Date:         Mon, 29 Jun 1998 08:41:44 -0700
From: "Anthony V. Toscano" <atoscan@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject:      [WRITERS] FILL: My Name Is Toscano

Dear WRITERS:

Every once in a while I begin to think that folks who have been members of
this list for a short time might not realize that these days two people who
call themselves Anthony contribute their thoughts and words to this forum.

I am Anthony V. Toscano.  The other Anthony here uses the tag line "Words
From The Monastery" and the signature "volente Deo, Anthony."

It's important to me, and perhaps as well to the other inestimable Anthony,
that my words be understood as distinct from his.

I'm Italian.

I'm a grammatical snoot and a full-time member of the ARG Society.

I like the complexity of the English language, and I think it fruitless
dreaming to consider that we might simplify the language by way of
committee.

I don't want to simplify the English language.

I try not to make excuses for my errors in print.  I'd rather attempt
mastery of grammar than to allow my grammar checker to master me.

When I speak a language other than English, I enjoy the music of the
language I speak, but I appreciate even more the levels, shades and clever
insinuations the English language allows me to convey.

I write every day, but I'm not a writer.

I own no black beret, but I'm considering the purchase once prices come
down and I become famous.

I drink a lot of espresso and I have no trouble sleeping after the eighth cup.

I write into my laptop computer while sitting inside coffee shops.  I know
this is an affectation, but how else to remain close to the IV?

I'm here because writers are intelligent people and I like good company.

I use Macintosh computers most of the time.  Windoze is okay, but
installing a modem or a printer is much like being buried inside a cave and
then rising on the third day after the funeral; some folks will never
believe you're god after taking all that time to accomplish what should be
a simple task for a supreme being.

I eat a great deal of garlic, so the email airwaves afford me friendships I
might otherwise not enjoy.

I don't live in Washington, D.C., although I once knew that city quite well
and she knew me.

I love smart women.

I enjoy smart men, but they're just not shaped the same, and most times
they smell different.

I'm sometimes a wise guy.  All right, I'm many times a wise guy, but it's
not my fault.

I own a temper, but you'll never know about it, unless I grow angry and
begin to make a fool of myself.

I'm opposed to the death penalty, although I'd murder anyone who harmed a
loved one of mine, and I would not allow you to get in the way of my
stiletto and my teeth.  Paradoxes do not stop me thinking.

I don't live in a monastery.  I don't believe in any god.  I cannot abide
new-age gurus and their expensive self-help books.  Shirley MacLaine is an
exception; I love her pink hair, her mystical prognostications and her cute
cheesecloth face.  I channel with her every morning, so if anyone wants to
get a message through, just ask.

I like to dance.

Please remember that there are two Anthony's here on WRITERS (and maybe
more who lurk).

I am Anthony V. Toscano.  I like my name.

Thanks for listening.



Ciao,

----------------
Anthony V. Toscano
atoscan@ix.netcom.com
anthonyvt@aol.com