----
> >> >>> She trimmed the stems, and placed them in a very special vase.
> >> >>> Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of his smiling face.
> >> >>> She would sit for hours, in her husband's favorite chair.
> >> >>> While staring at his picture, and the roses sitting there.
> >> >>> A year went by, and it was hard to live without her mate.
> >> >>> With loneliness and solitude, that had become her fate.
> >> >>> Then, the very hour, as on Valentines before,
> >> >>> The doorbell rang, and there were roses, sitting by her door.
> >> >>> She brought the roses in, and then just looked at them in
> shock.
> >> >>> Then, went to get the telephone, to call the florist shop.  The
> owner
> >>
> >>
> >> >>> answered, and she asked him, if he would explain, Why would
> someone
> >> do
> >> >>> this to her, causing her such pain?  "I know your husband
> passed
> >> away,
> >> >>> more than a year ago," The owner said, "I knew you'd call, and
> you =
> >> >would
> >> >>> want to know.  The flowers you received today, were paid for in
> =
> >> >advance.
> >> >>> Your husband always planned ahead, he left nothing to chance.
> There
> >>
> >> is
> >> >=
> >> >a
> >> >>> standing order, that I have on file down here, And he has paid,
> well
> >>
> >> in
> >> >>> advance, you'll get them every year.  There also is another
> thing,
> >> that
> >> >=
> >> >I
> >> >>> think you should know, He wrote a special little card...he did
> this =
> >>
> >>
> >> >years
> >> >>> ago.  Then, should ever I find out that he's no longer here,
> That's
> >> the
> >> >>> card...that should be sent, to you the following year." She
> thanked
> >> him
> >> >>> and hung up the phone, her tears now flowing hard.
> >> >>> Her fingers shaking, as she slowly reached to get the card.
> >> >>> Inside the card, she saw that he had written her a note.
> >> >>> Then, as she stared in total silence, this is what he wrote...
> >> >>>    "Hello my love, I know it's been a year since I've been
> gone,
> >> >>> I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to overcome.
> >> >>> I know it must be lonely, and the pain is very real.
> >> >>> For if it was the other way, I know how I would feel.
> >> >>> The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life.
> >> >>> I loved you more than words can say, you were the perfect wife.
> >> >>> You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled my every need.
> >> >>> I know it's only been a year, but please try not to grieve.
> >> >>> I want you to be happy, even when you shed your tears.
> >> >>> That is why the roses will be sent to you for years.  When you
> get =
> >> >these
> >> >>> roses, think of all the happiness, That we had together, and
> how both
> >>
> >> =
> >> >of
> >> >>> us were blessed.  I have always loved you and I know I always
> will.
> >> >>> But, my love, you must go on, you have some living still.
> >> >>> Please...try to find happiness, while living out your days.
> >> >>> I know it is not easy, but I hope you find some ways.  The
> roses will
> >>
> >>
> >> >>come
> >> >>> every year, and they will only stop, When your door's not
> answered, =
> >>
> >>
> >> >when
> >> >>> the florist stops to knock.  He will come five times that day,
> in
> >> case
> >> >>you
> >> >>> have gone out.  But after his last visit, he will know without
> a
> >> doubt,
> >> >>To
> >> >>> take the roses to the place, where I've instructed him, And
> place the
> >>
> >>
> >> >>> roses where we are, together once again."
> >> >>>              Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
> >> >>>              Someone who changes your life just by being part
> of
> >> >>> it.
> >> >>>              Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop;
> >> >>>              Someone who makes you believe that there really is
> >> >>> good in the
> >> >>> world.
> >> >>> Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door
> just
> >> >>> waiting for you to open it.
> >> >>> This is Forever Friendship.
> >> >>>                                _----- _
> >> >>>                               //   __   \\--,
> >> >>>                              //,\ //@))\ || /
> >> >>>                               \\  \  //   \// \
> >> >>>                                \\__\||___/
> >> >>>                                        \\     -,
> >> >>>                                    ,__'\\'  /'  \
> >> >>>                                      \    \\/      \
> >> >>>                                       ' --_||__---'
> >> >>>                                               \\
> >> >>>                                               '||
> >> >>>                                                ||'
> >> >>>                                                ||'
> >> >>>                                                 \\
> >> >>> This is the sacred RED ROSE. You MUST pass this rose on  to at
> least
> >>
> >> 5
> >> >>> people within the hour of receiving this rose.  After you do,
> make a
> >> >>wish.
> >> >>> If you have passed it on, your wish will come true and love
> will come
> >>
> >>
> >> >>your
> >> >>> way shortly. If not your life will stay the same as it  has
> always =
> >> >been.
> >> >>> (No Threats) just be nice & pass it on...
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 05:04:47 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         John Debbage <106532.433@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Kerth Awards & Thanks
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi,

