Challenge Writing Skills - Write A Short Story in Less Than Ten Words

1. 75

   barryrutherfordposted 13 years ago

   Public Notices
   
   Deceased Estate
   
   Barry Rutherford

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   1. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      over my head Barry?

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2. 61

   mytutorialplanetposted 13 years ago

   Only god knows what tomorrow holds for me

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   1. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Really excellent entry. Open thoughts on both ends.
      
      Is it faith that allows that statement?
      Is it fear of what happened in the past?
      
      Excellent!

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3. 60

   couturepopcafeposted 13 years ago

   "Border patrol, one under the skybox."
   "Roger that, skybox."

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   1. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Funny, why do I feel the skybox is about to be blown to smithereens?

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      1. 60

         couturepopcafeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Read 'the doll' by couturepopcafe.

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4. 60

   couturepopcafeposted 13 years ago

   Next parcel up for bid...female...opening bid $10.US.

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   1. 60

      maticmagisterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Empty chairs, sinful eyes,
      were you?
      binding under your disguise.

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      1. 59

         BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Nice entry except one to many words.
         
         Less than ten - less than . . .

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   2. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Female what?
      
      or should the question be..
      
      in what country are we?

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      1. 60

         couturepopcafeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, that is the sad part.  What is the female up for bid?  Why?  How is it possible?  Human?  Are US$ in demand in another country?

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   3. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Sad fact that in some countries that is a high opening bid - just disgusting.

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5. 40

   radiokoalaposted 13 years ago

   2012; Ash; Survivors

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   1. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Boy do I hope this is wrong!

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6. 0

   RTalloniposted 13 years ago

   Was I as
   honest
   as I was?

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   1. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      good entry, twists and turns in the mind.

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7. 59

   pilesnowayposted 13 years ago

   sleeping deep...awaken by a thud...everyone cried...

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   1. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      date: 22 December 2012

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8. 59

   pilesnowayposted 13 years ago

   lips to mine...coldness you give...thirst quenched!

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   1. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      masochist!
      
      Riddle:
      If a sadist married a masochist, would they be happy?
      
      Answer:
      No
      
      Reason:
      The masochist would say; beat me, beat me
      and the sadist would reply,
      NO!

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      1. 59

         pilesnowayposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         playful mind huh? anyway, the lines "lips to mine...coldness you give...thirst quenched!" can also suggest a drunkard having an ultimate drink...lips to mine (the lips of the bottle to his lips), coldness you give (the coldness of an iced-beer), thirst quenched (the drunkard was relieved). Can also be a vampire preying on his victim...

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         1. 59

            BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Vampires - I am afraid I am all twilight and vampired out.

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9. 40

   radiokoalaposted 13 years ago

   I wake up.
   The town is empty.
   – ANYBODY?!
   Silence.

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   1. 59

      BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      date : 22 December 2012

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10. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    camaraderie camouflaged,
    champions capitalized,
    catapulting careers

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I like it.
       Translation
       
       Hidden friendships
       Battles won
       promotions gained
       
       but therein lies the mystery.
       Was it all honest, above the board,
       or deceptive?
       
       Lots of possibles - good entry.

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11. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    glinting golden,
    garden galas,
    gloried gladly

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       nice, indeed poetic
       but not many
       if any
       loose ends

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       1. 0

          RTalloniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          true, but it was time for something other than dark mystery 
          
          thanks for the input on these 

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12. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    sticky smiles
    sweetly slurped
    sunny satisfaction

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Extremely sensual - hey?

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    2. 0

       RTalloniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I was thinking of a group of children eating watermelon and oranges in the afternoon sunshine on a warm summer day.

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       1. 59

          BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Ah watermelon - nature's little blue pill - at least the white part between the rind and the green / yellow meaty part.

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13. 60

    PabstPenroseposted 13 years ago

    Dad's dead.
    Hold my tears.
    Choke back another shot.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Sad, Sorry!
       
