CD Richards

For those who aren't feeling the love...

The roses are wilted
The violets are dead
I need you like I need
A hole in the head


Not original - I heard it on TV this morning, and thought it was funny.

I liked this one too...

Roses are red
Violets are blue
But we've got a mortgage
So don't buy me any useless crap

~~~~~~~~~

Last year, my sweetheart told me nothing could be better than the present I got her for Valentine's Day...
so this year, that's exactly what she's getting.

(that one's mine)

Lords of Creation finished third in the contest "Dribble Flash Fiction"

bichonfrisegirl: Congrats, Craig! Well deserved!

February 7, 2019 at 11:23AM

CD Richards: Thanks, Connie :)

February 7, 2019 at 3:28PM

BeasPeas: Congratulations again. Marilyn

February 8, 2019 at 12:33AM

Gloria ....: Congrats to you, Craig. :)

February 8, 2019 at 12:56AM

CD Richards: Thanks Marilyn & Gloria.

February 8, 2019 at 1:17AM

Sarkems: Well deserved!

February 8, 2019 at 12:26PM

lyenochka: Congratulations, Craig!!

February 8, 2019 at 4:58PM

CD Richards: Thanks, Emma & Helen.

February 8, 2019 at 9:54PM

MissMerri: Congratulations CD! You keep collecting these pretty ribbons! Good for you!

February 10, 2019 at 4:18AM

Fade to Black finished second in the contest "Sonnet Poetry Contest"

Irish Rain: Congratulations!!

February 3, 2019 at 12:53AM

phill doran: congratulations - really well written...

February 3, 2019 at 2:41AM

Ideasaregems-Dawn: I love it when I can almost predict the winners -- SO well-deserved, my friend! Congratulations!

February 3, 2019 at 5:13AM

Pam (respa): I am honored to share second place in the sonnet contest with you, Craig. Congratulations!

February 3, 2019 at 2:57PM

CD Richards: Thanks Irish, Phill, Dawn. And ditto, Pam :)

February 3, 2019 at 5:11PM

bichonfrisegirl: Way to go, Craig! Congrats!

February 3, 2019 at 7:03PM

CD Richards: Thanks, Connie :)

February 4, 2019 at 12:11PM

BeasPeas: Congratulations, Craig. Marilyn

February 4, 2019 at 8:37PM

lyenochka: Congratulations, Craig!!

February 6, 2019 at 7:01PM

CD Richards: Thanks Marilyn & Helen :)

February 7, 2019 at 12:49AM

Current status: twelve views, one review.

I think I'm going to set myself a new record here for lowest read-to-comment ratio. I'm noticing a pattern, the more something I write amuses me, the less anyone else will find it of interest. I suppose that says something; exactly what, I'm not sure.

nor84: Views do not necessarily mean by a human being. Tom told me he wants that they can reflect attempted hits by a search engine. You might want to take this up with Tom to be sure that's still accurate. Views also do not mean someone read the work. If they glance at it, see that it's on a subject about which they have no interest, they move on. It's really nothing to be concerned about.

January 26, 2019 at 11:27PM

phill doran: pffft! Kid's stuff! Seriously, that is about average: I have noticed that the first 10-12 views often get me nothing and that a final ratio of 5:1 is Tom Jones (not unusual). A good return (for me) is 3:1 and I do have a couple of those but by the same token I have one piece with 739 views and 35 reviews: that's around a 5% hit rate. Of course, if you offer a dollar you tend to find that you piece is a work of brilliance and you have more friends than a lottery winner with a dodgy heart. Who'd a thunk it? Remember: genius is pain... so if readers find you painful then that's a good thing, right? cheers phill

January 27, 2019 at 2:05AM

CD Richards: 3:1 is an excellent ROI. I'd settle for that as a regular thing. Concerned, I shall not be :)

January 27, 2019 at 3:14AM

DR DIP: I tellya what's wrong CD. You are a 'bludging' 'Drongo' 'bogan' Aussie haha Where IS Austalia anyway? Seriously it's all to do with fanning and the dollar value of your poem. 2 cent poems are not very popular as they don't pay. If you promote just once it goes to 27 cents which may get you on a good day to page 5 maybe. The people who put in the hard reviewing yards will reap the rewards especially starting at the feature page where the first 12 poems may be worth up to one dollar. As I have said many times we are all slaves to the system. Those who have the time, effort and popularity will always be rewarded. I would really love to know how long the top 10 poets spend on here reviewing to be able to acquire enough member cent pumps to promote their work to feature page status so regularly. I know for the first four and a half years I would spend hours reviewing and constantly posted two poems every night. Yep it appears the secret is to just fan as many people as you can and hoping they will reciprocate. To those whose whole life is dedicated to FanStory and attaining high rankings through sheer determination and tenacious reviewing, kudos to them. They deserve everything they attain. I just wish that the title of 'ALL TIME BEST" for achieving over 26 reviews be re evaluated. It is rather a misleading word in my eyes. I would be lucky to get 10 views these days and maybe three reviews max, but deservedly so, as I never hardly promote past 'pot of gold status' which is only worth 27 cents to a reviewer which is chicken shit in their eyes. Tom is a very good business man to have set this up like this and kudos to him. After paying the yearly or two yearly subscription, I don't see why one should actually buy member cent pumps with real cash that always fascinates me. Hey, each to their own I suppose, Their money their life, their happiness to do so. respectfully dip

January 27, 2019 at 3:51AM

Turtle... who?: Ha! The real tell of the views ratio is in the contests where there's 38 voters and your work has 6 total views. (five of which came during the Up-Next cert.) Holy Crap! Now that leaves a mental mark. ; p Well, it's not the work that sucks, nobody even opened it to skip it, and the title isn't a string of vulgarity... so ... err... I wonder if it must just be me, then? So many vote without even opening all the entries. Not even a glance to see what's the possible payout. On a side note on high views, low reviews: Some of those views might be from fans who love to read your work, but don't always have time to give a review on the run, even if they enjoy it. Low views means no eyeballs. High views means somebody 'maybe' opened the work, doesn't even mean they read it. And some of those same somebody's may have gone OCD on the mouse and can refresh your work a dozen times. Yep... 12 views can come from the same person. I remember back when the views included your own viewing numbers. Those where the days when my views were up in the 200's. 192 of those views were likely me trying to spot errors, making a change... refreshing... trying to spot errors.

