Athos

Great advice! You will rarely impress a woman by talking about yourself. You'll impress her by taking an interest in her and listening to what she has to say. Once you've done that then she'll want to know all about you! But it's her wanting to know, rather than you telling her she should want to know!! Porthos

As Boomer suggests, The other worry about the strategy is that you might fall for the lady. It may only be "practice", but it could start to feel real. The ladies I see are genuinely wonderful people whose company I enjoy. If circumstances were different, I could well imagine several of them being the sort of person I might ask out. But, and it's a big but: circumstances are not different and I know where the line is, and it's a line never to be crossed! If you were to go down this road of practice dating I wouldn't take the same lady out more than once or twice, unless you are able to keep that line firmly in your sights at all times. To be honest, it sounds like you need to find ways to meet women, more than practice talking to them. Frankly, I love talking to the SPs I see, and enjoy engaging in conversation with them. But that can also happen in the bedroom! You might as well enjoy conversation and physical intimacy! I'd agree with Backrubman, give the social dating sites a whirl. I think on a place like lavalife, most of the guys are looking for quick sex, but the women are more interested in serious dating. If you present yourself as honest and with integrity, you'll do well. Porthos

After 3 days, the rain has stopped (for now) and the fog has lifted. You can feel everyone's spirits soar!

I must confess to being a huge Sci Fi fan. One my favourite current authors is Charles Stross. Glasshouse is an amazing futuristic gender bending commentary on culture wars. His Laundry Files ... The Atrocity Archives, the Jennifer Morgue and the Fuller Memorandum are wonderful. A combination of sci Fi, the occult, and espionage! Some of his books can be pretty far out there, like Singularity Sky, but hugely entertaining. I also love mysteries. Ian Rankin, who created Rebus, the taciturn Scottish detective, has a new series looking at police Internal Affairs in Scotland. The first two, The Complaints and The Impossible Dead, are great reads. I've also become very fond of Scandinavian mystery writers, admittedly after reading Stieg Larson's Millenium trilogy. (enjoyed the Swedish movies, haven't seen the American). My current fav is Jo Nesbo's series of Harry Hole detective novels, about an alcolohic detective with a knack for self destruction and catching serial killers. I'm just about to start his latest, entitled Phantom. Porthos

One thing I would suggest, though, is that practice is always just that: practice. Make sure your paid companion knows what you are looking for. Otherwise you are in danger of her trying to fulfill your fantasy ... That your jokes, small talk, flirtations, are dead on the money, and she may therefore act like they are! RG's point, though, that SPs are real people is well taken. Some, you may find no trouble carrying on a sparkling conversation, whereas others you might find it difficult to find anything to talk about. In this respect, it could be very much like a real date. My advice, join a recreational sports league, a running club, an environmental group, take a general interest night class. Whatever it is that is of interest. Start going to Church. Get a dog and go to the dog park!! Even if you hone your skills with a SP, at some point you still need to meet women. And I shutter to even suggest it, but I actually do know several people that have found their life mate through online dating sites like e-harmony. Porthos

Congratulations and very well deserved.

I can remember my Aunt's wringer washer in the farm house!! Looked a lot like this

BBFS has to be off everyone's list. After that, people need to manage their risk level. The key is to be well informed and keep yourself educated, and go for testing reasonably regularly. Each of us has a responsibility to Play safe and play smart. Porthos

Spending time with the amazing and incomparable Gabriella Laurence! It may be a highlight of my life!!! Porthos

I like Phaedrus because he has such a clever user name, and is pretty darn clever himself. Porthos

Unless you are planning to explore beyond St. John's I wouldn't bother renting a car. The downtown core is quite compact, and an easy walk (2 minutes) from the Delta or Sheraton. Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi are only a short cab ride. If you want to explore the Island, renting a car is a must. Porthos

Insane Temple

Threatening something like this is simply atrocious behaviour. The person also clearly doesn't know much about CERB as negative reviews are not permitted. If he posts something, on this board or any other, simply ask the moderators to remove it. Just explain what he threatened and the fact that you've never seen the person. Porthos

Despite the fact it's only 6 degrees and cold here in NL, it's great to be home!!

Last day in Ontario before heading back to NL. Met a lady from Bell Island who told me I've picked up a bit of an accent! Last visit with my dear old Mom, who recognized me today, but can't stay awake long enough to really chat. Still, I'm counting it as a highlight! Porthos

Catching up with old friends today, and having my work validated by people I respect and whose opinions I value! Looking forward to getting home.

I agree, the Delta is your best hotel choice, followed by the Sheraton. Many great restaurants to choose from. I love Bacalao on Lemarchant. Great food. Their Salt cod Fritters are wonderful, as is their seafood risotto. And the caribou medallions are fabulous. Raymonds on Water Street is an excellent restaurant ... EnRoute Magazine ranked it one of the best restaurants in Canada. For indian I highly recommend India Gate, or Shalimar ... both on duckworth street downtown. Lots of great pubs as well. Sharmrock City, just steps from the Delta has live music every night, and Yellowbelly has amazing beer (brewed on premises) and fabulous food. Their Lobster hash on their weekend brunch is simply divine. As are their Crabcake Eggs Benedict. they also do fabulous mussels, burgers, etc. Gracie Joes in Quidi Vidi is also very nice And of course, there are more pubs and bars along George Street than any other block in the country. and of course for sights ... Signal Hill is a must, and if you have transportation Cape Spear is not far away. The most easterly point in the country. And simply breathtaking. Boat trip whale watching and iceberg hunting is also time well spent. You can book the Iceberg quest trip right from Shamrock city pub. Enjoy your visit. I'm a huge fan of St. John's, and would, if I could, spend the rest of my life here. Porthos

Thanks so much everyone! It's been a good day so far! Your kind wishes mean so very much to me!!

See every one of the Cerb goddesses!! Go back country camping in Wood Buffalo National Park A Costa Rican Eco-trip, followed bu Costa Rican fun!!

Hike Mount Kilimanjaro

Congratulations Sophia and well done! Love reading your posts, almost as much as viewing your albums!!! Porthos

A number of years ago my doctor prescribed Lipitor. I took it for a while, but generally just felt unwell while I was on it. Hard to describe, but sort of sluggish and just not myself. Took myself off it and felt better immediately. I started exercising more, stopped eating donuts at Tim's and within 3 months my cholesterol was just fine. I also changed doctors Porthos