       At first seems so final but then the questions creep in.
       Why did he die?
       Did he die a natural death?
       Did "my" do the killing?
       
       and on, and on, and on
       
       Good one.

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14. 75

    cashmereposted 13 years ago

    There are some amazing short story ideas here. let me see if I can get one more in.
    
    Morning dawns
    job done
    she slips away unseen

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       wow - how sensual can you be!
       
       First thought, of course, what is her job.
       Almost afraid to think about the possiblities.
       
       What job is done?
       Why do I feel the presence of at least one other person?
       
       Very good entry!
       Thanks

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15. 58

    kayebeeposted 13 years ago

    Cloudburst
    dam breaks
    towns submerged
    looters arrive

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Cloudburst
       dam breaks
       towns submerged
       looters arrive
       
       shooting starts!

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16. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    executed plans
    bred hope
    victory anticipated

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       sounds well planned out.
       no much left to the imagination, then again.
       It grows on you.

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17. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    open operations
    covertly connived
    deceits developed

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       signed dubya

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18. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Bright Thoughts Needed:
    Apply Within!

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       interesting the writer needs help with bright thoughts but was bright enough to write the great short story!

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19. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Adrift, devoid of common sense, they faded into shadows.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       you are really pretty good at this!

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20. 60

    PabstPenroseposted 13 years ago

    Miscommunications, second chances.
    Left me heartbroken.
    Come back, please.

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    1. 60

       PabstPenroseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Your hand in mine.
       Holding his too.
       Why?

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       1. 59

          BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          This one is somewhat along the lines of Hemingway's famous very short story. Makes one wonder about the sick child in the story.

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    2. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Miscommunications are always sad.
       
       Good entry.

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21. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Common Sense Wanted:
    Apply deliberately.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Pardon the use of more than 9 words but RTalloni's post gives me the chance to use this obit and I have waited a long time to do this.
       
       Interesting and sadly rather true "Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason...
       
       
       He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights. I Want It Now. Someone Else Is To Blame. I'm A Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

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       1. 0

          RTalloniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Oh my...I wish I'd written that!

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          1. 59

             BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Me too

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          2. 59

             BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Me too

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22. 59

    sligobayposted 13 years ago

    Wait. Stop. No. Don't. Help me!

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       more exciting withOUT the punctuation
       
       wait  Stop  No  Don't  Help Me

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23. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Delusory dreams destroyed daily darkened determination.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       ok so now we have A and D covered.
       
       This must be difficult - I tried to do B or C and got stuck.

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       1. 0

          RTalloniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Simple ones are not difficult when you know a little secret, which I might share at some point.   
          
          It's the ones that can be read forward and backward that take some real work.
          
          determination
          darkened daily
          destroyed
          delusory dreams

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          1. 59

             BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Yes I like the forward and backward ones as well.
             
             Even with just one word.
             
             For example
             
             Desserts is Stressed backwards.

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24. 59

    sligobayposted 13 years ago

    Angst arrested.
    Assault accused.
    Assailant acquitted.
    Amnesty awarded.
    Alliteration avenged.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       That takes car of A
       
       now on to
       
       B
       C
       D
       
       I am sure that was not easy.

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25. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Quiet steps slid quickly, questioning, suspecting.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       simiar to previous good entries

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26. 59

    sligobayposted 13 years ago

    Happy family home.
    Foreclosed.
    Homeless.
    Desperation.
    Heroine.
    Escape.
    Missing?

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Sign of the times - terrible sign of the times. So sad and thought provoking.

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27. 59

    sligobayposted 13 years ago

    Bandages removed dakness still gunfire.  Hide. Think. Adapt.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting, thought provoking - down right scary too.

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28. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    new recipe,
    but old ingredients
    revealed an
    unchanged heart

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       nice one but is the recipe for food or something else - a good entry.
       
       Thanks

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29. 59

    pilesnowayposted 13 years ago

    wandering thoughts...moving hands...writer's block!

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30. 0

    Jean Donlanposted 13 years ago

    She walked into the room and was horrified.