January 27, 2019 at 8:08AM

CD Richards: I'm so glad to know I'm not the only person who has OCD when it comes to stuff they have posted. I'm relieved the "self-refresh" counts aren't included these days. "The" or "a"? "That", or "which"? Decisions, decisions!

January 27, 2019 at 2:27PM

Persistence finished third in the contest "5-7-5 Poetry Writing"

Irish Rain: Congratulations!!

January 13, 2019 at 12:27AM

CD Richards: Thanks, Irish :)

January 13, 2019 at 3:11AM

bichonfrisegirl: Congrats, Craig!

January 14, 2019 at 12:15AM

CD Richards: Much appreciated, Connie :)

January 14, 2019 at 4:43PM

Ideasaregems-Dawn: Ha! Tol' ya.:)))))) Congratulations, Craig.

January 14, 2019 at 7:28PM

CD Richards: Thanks, Dawn :)

January 14, 2019 at 11:03PM

lyenochka: Congratulations, Craig!!

January 15, 2019 at 2:05AM

There's plenty of fish in the sea
It's time now to fly and be free
A new day is dawning
No need to be fawning
These PDAs really are twee

Q. What is green and has wheels?

A. Grass.

(I lied about the wheels)

"Foment" is, and always has been, a verb; never a noun. Just saying [shaking head].

DR DIP: This is a very special foment in my life I mill wever morget Never foment me as I will mever you Spell check me and UPPER CASE ME You are my pronoun of adjectivity My indefinite article among definite articles Adverbally incomplete our love maybe But let me put this preposition to you Will you still respect me in the morning for this fleeting foment

November 20, 2018 at 2:30PM

CD Richards: Is it a goal so lofty, so completely out of reach, that contest-winning poems use the proper parts of speech? It really isn't right when one just throws in any word; for such a slip can make the piece entirely absurd! I'd love to take you for a ride in this, my quickly car, or gaze up in the sky so I can wish turquoise a star. Upon deaf ears, I know, will fall this pitiful lament, So I'll just shut up now and have a glass of green foment.

November 20, 2018 at 4:34PM

DR DIP: I posted a poem this morning dedicated to you lol

November 21, 2018 at 3:30AM

Swiss Cheese finished third in the contest "5-7-5 Poem"

Sugarray77: Congratulations. A fun and well-written verse. Melissa

November 12, 2018 at 2:03PM

CD Richards: Thanks, Melissa :)

November 13, 2018 at 3:09AM

rama devi: Congrats!

November 13, 2018 at 10:35PM

lyenochka: Congratulations, Craig!!

November 16, 2018 at 1:39AM

Gloria ....: Way to go, Craig. :))

November 16, 2018 at 1:58PM

It's likely, though not certain, that I won't be able to be online much for a couple of days. So, to avoid getting too far behind, I'll be pushing through a couple of poems today. If I don't respond to your review, or read your piece straight away, I'll try my best to get to it as soon as I can. Cheers, Craig

Additional tidbit re "disappearing reviews" on Amazon...

I heard from one person who attempted to leave a review, and was denied. It turns out they had not spent a minimum of $50 on Amazon, and that is the reason they are not allowed to write reviews. I've since confirmed this from other sources.

So, bottom line. Amazon requires people to spend money with them, to be able to leave reviews which encourage people to spend money with them. Top policy that.

Jannypan (Jan) : Catch 22

November 2, 2018 at 9:26AM

Just wanted to say, if anyone has purchased my book, Earthshine, and left a review of it on Amazon, please don't think me rude and ignorant for not thanking you. It seems none of the reviews (and I know there have been some) are showing. So, to those who bought my book, and those who left a review, heartfelt thanks. And, good or bad, I'm sorry I didn't get to see it. Thanks, Amazon, you're a peach. Craig

michaelcahill: I just left a review. I know it takes a couple days, so I'll keep my eyes on it and see if it shows up as expected. Great book. :))

November 1, 2018 at 2:15AM

CD Richards: Thanks so much, Mike. I'm very grateful. I'm also very angry with Amazon. I've since read that they make a regular habit of deleting reviews, especially 5-star reviews. Reason? Because, some time ago, people were writing rave reviews for not-so-good stuff, which made them "look bad". Now, I don't know if my reviews have been 1-star, 5-star, or anything in between. I only know one person told me they left a review that wasn't "fluff", they were not excessive in their praise, but for whatever reason that one also was blocked. And honestly, I am not that concerned what the rating was. What does concern me is that they are censoring people, and on the basis of what some robot "thinks", killing sales for authors' books. Also, preventing authors from thanking their supporters, which really sucks, BAD business. Furthermore, everything I've seen says there is no point whatsoever taking the issue up with them, because they never explain or change their mind. Did I mention "not happy"? Rant over (for now). Thanks again :)

November 1, 2018 at 2:22AM

michaelcahill: That's upsetting. Typical of a monopoly. As a reviewer, I'm not appreciative of being censured like that. Reminds me of here where we can be slammed, but we can't respond. LOL I'll see what happens with my review. It's a short blurb, five star. No reason to censure. I've never had that happen before.