I was so shell shocked on Saturday night that I could hardly say all the
things that I wanted to, so I would like to thank all the readers out the=
re
who voted for me and to all the other wonderful authors who keep the stor=
y
of L & C alive.  The competition amongst the nominees was so tough and th=
at
made winning even more of an honour.
 =

Congratulations to all the other winners and to the nominees.

I would also like to say a big thank you to those who organised the Kerth=

Awards.  You all did a brilliant job and I think everyone appreciated you=
r
hard work, I know I did.

It was a wonderful night.

Yours Jenni
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 06:57:57 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Peace <peace9@SERVTECH.COM>
Subject:      TAN: L&C posters at eBay
Comments: To: L&C Listserve <LOISCLA@VM.EGE.EDU.TR>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

I'm sending this to both lists, since LOISCLA seems to
be down and this is sort of time sensitive.  While poking
around eBay this morning, I noticed that someone has
five copies of the "Have You Been to Metropolis Lately?"
poster that they are auctioning off.  There's only about
a day left in the auction, and so far they don't have any
bids, so if you want this poster, now would probably
be a good time to put in a bid.

http://www.ebay.com

Search on "Lois & Clark" and make sure you click
the box that says "Search Title AND Description" to
get a complete listing of L&C stuff.  There's not a whole
lot right now, but some of it has "Superman" or "Dean
Cain" or "Teri Hatcher" in the title, so it wouldn't come
up in the search unless you click that box.

Have fun!  (and don't get lost in there <g>)

Peace
=========================================================================
Date:         Wed, 31 Mar 1999 06:20:31 +1000
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Tracey Barlow <barlow@NETSPACE.NET.AU>
Subject:      Re: "Generous" maternity leave
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Subject: Re: "Generous" maternity leave (was Re: Help needed: Maternity
leave)

>Kathy wrote:
>>
>>This part is a fairly standard "generous" package.  However, my
>company
>>also offered what in my experience was more rare -- the option of
>taking an
>>additional 6 *months* off at no pay after the 6 weeks.

Here I come out of ... mmm....... years of inactivity on either list. Just a
topic that i thought I would put in an Oz perspective. After reading your
post I have come to the conclusion that here is the place to have your baby.
Legislation here now makes it compulsory for women to be provided with 12
months unpaid maternity leave in addition to the paid component. In private
industry this would be 4 weeks minimum and after 12 months you are entitled
to return to a position of equivalent seniority as when you went on leave.
If you are employed in a Government department 12 weeks paid leave is the
norm, 6 weeks either side but you are paid 12 weeks irrespective of when the
baby arrives. As a a teacher in a Government school I was even better off!
The 12 weeks paid leave applies as before but there is provision for 7 years
(yup 7) of unpaid Family Leave. If you return within this time you are
eligible for another 12 weeks paid leave for subsequent pregnancies, the 7
years being cumulative. This may also be shared with a spouse if he is also
employed as a teacher! In my own case I used up every one of those 7 years
(I didn't return in the meantime) and was even able to add another year
classified as Leave Without Pay. So 8 years and 3 months after leaving the
Education Department, I fronted up once more at the equivalent salary to
where I left off, my sick leave allowances still in place and my
Superannuation and the service towards Long Service Leave (2 months paid
leave after 10 years service) all waiting to be reactivated. Sounds too good
to be true..... after reading some of the entitlements in the US and UK, I
think perhaps it is!

