As children we are told by our mothers and grandmothers that love conquers all, and not only that, but it's all we need. 'Okay, makes sense,' we agree, and continue growing. As we do, these precepts serve as a logical basis for our ever-more-subtle ethical education,...

This morning, ignoring the slackers on the panhandle of this revolting cesspool of a city, stepping over the druggie bums while hurrying to digital servitude in order to pay off my future self for my present home entertainment system, I took a sip of my Starbuck's and...

(PAIN!)  Cassandra gritted and bore, relaxed; squeezed without using her body, encircling the pain, putting it at a distance.  (good)   (so far)   (shut up)  That small amount of backtalk had cost her her control; the pain returned,...