November 1, 2018 at 3:00AM

CD Richards: You must have magical powers, Michael. I see your review there now! I hope it manages to stay. Yay, a review! lol I love your choice of favourite :)))

November 1, 2018 at 3:23AM

From my Facebook feed:

Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible God and destroys a visible Nature. Unaware that this Nature he's destroying is this God he's worshiping.

― Hubert Reeves

Amen to that.

I'm excited that my first collection of 40 magnificent incredible superb really good poems is now available on Amazon, in both Kindle version and paperback.

Earthshine: Reflections on life

The links are in my profile, for anyone who's interested to check it out :)

Jannypan (Jan) : CONGRATULATIONS, CRAIG, ON YOUR PUBLISHNG ENDEAVORS! BEST WISHES FOR SUCCESS!

October 12, 2018 at 7:35PM

susanjohn: Congrats! :-)

October 12, 2018 at 7:48PM

michaelcahill: Well, you're on your way to riches now. I recognize some of these. Looks like an awesome collection. Congrats!!

October 12, 2018 at 8:12PM

CD Richards: Thanks Jan, Susan, Mike for the great encouragement :)

October 13, 2018 at 6:17AM

Mustang Patty: Congratulations, Craig.

October 13, 2018 at 9:08AM

CD Richards: Thanks, Patty :)

October 14, 2018 at 4:36AM

Robbie Yates: Congratulations, Craig - I know how much work it takes - well done!

October 14, 2018 at 5:08AM

CD Richards: Cheers, Robbie :)

October 14, 2018 at 7:52PM

Ideasaregems-Dawn: YAY!!! Good on ya! (Okay, so my Aussie accent needs work. Congratulations anyway, mate!)

October 24, 2018 at 11:25PM

Harry Smith: Great Job and I will check it out. Also check out my Book God's Pen - Harry Smith. I will also giv e you a review after I read your book.

October 26, 2018 at 4:42AM

Whenever I get involved in conversations about the meaning of life, and where everything's headed, I can't help but feel that there's an underlying assumption that because these are 'big' questions, they necessarily need big answers. There aren't any, though. We're not here for a universal purpose, and there is no grand plan, no matter how tempting it is to believe it.

But that's absolutely fine, because it means that if there aren't any big answers, the little ones are all the more important. So every day, I take my dog for a walk in the field near my house. Sometimes I get to see a pretty sunset, but usually it's either bucketing down and I get soaked, or cold, or the field is full of mud and bugs and dog turds, and it's a pain to navigate through. Whatever the situation, though, my dog has the most ridiculous fun ever, and being a part of that little moment of joy is what it's all about. So be nice to the people and things around you -- it doesn't cost anything, and generally makes the world a nicer place to live in. Focus on the little answers.

- Dr Pete Etchells

mrsmajor: My life, no matter what some may think of me, has been filled with the things that might mean little to others...a smile, when I'm not feeling well, the joy that comes with a love I have for my dog, yes I believe we can even love an animal...the beauty of a plant that has grown from seeds, that I have planted...and most of all the love of my children, and friends.. There is but one cost for all of that, a belief in kindness, caring, and a willingness to accept that others feel the same...and should we find otherwise in the people that we meet, there will always be another person in our journey that Will feel the same...just keep on keeping on...

September 6, 2018 at 11:25AM

CD Richards: Wise words, MrsMajor. Personally, I find it easier to love animals than some people. But you're right, there is always someone.

September 6, 2018 at 6:46PM

Excellent viewing, available on STAN:



You'll be glad you watched it.

damommy: I'm very glad I watched it. It's outrageous how our animals are being treated and driven from their natural habitats, let alone poaching!

August 25, 2018 at 1:28PM

Congratulations! Symbiosis won the contest "Six Word Poetry Contest"

michaelcahill: Wow! I don't think I ever saw something biting every win before. Congratulations. Well deserved!!! :))

August 25, 2018 at 12:37AM

Gloria ....: Well, well, well and now look who is winning too many contests. LOL. Congratulations. Great post, Craig.

August 25, 2018 at 1:49AM

kiwisteveh: Congrats, Craig!

August 25, 2018 at 3:05AM

Mrs. KT: Excellent! Congratulations! diane

August 25, 2018 at 9:04AM

CD Richards: Thanks very much Mike, Gloria, Steve, Diane :)

August 25, 2018 at 9:38AM

rama devi: Congrats! A potent entry...so pleased you won!

August 25, 2018 at 10:38AM

judiverse: Congratulations on winning the "Six Word Poetry Contest." judiverse

August 25, 2018 at 10:44AM

Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations! Well done. Dorothy

August 25, 2018 at 11:30AM

MissMerri: Yahoo! Nice work Craig! I am so glad to see you won a ribbon for this gem.

August 25, 2018 at 3:09PM

Ginnygray: Congratulations on a very deserving six word poem!👏

August 25, 2018 at 3:50PM

bichonfrisegirl: Well done, Craig! Congrats!

August 25, 2018 at 6:47PM

lyenochka: Congratulations, Craig!

August 25, 2018 at 10:31PM

Robbie Yates: Incredible poem, and a very well-deserved win, Craig - well done!!! I am so glad you came first!

August 25, 2018 at 10:37PM

CD Richards: Thanks, everyone, for the lovely comments. Most grateful :)

August 25, 2018 at 11:05PM

karenina: Excellent write on what I, at first glance, was yet another super short poetry contest... YOU made it impactful! Congrats!--Karenina

August 26, 2018 at 3:57PM

CD Richards: Thanks Karenina :)

August 27, 2018 at 9:01AM

rspoet: Congratulations on the win and fine poem! Hopefully, this is not the pinnacle.