    Back to 12 months more of (paid) hibernation!!!!

                        Tracey
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 08:36:15 EST
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Roseann Buonadies <Roseb11@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: "Generous" maternity leave
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit

In a message dated 3/30/1999 4:39:57 AM Eastern Standard Time,
ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK writes:

<< > <g>  Also, Wendy, Lois and Clark may want to set up an employee
spending
 > account.  Basically, that means that they can save "pre-tax" dollars for
daycare
 > expenses.

 I'm intrigued - this idea is new to me. Here, workplace childcare is
 tax-deductable, but I've never heard of an 'employee spending
 account' or saving pre-tax dollars. Can you explain in more detail? >>

Wendy, at my company, we have two different kinds of pre-tax "spending
accounts" -- health care and dependent care.  In the health care account, we
can submit for reimbursement medical bills that aren't covered by our group
plan, any deductibles and co-payments.  In the dependent care account, we
can
submit bills for childcare, any bills for parental nursing home care, etc.
Unfortunately, both accounts are "use it or lose it," which means you have
to
use your dollars in the plan year -- they cannot be carried over into the
next
year. Both accounts reduce your tax base, thereby giving you more for your
dollar, based on the income bracket you're in.

Kathy -- I had to laugh when you called your former company "MotherMet" --
we
call ours "MotherNYLIC."  Well, we used to, anyway.

I've enjoyed reading these posts, especially now since I finally got a
computer at home (yea!) and can read them leisurely instead of on the train
with someone looking over my shoulder.  First rule of fandom - don't read
nfic
on the train!  I wasn't completely set up for the Kerth ceremonies, but I
hope
to venture into IRC land in the future.  Congratulations to all the nominees
and winners, with special thanks to all the organizers.  I downloaded the
logs
and plan to read them today.  Right now, I've just been having the time of
my
life downloading all the music videos on Anne and Zoomway's sites.
Wonderful,
wonderful stuff!  Love my 'puter!

Take care
Roseann B.
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 10:11:11 -0500
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
              <LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
From:         Peggy Mueller <gremlino@PATHWAY.NET>
Subject:      Re: 1999 Kerth Awards
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

From: Margaret Brignell <brignell@CAPITALNET.COM>
>
>I want to say a big "Thank You" to Laurie and everyone who was rooting for
>me at the Kerths:)
>
>Margaret
>
Well, I wasn't "at" the Kerths, but I was still rooting for you.  ;-)
Congrats on the nominations!

Peggy
gremlino@pathway.net
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 10:55:24 -0500
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From:         Peggy Mueller <gremlino@PATHWAY.NET>
Subject:      Thinking in Pictures-Q for Fanfic Writers
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Something I read recently raised this question for me--do writers create
their stories by picturing scenes in their imaginations and "translating"
the pictures into words, or do they form the scenes in words that somehow
coalesce into stories?  I'd really like to hear from you writers on this
question!

Peggy,
apologizing in advance if someone else has asked this recently--I've been
"off" for several weeks.  :-)
gremlino@pathway.net
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 16:04:11 +0000
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From:         Wendy Richards <ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK>
Subject:      Re: Thinking in Pictures-Q for Fanfic Writers
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Interesting question, Peggy.

For me, it's both; with 'An Ordinary Man', for example, I had a
mental picture of Lois and Superman trapped somewhere, and an image
or some sort of indication that he had no powers, and I 'saw' in my
mind Lois repeating her 'if you were an ordinary man' speech to him;
and I built the rest of the story around that.

