The value of a compliment

 Tread lightly here. Women are often turned off by a guy complimenting them. "Oh, it's a line. "He's a dog."

We are cautioned about sexual harassment, abuse, and using one's Job (position) to gain favors. All true and to be respected.

BUT: In romance movies and hopefully in books there comes an appropriate time where the two protagonists complement each other (or one does and it is appreciated). So what's the difference? They're either on a level playing field or recognize the remark as sincere. But there's magic here. They feel the same way. Yep, that's how romance works on one level, mutual attraction. So actually saying that you are attracted becomes an affirmation to the other that they are loved or at least desired by someone they desire too.

There may not be a better natural feeling than knowing that the other appreciates you as much as they appreciate them. This assumes a lot of info has been collected to jump to the conclusion in a romance that you are truly loved. When this happens picture fireworks, because that's the ball game.

Rachel and Gabby: predictions based on no knowledge, lol

Okay, this is for the eyes of the ABC Bachelor fans only. Others can read that novel you've put off because life interrupts.

Gabby and Rachel are co-bachelorettes. They have become such great friends I just know they'll work well together.

BUT, in the previews you see some guys choosing which lady they like. So they refuse a rose from the 'wrong' bachelorette for them.

Although Gabby and Rachel question this, I think it best to clarify and I predict they'll like it more and more. I mean who wants a mate who doesn't want them, lol?

Gabby and Rachel are completely different in their personalities (and looks). So, it would be natural to quickly declare oneself team Gabby or Rachel. But who will and who will not? And there's always the possibility that a guy could change his mind, especially when he thinks he has no or little chance with the one he chose. BUT, how good a fit would it end up being? Ah, the complexities. I'm a chess master so I gravitate to this sort of intricacy in a story (or two stories).

There are many stories. There were 32 men but three were sent home on night one, last week. Who are they? The best place to see the cast is on various internet sites, probably ABC.

I'll have three columns in the future. Men for Gabby. Men for Rachel. The undecideds. And probably two more. Who Gabby likes and who Rachel likes. It's a bear.

The three sent home were predictable. Joey & Justin (twins) seemed (there are edits) to talk about their relationship with each other (too much). Where's the empathy, guys? Roby seemed only interested in showing off card tricks. Is this a one-way street? If so, tell the DMV.

Rachel Recchia is a gorgeous 26 yr old pilot and flight instructor with a sweet personality.

Gabby Windey, with eye-catching and unusual looks, is 31 and a ICU nurse and a former cheerleader for the Denver Broncos. She's very witty and down-to-earth. Both ladies have complementary hearts.

The men range in age from 23 to 36.

Mario Vassall, 31, personal trainer, got Gabby's first impression rose. Mario is a ball of energy who wants a family.

Tino Franco, 28, a general contractor, received Rachel's 1st rose. He is a go-with-the-flow type of guy who loves spending time with his family, friends, and dog.

That's all for now.

Voice in novels clarified

 I often wonder why most authors don't address a character's voice. They do pay attention to the author's voice, the story's voice, or the point of view.

Maybe when writing they don't think about it. So, one must describe some of the characters' voices, please.

Is he/she throaty, (like Marilyn Monroe), chirpy, halting, stuttery, high-pitched, low-low (like Scotty McCreery), staccato, flighty, deep (like the cookie monster, lol), have an accent (like Sean Connery)?

Enrich your story with characters' voices.

endless universe

 As a physicist, I have always thought it not rational that the universe is limited in space and has a shape. There are many scientists that believe in multiple universes. Or that the one we can measure goes on forever. Just as there are gaps between galaxies so should there be gaps between so-called universes and our gap gives us a misimpression, since we can't see beyond it.

If there is infinite matter there has to be infinite life. And if there is infinite life one never has to worry about existence!