August 27, 2018 at 8:00PM

CD Richards: Thanks, RS :)

August 28, 2018 at 7:04AM

I'm sorry if my out of office autoreply gave you false hopes of my swift and enthusiastic response.

My new "out of office" message:

Sorry, I'm currently out of the office, and can be reached by waiting until I get back.

Mustang Patty: Lol 😆

July 13, 2018 at 1:33PM

Mustang Patty: Lol 😆

July 13, 2018 at 1:33PM

MissMerri: I'm waiting.... waiting.... Could you at least provide some music?? Still waiting...

July 13, 2018 at 3:06PM

CD Richards: I'm back - how may I assist you?

July 13, 2018 at 5:48PM

closetpoetjester: Yeah look Craig, I need you to hold THIS while I step out of the office. I however, CAN'T be reached haha

July 17, 2018 at 12:48AM

Isn't it just as well we never get tired of being told what will happen to us if we don't buy what you're selling?

I do not find your threats all that scary,
for I'm sure your friend's imaginary.

DR DIP: mormons at the door? the watchtower? lol

June 10, 2018 at 12:47AM

CD Richards: Something like that :)

June 10, 2018 at 8:12PM

closetpoetjester: Hill Song? LOL

June 13, 2018 at 8:34AM

Unhappy medium finished first in the contest "Objects of Desire"

CD Richards: A big thank you to all those who read and reviewed my story, and especially those who gave it their vote. Most grateful! Craig

June 4, 2018 at 1:16AM

michaelcahill: A helluva story, Craig. A can opener. LOL!!!! Now, THAT is writing!

June 4, 2018 at 2:45AM

CD Richards: Hah, thanks Mike. That's what I said - "a can opener?" Well, there might have been another word or two, but this is a family time slot :)

June 4, 2018 at 8:31AM

Mustang Patty: Congratulations, Craig. Well done.

June 4, 2018 at 7:39PM

CD Richards: Thanks Patty :)

June 4, 2018 at 9:45PM

Random thoughts on political correctness
-----------------------------------

I'm offended that you find my words offensive
And responding to you makes me apprehensive
For it never takes you long
To find what I've said is wrong
It's enough to make a bloke withdrawn and pensive

My world is rarely solemn and mysterious
I'm really bad at recognising "serious"
If you can't take a joke
We'll I'd say that's your yoke
If it makes you feel good, just call me imperious

DR DIP: Who have you offended this time CD? Aussie tongue in cheek humo(u)r is not always understood. I have learnt to bite my tongue. lol

May 29, 2018 at 12:00AM

CD Richards: I swear, Dip... if you give people grief in response to a review (deserved or not), you're in the pooh. If you try to be nice and say "Yes, I agree with you, thanks so much for your advice", you're still in the pooh. Sometimes it seems like you're tip-toeing on eggshells around this place not trying to upset some sensitive soul. As if people are looking for a way to be offended. I think your last sentence is excellent advice. From now on, it's cut and paste: "Your excellent comments have been duly noted. Thanks for reviewing". See anything offensive in that, before I put it in the paste buffer? lol

May 29, 2018 at 1:19AM

DR DIP: Someone will be offended.... the buzz word in this politically correct world is personal 'attack' Everyone seems to think critique is a personal 'attack' on them. Yes, in every site, be it whatever it is, there's always a vast diversity of personalities, some with sensitive egos that need nurturing, drama Queens, grammar Nazis, smart arses, finger on the pulses, to literary geniuses. The world needs personalities, it needs sensitivity, it needs arrogance, it needs compassion. What one person's morals and ethics are is usually a direct reflection of how they have been brought up. We are all born with a certain gene handed down to us, a certain DNA that determines, our demeanour, our looks , our attitude and our personality. Sure, some of this can be taught and can have a lot to do with peer group association through those teenage years as we grow into young adults. We cannot always control our chosen sexuality, be it hetro, bisexual, homosexual or lesbian but we can learn right from wrong good from bad. Life is one big learning curve. Fanstory is one big learning curve. Everyone seems to gravitate toward those with similar taste and style in the written word. What is one person's trash is another's treasure. When it comes to individual taste in literature be it story writing or poetry, everyone is different and we wouldn't want it any other way. I suppose the analogy here is everyone's different taste in music. It would be a boring old world if we all liked the same music just as it would if we all liked the same style of poetry or short stories. Diversity is the spice of life. dip

May 29, 2018 at 4:20AM

Dean Kuch: "Blessed are the weird people: poets, misfits, writers, mystics, painters, troubadours for they teach us to see the world through different eyes." ~ Jacob Nordby

July 5, 2018 at 2:09PM

Quote of the day:

"Most liberals are name-callers, so I'm not surprised."

ROFL. Well, lest I be accused of being one of those nefarious types who are out to silence all opposing views, I thought I'd publish it here. Thanks for the best belly laugh I've had in days. Isn't irony wonderful?

Gloria ....: I've always found you most congenial in debates, Craig, so I have no idea where that came from. You always consider well-developed arguments from all sides with logic and consideration. If it's any consolation, I've also been accused of being a liberal despite the fact I've been a card-carrying, bona fide Conservative most of my life.

May 18, 2018 at 11:57PM

CD Richards: Thanks for the kind words of support, Gloria. I think the problem is that the term "liberal" has been hijacked by extremists (the kind who would wish harm upon anyone who disagrees with them). Basically, it is now used as a pejorative to describe decent folk, by those who are not. For the record, I don't consider myself to fit the mould, either. I'm far more a tree-hugging greenie than a liberal ;-)

May 19, 2018 at 12:37AM

He promised to make them a beautiful philosophical book, written very small for their usage, and said that in this book they would see the point of everything. Indeed, he gave them this book before leaving. It was taken to the academy of science in Paris, but when the ancient secretary opened it, he saw nothing but blank pages. "Ah!" he said, "I suspected as much."