At other times, a passage of dialogue comes to me: in 'Love so Long'
what came to me was Perry asking Clark to kill him; the entire
dialogue formed itself in my mind and I had to run to write it down
and work out how I got to that scene.

Sometimes it's completely different again: a 'what if' scenario
implants itself on my brain. What it Lois slept with Superman not
knowing he was Clark; what if Clark, as Superman, told Lois the truth
about Lex; what was Lois thinking as she asked Superman to freeze
her; and so on. The story then frames itself around the scenario.

I remember a brief discussion about this on IRC one night a week or
two before the Kerths; LabRat commented that she worked in a pretty
similar way (sorry if I'm misrepresenting you here, Rat ;) ).

Wendy

On Tue, 30 Mar 1999 10:55:24 -0500 Peggy Mueller
<gremlino@PATHWAY.NET> wrote:

> Something I read recently raised this question for me--do writers create
> their stories by picturing scenes in their imaginations and "translating"
> the pictures into words, or do they form the scenes in words that somehow
> coalesce into stories?  I'd really like to hear from you writers on this
> question!
>
> Peggy,
> apologizing in advance if someone else has asked this recently--I've been
> "off" for several weeks.  :-)
> gremlino@pathway.net

----------------------
Wendy Richards
w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 18:19:50 +0100
Reply-To:     "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic"
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From:         LabRat <labrat@DIRCON.CO.UK>
Subject:      Re: Thinking in Pictures-Q for Fanfic Writers
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Wendy wrote:

>Interesting question, Peggy.
>
>For me, it's both; with 'An Ordinary Man', for example, I had a
>mental picture of Lois and Superman trapped somewhere, and an image
>or some sort of indication that he had no powers, and I 'saw' in my
>mind Lois repeating her 'if you were an ordinary man' speech to him;
>and I built the rest of the story around that.
>
>At other times, a passage of dialogue comes to me: in 'Love so Long'
>what came to me was Perry asking Clark to kill him; the entire
>dialogue formed itself in my mind and I had to run to write it down
>and work out how I got to that scene.
>
>Sometimes it's completely different again: a 'what if' scenario
>implants itself on my brain. What it Lois slept with Superman not
>knowing he was Clark; what if Clark, as Superman, told Lois the truth
>about Lex; what was Lois thinking as she asked Superman to freeze
>her; and so on. The story then frames itself around the scenario.

Great minds think alike, Wendy. Or in this case one great mind and one
struggling along. <g> No need to guess which is which - who won a Kerth at
the weekend? I rest my case. ;)

I was about to answer Peggy's question and you took the words (and pictures)
right out of my mouth. Couldn't have said it any better. Sounds like every
writing experience I've ever had.

>I remember a brief discussion about this on IRC one night a week or
>two before the Kerths; LabRat commented that she worked in a pretty
>similar way (sorry if I'm misrepresenting you here, Rat ;) ).
>
No misrepresention, no, but it must have been somewhere else you heard me
say it as I'm not on IRC. Can't think where though to be honest! Probably
here, although I don't recall it any.

As an addition to your comments, I can only say that I never outline a
story - they usually start with a snatch of dialogue or a couple of scenes
popping into my head out of the blue. Washing the dishes and hoovering seem
to be good conductors. When I worked, there was nothing better than settling
down on the bus home and letting my brain drift into automatic pilot for an
hour. Oh, the ideas I came up with then! Never really discovered anything to
take its place. Although mundane housework tasks seem almost as good. <g>
Then I open the gates, let my characters run with it - and mostly try to
keep up with them.
>
And sometimes while watching the show I'll be struck with the old 'what
ifs'. Contrary to popular belief, I don't often conduct research with
Stuart - although there are personal life moments in my nfic. ;) It's fun
knowing which *they* are when no one else does. <hbg> And if I ever write an
nfic involving Clark in a fire-fighter's uniform no one will need to wonder.