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31. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Deceit’s work required scrutiny to identify facts.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Sounds like the trailer to a great CSI show on TV.

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32. 97

    leahleflerposted 13 years ago

    Broken sound
    Clapping hands
    Bring forth a joyous day

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Nice entry. Nice open ends to this story.

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33. 52

    RadarHubposted 13 years ago

    "No, no!" Father said.  "Yes, yes" said Lizzie.  Chop!

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Great - Lizzie Borden rides again.
       
       Lizzie Borden had an Axe
       Gave her mother forty whacks
       When she saw what she had done
       Gave her father forty one

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34. 66

    2uesdayposted 13 years ago

    Many tried but none could fix it. Not one.
    
    RadarHub that sounds like Lizzie Borden's story.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Nice entry - albeit depressing

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35. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    deceit departed with delusion,
    leaving their only friend, confusion
    
    (I know, I know, not a lot left to wonder about, but I couldn't help myself...it's that sing-songy hour of the day!)

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       a good one and I see / feel a good number of loose ends. It's just too early in the morning  / late at night - take your pick - for me to point them out.

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36. 59

    sligobayposted 13 years ago

    Darkness fell.
    Danger lurked.
    Unconcealed scent threatened.
    Rustling leaves.
    Breathless.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       down right scary and makes you hold your breath.

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37. 75

    barryrutherfordposted 13 years ago

    "January was an interesting month to be alive."

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38. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Applications Solicited: Sound Judgement Required
    Euphonic Petitioner May Audition

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       This is the same guy / person that was looking for Bright Ideas, right?

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39. 61

    Heart of a Lionposted 13 years ago

    Fell off
    Floundering helplessly
    Need help
    Water's rising
    Time's up

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       OMG - a short story about Katrina and New Orleans in less than ten words.
       Who would have thought  that was possible.

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40. 66

    2uesdayposted 13 years ago

    Arriving silently at midnight they had disappeared by dawn.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I knew there was something alien about crop circles.

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41. 92

    Sue Adamsposted 13 years ago

    Eyes met
    Instant connection
    It wasn't to be.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       wow - good one - absolutely positive feeling and then - wham - slammed to the floor of rejection. Why - how - when - who - great open and loose ends. I love it.

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42. 59

    sligobayposted 13 years ago

    Suspicious circumstances.
    Two Billion missing.
    Banker murdered.
    Follow the money.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Easy - ask Madoff

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       1. 59

          sligobayposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Bernie gave a few telephone interviews lately that are going to make him "the banker" in the story.

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       2. 59

          sligobayposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Bernie gave a few telephone interviews lately that are going to make him "the banker" in the story.

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43. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Jacque’s jejune jargon jeopardized Jake’s journey.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Aha - Inspector Clouseau : Loose Lips Sink Ships.

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44. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Acceptable abrogation abruptly accelerated accessibility.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yea,that normally works. Shut off discussion and then let the protesters in. But not in the middle east right now.

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45. 71

    ddsurfscaposted 13 years ago

    Once upon a time
    
    it was very exciting,
    
    and they lived happily ever after.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       nice but WAY over nine words.

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46. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    Glacial glances goaded grazing gossips.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yep, the old elevator glance will shut them down every time.

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47. 63

    CARIBQUEENposted 13 years ago

    Drowning in Recession
    Unemployment
    Eliminating Poverty

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting, intriguing but somewhat unconnected. Maybe it's too late - I can't get it right now will check again besok - tomorrow.

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48. 58

    Charbyposted 13 years ago

    I came, I saw, I conquered
    Now what?

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Govern, rob, pillage,tax, steal - grid lock - all as usual.

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49. 0

    RTalloniposted 13 years ago

    The unexpected arrival opened a new door.

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       So how much did the baby weigh, anyway?

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50. 59

    wizbitzposted 13 years ago

    "My life

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    1. 59

       BaliMermaidposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       So short,your life - BAM - mati kamu  - your gone and already passed over.

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