Voltaire. Micromegas (1752)

But unluckily there was another animalcule in a square cap, who, taking the word from all his philosophical brethren, affirmed that he knew the whole secret, which was contained in the abridgment of St. Thomas. He surveyed the two celestial strangers from top to toe, and maintained to their faces that their persons, their fashions, their suns and their stars, were created solely for the use of man. At this wild assertion our two travelers were seized with a fit of that uncontrollable laughter

-Voltaire, Micromegas (1752)

Hero and Leander finished second in the contest "Loop Poetry Contest"

Kerry Wanstall: Congratulations CD Richards. You certainly deserved your prize, in the Loop Poetry Contest; Hero and Leander Is a lovely poem. Kerry

May 8, 2018 at 12:22PM

CD Richards: Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Kerry - Craig

May 8, 2018 at 5:07PM

rama devi: Congrats! Excellent entry, dear Craig. Kudos!

May 9, 2018 at 2:00AM

Mustang Patty: Congratulations, Craig

May 9, 2018 at 6:25PM

CD Richards: Thanks very much, RD & Patty :)

May 10, 2018 at 2:43AM

I wrote a crap review, my comprehension's not real good
You took the bait, and called me out -- I didn't think you would
So then I got all snarky and I played the teacher's pet
But sucking up hasn't produced the ends I wanted yet
I'm gonna sign me up as a free standard member now
And leave another crap review -- perhaps I'll sign it 'sow'
I'm not the slightest sorry if my antics made you frown
I think it's time I took a Bex, and had a wee lie down

DR DIP: CD its obvious you are an Australian! lol Just be careful not everyone gets our tongue in cheek sense of humour Some will find this offensive and attacking lol

April 29, 2018 at 6:40PM

Ideasaregems-Dawn: I'd love to leave a comment, but t'would seem I must compete. So I'll just say I'm laughing, and then beat a quick retreat...

April 30, 2018 at 2:17AM

A busy few days - several events on, and building work to supervise. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up on reviewing and posting after the weekend.

It's time to make a change.

The following is part of a piece which appeared on Australian Sixty Minutes tonight. It shows footage taken by a Pakistani whistle blower of an Australian shipment of sheep to the middle east as part of our live export trade. Some 60,000 were crammed into an area where they had to stand the entire journey, and sent into an environment high in heat and humidity. Over two thousand sheep died on this one trip, and it's not the first time. Most were literally cooked alive, others were trampled or suffocated.

I seriously doubt that Australia is the only country in which this happens, but I'm disgusted and ashamed that it happens here. And it never sees the light of day unless some whistleblower can manage to smuggle out footage of what is going on. If you have the stomach for it, I suggest you watch the entire appalling Sixty Minutes program.

What I find equally appalling is that people might think this applies only to the live export trade. It's equally as bad in the domestic market. I've seen mountains of fly-blown bodies laying for weeks beside unloading ramps at saleyards, where animals have died due to conditions as bad as these, or worse, on transport trucks.

I'd like to make a plea - if you say you care about the welfare of animals, and are against them suffering, please consider not eating them. Not lambs, not cattle, not pigs, not chicken and not fish; because ALL meat production involves horrendous cruelty, in spite of what the industry tries to tell you.

damommy: I've seen this for myself here, too. Animals loaded onto trucks, packed so tight, there's no air or water, and no way to escape the elements. If they falling when unloading, they're left where they lay until they die. We all enjoy eating meat, but it shouldn't come at such suffering of animals. This is an industry that needs close watching and strict regulations. There are kinder ways to deal with this.

April 8, 2018 at 12:58PM

flylikeaneagle: CD and fans: we have an animal sales barn in town. I noticed that farmers bid $150 or more for a sheep or goat. Some of the animals are sold for food since our stores don't sell lamb. I think all animals should have a skilled shepherd, farmer or manager watching them. What a waste since the people don't receive live healthy animals. My daughters are vegan and pointed out animal abuse to me. I'm going vegan. There's lots of rainbow healthy foods to eat. Forks over Knives for recipes. Never to Late to go Vegan...by Carol Adams. People need to be a voice when abuse happens. Thanks for sharing. flylikeaneagle

April 11, 2018 at 3:26PM

CD Richards: Congrats on making a great choice, Carol. It's never too late. I was over 50 before I went vegetarian, and am only just now going fully vegan. All the best, and enjoy the great food! I'm sure you'll have plenty of help with recipes and so forth. Thanks for sharing :)

April 12, 2018 at 5:22AM

Antichthon finished second in the contest "Acrostic Poetry Contest"

rama devi: Congrats, Craig! :)

April 5, 2018 at 3:10AM

CD Richards: Thanks, RD :)

April 5, 2018 at 7:16PM

MissMerri: Congratulations Craig! This was an outstanding acrostic.

April 8, 2018 at 8:58AM

CD Richards: Thanks, MM :)

April 8, 2018 at 6:30PM

Congratulations to the brave youth of America, who are addressing the problems their parents and grandparents have washed their hands of. By 2020, there will be 20 million of them voting. Perhaps the politicians who receive millions in blood money from the NRA ought to keep that in mind.

LIJ Red: Remington is filing bankruptcy, the largest American gun maker. Our local gun store is closing, starved out. So who is funding the NRA? Its members. Who are these members? Why support the NRA? They do not trust big government to take care of them. Too many dogs stomped to death by SWAT teams. Guns and conservatives are on the way out, big, big government is already in, and the common man will be sorry.