The only other thing I would say is that since I've been on this nfic kick
with LNC which started last year (prior to that in 20 years of writing
fanfic I'd never even considered reading nfic let alone writing it - in fact
and how's this one for irony, up until INSIDE SCOOP last year, one thing I'd
always prided myself on was the fact that every fan of the show I was
writing about - no matter how young - could read my stories without being
corrupted. Stop laughing at the back there! It's true!) some of the old
rules of PG fanfic writing don't apply and I've had to get used to working
slightly differently. But not by much. :D

LabRat :)
Doc. Klein's LabRat
labrat@dircon.co.uk.
>
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 11:47:01 -0500
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From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: "Generous" maternity leave
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Wendy, Roseann is absolutely correct.  The employee saves "pre-tax" dollars
in
an account.  When a qualifying event occurs, i.e. daycare, medical bills,
whatever, the employee fills out a form and gets a check in a couple of
weeks,
or less.  It is a spend-it-or-you-lose-it deal, so the trick is to figure
out
how much you will need to spend before hand.  For example, if you know that
daycare is going to be $500 a month, you want to put $125 a week into that
account.  Some plans, depending on how they are set up, offer a bit more
flexibilty.  If you want SPECIFICS, I'd be more than happy to give them to
you.
(Just tell me which details you want.  Otherwise, I'd write you a thesis).

JOY:)  {whose job it is to know ALL of the loopholes}
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 12:47:56 -0500
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From:         Joy N Sowell <jsowell@METLIFE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Thinking in Pictures-Q for Fanfic Writers
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LabRat wrote:
<<<When I worked, there was nothing better than settling
down on the bus home and letting my brain drift into automatic pilot for an
hour. Oh, the ideas I came up with then!>>>

I bet you got some interesting looks, like the kind I got yesterday.  Mandy
Crustner and LabRat, you know what I mean.  <g>

<<<And if I ever write an nfic involving Clark in a fire-fighter's uniform
no
one will need to wonder.>>>

*That* is a story that you just *have* to write.

<<<I'd always prided myself on was the fact that every fan of the show I was
writing about - no matter how young - could read my stories without being
corrupted.>>>

LOL!  You say that like corruption is a bad thing.  I certainly learned a
thing
or two.  <vbg>
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 11:04:58 -0600
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From:         Mandy Crustner <mandyc@LCC.NET>
Subject:      Re: Thinking in Pictures-Q for Fanfic Writers
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Peggy Mueller wrote:

> Something I read recently raised this question for me--do writers create
> their stories by picturing scenes in their imaginations and "translating"
> the pictures into words, or do they form the scenes in words that somehow
> coalesce into stories?  I'd really like to hear from you writers on this
> question!

Well, even though I'm a relatively newbie fanfic writer, I'll jump in head
first on this one, Peggy.  I usually visualize an entire scene before I ever
get to putting it down on paper.  I often find myself staring off into space
at home when I'm trying to get a scene down 'just right' and my family often
has great fun making fun of me for this, and frankly, I don't blame them!  I
know that sometimes I get so wrapped up in a scene that the emotions often
show on my face, and in highly emotional scenes, I've even found myself
crying, I was so wrapped up in what the characters were feeling.  I bet I'm
getting some pretty strange looks right now (you know you're looking at this
monitor strange! <grin>) but I *feel* my writing.  Especially the story I'm
working on right now with Joy (Hi Joy!) it's a very emotionally draining
experience for the characters and I know that when I'm writing a scene and
seeing them hurt in my mind that that is showing on my face.  So, all that
said, I do actually see the scenes in my head and if I can't *see* Lois or
Clark or Perry or Jimmy or even Superman saying something then it doesn't
get put down, that's the way I often help myself stay in character, I see
Dean and Teri and Justin, and Lane saying the lines and then I know if it
comes out right that way, then it's perfectly in character.  So, now that
you all know that I'm even stranger than you originally thought, I'll go! ;)