March 26, 2018 at 1:00PM

CD Richards: And who is funding the Republican Party? The NRA.

March 26, 2018 at 6:32PM

LIJ Red: Wish they were. There are a lot of entities in politics nastier than the stuffy old NRA, and the demos have their share...

March 27, 2018 at 4:06AM

LIJ Red: Did I say that? This is no place for such noise. Before I shut up, let me say-the two parties are too alike. I never voted for Trump or Clinton-- no choice in bad apples. I am afraid that the media is hurting the nation.

March 27, 2018 at 5:37AM

Jesse James Doty: That's right. When in doubt and need someone to blame, blame the media.

March 27, 2018 at 11:28PM

The last male northern white rhino in the world has died, thus ensuring the extinction of yet another species. Well done, humans.

Jannypan (Jan) : So sad. Was he in a zoo? If so, maybe the zoo collected sperm. If in the wild then we must all take a part of the blame for this event [regardless of zoo or not]. Humans are GREEDY! RIP dear white rhino. You will be missed.

March 20, 2018 at 8:13PM

Jannypan (Jan) : SUDAN, the last male northern white rhino, has died in Kenya at the age of 45, after becoming a symbol of efforts to save his subspecies from extinction, a fate that only science can now prevent. When Sudan was born in 1973 in the wild in Shambe, South Sudan, there were about 700 of his kind left in existence. At his death, there are only two females remaining alive and the hope that in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) techniques will advance enough to preserve the subspecies. Sudan, elderly by rhino standards, had been ailing for some time, suffering from age-related infections, according to his keepers at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. ?His condition worsened significantly in the last 24 hours; he was unable to stand up and was suffering a great deal. The veterinary team ... made the decision to euthanize him.?

March 20, 2018 at 8:26PM

damommy: I'm so sorry.

March 20, 2018 at 8:47PM

Jannypan (Jan) : Sudan lived out his final years on a 90,000-acre (36,400-hectare) reserve of savannah and woodlands in central Kenya, along with the two remaining females, under armed guard to protect them from poachers. ?We on Ol Pejeta are all saddened by Sudan?s death. He was a great ambassador for his species and will be remembered for the work he did to raise awareness globally of the plight facing not only rhinos, but also the many thousands of other species facing extinction as a result of unsustainable human activity,? said Richard Vigne, Ol Pejeta?s CEO

March 20, 2018 at 8:51PM

CD Richards: Thanks for providing more details, Jan.

March 20, 2018 at 9:01PM

It's something I've been becoming increasingly aware of lately. The people most likely to toss around the term "liar", like it's going out of style, are the ones most likely to be doing it, even... especially... to themselves.

Watch your back today... just sayin'. "Beware the Ides of March" - Bill S.

There is a big black hole at the center of the galaxy today, created by the passing of Stephen Hawking. It is unlikely we will ever see someone like him again. RIP, Stephen. You, your giant contribution to human understanding, and your sense of humour will be sorely missed.

michaelcahill: Well said. R.I.P.

March 14, 2018 at 5:43AM

catch22: I agree! I am very sad. He was a hero of mine.

March 14, 2018 at 10:16AM

I'm no great poet or writer, but I have fun trying. There are some very good writers on this site. Then there are others who are good, but spend way too much time listening to the panderers, and consequently think they are a lot more talented than they actually are. Welcome to the world of "artists".

giraffmang: lol...

January 17, 2018 at 1:24AM

Dean Kuch:

January 20, 2018 at 4:13PM

CD Richards: I'm sorry, unless you deposit a six immediately, I have nothing to say to you. You can be as nice as pie, it's the shiny objects that count. And my amazingly brilliant contributions deserve nothing less.

January 21, 2018 at 4:26AM

CD Richards: The above is, of course, a joke. I would never rudely ignore or dismiss someone's valued opinion because they didn't give me a "6" - even if I did think my gem was the bee's knees, or because their praise wasn't effusive enough.

January 23, 2018 at 2:34AM

jenintorre: Here here

February 23, 2018 at 3:24AM

jenintorre: Here here

February 23, 2018 at 3:24AM

Heaven and Hell finished third in the contest "Antonym Poetry Contest"

michaelcahill: Ahh ,,, I recall this one. Most thought provoking. I thought it would win. Well done. Congrats. :))

January 10, 2018 at 2:27PM

rspoet: Congratulations! An original, superb antonym poem.

January 10, 2018 at 4:55PM

CD Richards: Thanks, guys. And to you both as well.

January 10, 2018 at 7:48PM

Dean Kuch: Congrats, Craig.

January 10, 2018 at 8:47PM

Happy New Year to all my FS friends! If anyone is wondering why I haven't reviewed their work or responded to their review or message, it's because I'm away from home for a couple of days and have almost no online time - but I'll be back soon, and do my best to catch up! cheers, Craig

Congratulations! unfinished. won the contest "One Line Poem"

Irish Rain: Congratulations!!

December 5, 2017 at 12:21AM

Dean Kuch: Congrats, Craig. ~Dean

December 5, 2017 at 12:23AM

michaelcahill: This was genius. :))

December 5, 2017 at 12:25AM

CD Richards: Christmas came early :) An unexpected and lovely surprise. Thanks Irish, Dean & Mike - and committee.

December 5, 2017 at 2:22AM

BeasPeas: Hi Craig. Congratulations on your win. Marilyn

December 5, 2017 at 8:52AM

rama devi: Yay! Congrats! I thought this the most brilliant entry, so am very pleased the judges thought so too!

December 5, 2017 at 9:09AM

Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations - Dorothy!

December 5, 2017 at 9:48AM

CD Richards: Thanks so much Marilyn, Dorothy & RD :)

December 5, 2017 at 9:57AM

Gloria ....: Way to go, Craig!

December 5, 2017 at 11:56AM

Mustang Patty: Congratulations. Great job!

December 5, 2017 at 2:05PM

kiwigirl2821: Congratulations :)

December 5, 2017 at 2:52PM

CD Richards: Cheers Gloria, Patty & Kiwi :)

December 5, 2017 at 3:54PM

It's official. Sydney's newest aquatic public transport vessel is named Ferry McFerryface. Everyone in our household thinks that's a hoot, including our as yet unborn foal, Pony McPonyface.

Gloria ....: That is so cool. You are an unborn foal whisperer. I think it's hilarious too, but I sheepishly admit it's the kind of name I'd come up with. :))

November 13, 2017 at 8:56PM

Christmas tip #1:

Get a bunch of empty cardboard boxes and wrap them in pretty seasonal paper and ribbons. When the kids start misbehaving throw a couple (of the boxes, not the kids) on the fire.

(P.S. I hope I shamelessly pinched this from my FB feed, not someone here - I honestly can't recall. If I pinched it from you, please let me know and I'll remove it - or at least give credit where credit is due).

A long way from Durham Town finished first in the contest "Double-Blind Challenge"

Irish Rain: Congratulations!!

November 5, 2017 at 12:31AM

CD Richards: Thanks so much, Irish. You're always first in with the congratulations to anyone who has some success in a contest. That's very generous, and I'm sure many people notice.

November 5, 2017 at 12:49AM

Mustang Patty: Congratulations!

November 5, 2017 at 5:01AM

F. Wehr3: Way to go, Craig!

November 5, 2017 at 12:11PM

CD Richards: Thanks Patty & Russell.

November 5, 2017 at 3:46PM

Congratulations! Class of 71 won the contest "Sudden Flash Fiction"

Irish Rain: Congratulations!!

October 13, 2017 at 1:00AM

michaelcahill: Whoa. Huge win, Craig. Way to go. Congrats!!!

October 13, 2017 at 2:53AM

CD Richards: Thanks so much, Irish & Mikey. It was a very unexpected win.

October 13, 2017 at 4:27AM

bichonfrisegirl: Congrats on this well deserved win, Craig!

October 13, 2017 at 10:05AM

Brigitte Elko: Congratulations!

October 13, 2017 at 10:07AM

Gloria ....: Great job, Craig!

October 13, 2017 at 6:35PM

CD Richards: Thanks Connie, Brigitte & Gloria!

October 13, 2017 at 10:05PM

BeasPeas: Congratulations, Craig. Marilyn

October 13, 2017 at 11:12PM

Dean Kuch: Congratulations, Craig. Way to go!

October 14, 2017 at 7:13AM

CD Richards: Thanks, Marilyn & Dean :)

October 14, 2017 at 7:34AM

Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations! Dorothy

October 15, 2017 at 8:44AM

CD Richards: Thank you, Dorothy.

October 16, 2017 at 5:08AM

Congratulations! Pacific Palms won the contest "Character"

Irish Rain: Congratulations!!

August 20, 2017 at 12:19AM

giraffmang: Excellent. Congratulations

August 20, 2017 at 1:27AM

CD Richards: Thanks so much Irish & GMG :)

August 20, 2017 at 2:16AM

F. Wehr3: Congrats, Craig! Well deserved!

August 20, 2017 at 10:16AM

Ric Myworld: Congratulations!

August 20, 2017 at 11:05AM

Gloria ....: Way to go, Craig!

August 20, 2017 at 3:14PM

CD Richards: Thanks Russell, Ric & Gloria

August 20, 2017 at 5:23PM

~Dovey: Awesome job, Craig! Wooo Hooo!!! Congrats!

August 21, 2017 at 5:19PM

krys123: Congrats and Well Done! Alex

August 21, 2017 at 5:54PM

krys123: Nice Bio and all those critters to help you celebrate! How Fun! Alex

August 21, 2017 at 5:56PM

Drew Delaney: Good on you, CD! Congratulations!

August 21, 2017 at 7:13PM

CD Richards: Thank you Kim, Alex & Drew.

August 21, 2017 at 7:50PM

My loving heart finished second in the contest "Love, Compassion and Kindness"

Irish Rain: Congratulations!!

August 16, 2017 at 1:02AM

michaelcahill: This was a truly exceptional piece. Not many little contests have TWO top works like this. Well done.

August 16, 2017 at 2:13AM

CD Richards: Thanks Irish & Mikey :)

August 16, 2017 at 9:11AM

I love Matilda - even more now.

Jannypan (Jan) : no sound

May 27, 2017 at 11:53PM

CD Richards: It's just a youtube video, Jan. I've watched it myself from here in my profile, with sound. Not sure why it's not working for you.

May 28, 2017 at 2:43AM

Tragedy at St. Matthew's finished first in the contest "Shaggy Dog Poetry Contest"

Dean Kuch:

May 19, 2017 at 12:38AM

CD Richards: Thanks, Dean - much appreciated. As were your kind comments when you reviewed :)

May 19, 2017 at 2:40AM

Jannypan (Jan) : Good job! CONGRATULATIONS!

May 19, 2017 at 2:37PM

pome lover: congratulations - great piece! pome lover

May 19, 2017 at 2:57PM

CD Richards: Thanks very much, Jan and Pome Lover.