Have a Super Day FoLCs :)
Mandy Crustner
http://members.spree.com/sip/mandy0924/lnctnaos.htm
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 12:59:52 -0500
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Subject:      Re: Thinking in Pictures-Q for Fanfic Writers
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Mandy wrote:
<<<I know that sometimes I get so wrapped up in a scene that the emotions
often
show on my face, and in highly emotional scenes, I've even found myself
crying,
I was so wrapped up in what the characters were feeling.... but I *feel* my
writing.  Especially the story I'm working on right now with Joy (Hi Joy!)
it's
a very emotionally draining experience for the characters and I know that
when
I'm writing a scene and seeing them hurt in my mind that that is showing on
my
face.>>>

Hi Mandy!  You are so right.  Today I have gone from tears to falling out of
my
chair laughing as I worked on this story.
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 18:10:52 +0000
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From:         Wendy Richards <ida18@HRM.KEELE.AC.UK>
Subject:      Re: Thinking in Pictures-Q for Fanfic Writers
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On Tue, 30 Mar 1999 18:19:50 +0100 LabRat <labrat@DIRCON.CO.UK> wrote:

> Great minds think alike, Wendy. Or in this case one great mind and one
> struggling along. <g> No need to guess which is which - who won a Kerth at
> the weekend? I rest my case. ;)
>
Now come on LabRat - the only reason you didn't win any awards was
because all your work is nfic! Just you wait for the nfic awards...
you'll be close to the top of my list... very close, considering
Sheila hasn't done a new nfic for a while  <g>.

And btw, you're right, I haven't encountered you on IRC. It was
actually Dom Melaragni, now that I think about it. Must be something
about us UK-based writers...

Wendy
(who 'wrote' all of 'Ring on his Finger' in the car on the way to
work one day, then did not a scrap of work for four hours while she
tried to get it down on screen!)
----------------------
Wendy Richards
w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk
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Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 14:08:18 -0500
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From:         "Jacalyn S. Newman" <jsd119@EMAIL.PSU.EDU>
Subject:      Emotional while writing: was Thinking in Pictures-Q
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>Mandy Crustner said:

> I know that sometimes I get so wrapped up in a scene that the emotions
often
>show on my face, and in highly emotional scenes, I've even found myself
>crying, I was so wrapped up in what the characters were feeling.

You are not the only one! I get VERY wrapped up in the emotions I'm
writing- and the mood tends to stay with me for a time even when I'm done
"working." That's great if what I'm working on is happy. But when I'm
writing scenes filled with angst, grief, depression and so on, I pay the
price! For me, if _I_, as the writer can't feel anything about a scene, how
can I expect it to move a reader? There have been times I've been bawling
so hard I could barely see the monitor- a sure sign readers would be
reaching for the kleenex, too.

BTW- I've never written n-fic, so I can't say if that applies as well, but
I suppose it would!. ;-)

Jackie
Jacalyn S. Newman
jsd119@email.psu.edu
=========================================================================
Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 11:45:43 PST
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From:         irene d <sirenegold@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      New fanfic -
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Please find following my first ever fanfic.  Everyone, please be kind -
I'm incredibly nervous about releasing this. (I'm hyperventilating as I
type on my keyboard!)

Feedback is very welcome.  Please email me at sirenegold@hotmail.com.

Without further ado, here follows part 1 of 25.

Many thanks go to my four proofreaders: Elisabeth,Erin Klingler, James
Tull, and Karen Ward.  I would also like to thank Karen, both for naming
my new superheroine, and for strongly encouraging me to write down my
ideas.  And thanks go to Wendy Richards for the ... interesting food
combination that appealed to a pregnant Lois. Finally, thanks go to
Donna Burton for the correct spelling of Veda Doodsen's name.

I recommend that you watch the episode "Brutal Youth" before reading
this story.

Please be advised that this story contains a serious WHAM.