May 19, 2017 at 11:15PM

Congratulations to all the participants who made it through the NaPoWriMo contest, on a job well done. Special congratulations to Kim for winning! And on a personal note, to everyone who took the time to read and review my pieces over the month, and especially those who voted for me - I can't thank you personally, but your support means everything.

~Dovey: Thanks, Craig! I just got home, so you've gotten here first lol Well, being in your time zone vs. mine, you will always get there first! ;) Congrats on being selected as a POM entry! :) See, great things come out of NaPoWriMo!!

May 4, 2017 at 2:54AM

BeasPeas: Congratulations, Craig. Great job. Marilyn

May 4, 2017 at 7:44AM

CD Richards: You too, Marilyn :)

May 4, 2017 at 4:36PM

Answers to the Rolling Stones poem quiz (in order of appearance):

It's all over now
Bitch
Start me up
Miss you
Love in vain
Under my thumb
Loving cup
You can't always get what you want
Satisfaction
Get off of my cloud
Time is on my side
Let it loose
Rocks off
Angie
I'm free
Wild horses
Play with fire
Happy
Dead flowers
Moonlight mile

Sorry, I originally said there were 22 songs, but I left a couple out when I was reworking it. 20 is the final number.

Mustang Patty: Ok, fifteen isn't so bad. I didn't know they had a song, 'Happy.' I need to go listen to some 'Stones!;

April 27, 2017 at 5:54PM

Just Cause finished first in the contest "This is serious"

Congratulations! The Calm won the contest "Antonym Poetry Contest"

CD Richards: Yay - my first ever site sponsored contest win! Thank you for the lovely award :)

April 5, 2016 at 2:07AM

Gloria ....: Way to go, Craig! You da man. :))

April 5, 2016 at 2:09AM

Dean Kuch: HUGE congrats, Craig! 'Bout time, 'ey? ~Dean

April 5, 2016 at 2:56AM

CD Richards: Many thanks, Gloria and Dean :)

April 5, 2016 at 4:04AM

Debra White: Congratulations! :)

April 5, 2016 at 5:00AM

CD Richards: Thanks, Debra. I see congratulations are in order for you, too - well done!

April 5, 2016 at 7:56AM

I am Cat: Yay Craig! I'm so excited for you! woot!

April 5, 2016 at 8:26AM

giraffmang: Many congratulations.

April 5, 2016 at 9:19AM

brenda bickers: Well dine CD.:))

April 5, 2016 at 10:03AM

Ben Colder : Well done.

April 5, 2016 at 10:38AM

Turtle... who?: Congrats! ☺

April 5, 2016 at 12:18PM

~Dovey: I am so proud of you! :) Congrats!!

April 5, 2016 at 3:28PM

Linda Engel: congrats. Well Done.

April 5, 2016 at 4:00PM

ciliverde: Way to rock it Craig!!! Your poem was so good, you deserve it!

April 5, 2016 at 4:48PM

CD Richards: Thanks, everyone :) The support everyone gives each other here is one of the best things about being on FS.

April 5, 2016 at 4:57PM

IndianaIrish: Congratulations on winning the antonym contest!!

April 5, 2016 at 6:33PM

AnnaLinda: Congrats, Craig...I thought I was reading a brilliant winner at the time:)

April 5, 2016 at 6:52PM

Warren Rodgers: Craig, Congratulations on your first site contest win. You never forget your first! :) Rodger

April 5, 2016 at 9:05PM

CD Richards: Thanks everyone, and congrats to all the place getters, great entries all :)

April 6, 2016 at 12:31AM

rspoet: Congratulations! Great poem and picture. Deserved to win! Well done.

April 7, 2016 at 11:02PM

I've recently become aware that to have made the grade as a proper poet, you must have created your own poetic construction. Not wishing to miss the boat, I've created my own - here are the details:

The Trumpolet

1. It must contain no rhyme nor reason of any kind.
2. It must go on and on and on and on - without end.
3. Preferably, it should appeal to the primal instincts - fear, pack behaviour, etc
4. Anyone giving critical reviews of a poem adopting this form will be forcibly removed and beaten.
5. The louder, the better.
6. Certain people won't be allowed to enter. Deal with it.
7. If you don't like it, you're stoopid.

A contest featuring this form will be created shortly. If you can't handle it, go back to where you came from.

Thank you.

brenda bickers: lol

March 21, 2016 at 6:46PM

I am Cat: *slaps forehead* It's so fun to now be the laughingstock of the world... go ahead... smack us while we're down... Can I move to Australia? alpaca my things. ;)

March 22, 2016 at 2:40AM

CD Richards: The idea is, when it all gets too much, you just click on the My House clip, and it all gets better :)

March 22, 2016 at 3:01AM

CD Richards:

May 3, 2016 at 12:17AM

A couple of people may have noticed I haven't posted anything in a bit. No major dramas, it's just that life has a tendency to get in the way of more enjoyable pursuits from time to time. By the look of it, I won't be posting much, if anything in the foreseeable future.

All of that is neither here nor there, the real point of this post is to say "sorry" to the people whose stuff I regularly love to review that I haven't been able to review much lately, and also to apologize in advance that I won't get to read much at all on here for a while. Textbooks will be my bedtime reading for the foreseeable future (sigh).

To those who have brought me so much joy reading their stuff (you know who you are), keep it up, and I hope to catch up one day!

I am Cat: CRAIG!!!!!! come back! alpaca you a lunch! ;)

January 7, 2016 at 11:06AM

Turtle... who?: oh, sigh... people and their doing things in real life. ; )

January 7, 2016 at 7:04PM

Gloria ....: Textbooks are good, but zombies are funner. ;-)

January 8, 2016 at 2:28AM