Please send feedback to Irene Dutchak at sirenegold@hotmail.com.

With the exception of Lee, all characters belong to Warner Brothers. All
standard disclaimers apply.

Firestorm
Irene Dutchak

"This makes NO sense!"

Lee pushed her chair back from her desk and sprang to her feet.  She
paced back and forth within the confines of the small room. Instantly
recognizable as a dorm room, it held a neatly-made single bed, an
uncluttered dresser with mirror, and a desk on which sat a phone, a
computer and a tidy pile of books and papers.

Lee stomped back to her desk, sat down and glared at the glowing
computer screen once again.  Sighing, she picked up the phone and
dialed.

"Gramps, it's me.  Can I come over? I've got something to discuss with
you.  I'm really confused ... Sure.  Right now is fine ... Okay.  See
you soon."

Lee hung up the phone and hit her "print" button.  While her printer was
working, Lee got up, grabbed a brush and went to the mirror.  Grimacing
at her untidy appearance, she quickly and ruthlessly yanked her brush
through her long untidy hair.  Working quickly, Lee braided her hair and
coiled the braid into a bun.  Looking in the mirror, she nodded approval
of her neat appearance.  She was petite, only a few inches over five
feet tall. Slim and long-legged for her height, she was dressed in plain
black leggings and a white turtleneck. Her gleaming, fiery auburn hair
and her clear green eyes provided the only color in her appearance.
Lee threw on her gray jacket, grabbed her small black purse and her
papers and rushed out the door.

****

"I'm here!" Lee called.

"Come on in, sweetie.  I'm in here," he answered.

Lee hung up her jacket in the hall closet and walked into the cluttered
den. As always, the room was very warm.

"Gramps, I wish you would let me clean up in here for you.  This room
drives me crazy!"

"Honey, relax and sit down. You know I like it like this.  And I do know
where everything is."

As always, Lee enjoyed teasing her grandfather, but his room did drive
her crazy. Papers and books were piled on every available surface. But
it was a good setting for him.  He always looked most comfortable in
this room. As ever, he was sitting in his big brown recliner. He had on
his green and orange plaid wool vest and his warmest teal blue cardigan
over top. Covering his knees was his bright red down-filled quilt.

Bending down to kiss his shrunken cheek, Lee laughed, "Gramps, you look
like you're starring in an ad promoting color blindness!"

"And you, my darling girl, look more like a librarian than any librarian
I've ever seen," he retorted. "You always look like you're trying to
fade into the background.  I mean, really!  Black pants and a white top
or black skirt with a white top. And always with your hair in that bun.
You need more color in your life. You need to loosen up and live a
little. With that hair, you'd look grand in fire engine red or bright
yellow!"

"Red? With this hair colour?  I'd look like a raging inferno!"

"That's the idea, sweetie!"  Gramps grinned at her.

"Gramps, are you planning on starting a new career as a fashion
consultant at this stage of your life?"

"What! You think 90 is too old to start a new career?" he joked.

"Gramps, you'll never be too old for anything!"

""Ah darling, if only that were true." He sighed heavily.

He sat quietly for a moment, gazing into the distance.  Then he turned
his eyes back to her."Okay, sweetie. Out with it. You said you were
confused."

"Gramps, I've looked at this data thoroughly, over and over again. It
just doesn't make sense." Lee placed her papers on the small end table
beside him.

"Explain what you mean."

"Well, Gramps, I've reviewed your notes and I don't see how you were
able to help Grandpa Clark and Grandma Lois conceive. Your notes make no
sense at all." She quickly flipped through the pile of papers. "It just
would not have been possible to reconcile the two different DNA strands
without a hybrid Kryptonian/Human blood donor."

Lee's grandfather laughed and clapped his hands in delight."Bravo, my
darling girl! You're the first person to call me on that in 45 years!
I've been waiting for you to figure this out!"

"Gramps, what do you mean?"

"Honey, go over to my desk and ope