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Many folks with a stutter can sing w/o any problem. Theory has it that when one is singing the brain recruits different &/or additional circuits than when one is speaking and this recruitment eliminates the stutter. It's not so much that the guy controls his stutter better while singing as he doesn't have a stutter to control when he sings.

met Tomcal two years ago in Rio during my first trip there (with lurker) and he was invaluable helping me navigate my way thru the saunas and the streets of Rio!.....fun-loving, unpretentious guy.... I'm sure you'll do fine, Tom, and I'm very glad we met up.....great times!

On the other hand (quoting the Merriam-Webster Dictionary of English Usage, 1994): "The distinction between hanged and hung is not an especially useful one (although a few commentators claim otherwise). It is, however, a simple one and easy to remember. Therein lies its popularity. If you make a point of observing the distinction in your writing you will not thereby become a better writer, but you will spare yourself the annoyance of being corrected for having done something that is not wrong."

A malingering purler named May Ate a bad Chimichanga Mole. She both shitted and shat As she knitted and knat, And she hopes to be finished some day.

Perhaps those kids who "hanged out with their friends" were engaging in asphyxiophilia? Best regards, RA1

Ah but I'm not an English major so I'm free to indulge in mindless babble to my heart's content, AS. The applicable rules of posting, though subtle, are quite clear in this regard. For instance, when I wrote my screed above on behalf of strong verbs, I had no knowledge of what might constitute a strong verb (other than what little I could gather from the context of the term's use in the article I cited). Now that alone makes crafting a post in their defence while concealing my ignorance of the subject matter (w/o coming across a complete idiot) a true high wire act. Frankly I'm rather proud of how well I pulled it off. And no, don't bother to educate me on the matter. Just now I went and looked it up just to deny you that small pleasure.

Now who just recently called me down a la Cut the English major crap AS! Which of course is not to take issue with what you said.

Tomcal, I hope it's one of those illnesses that our rapid medical advances will overtake very soon. Always love your posts and part of the pleasure was never knowing when one was going to pop up. With luck, it won't be long before we see another. Something tells me that, even in retirement, you will probably be getting a lot more action than most of us. Anything you care to share, I'll be here.

I don't watch these shows either but this guy really moved me. It doesn't hurt that he is so boyishly handsome. But overcoming his stutter is nothing short of amazing. I don't understand how he can sing like that when it seems to take him so much effort to control his stutter. I wondered if he could be faking the stutter, but given the back story footage that seems unlikely (although I understand that there isn't much TV producers wouldn't do). Hope he continues to do well.

But, hopefully he treats the "puppy" well. Best regards, RA1

AS- One thing I have observed about you is that you likely will read almost anyone's opinion piece, sometimes ,even mine. Best regards, RA1

I was really sad to read that post of yours, Tom. I do hope the illness will be as non-progressing as it can be ! And I am sure that you will continue to fight against it with the same energy and courage that you showed since you were aware that you had it. It has been a pleasure going with you to Prague, Brazil and Fort Lauderdale. We had some identical taste as for boys and we shared a lot of boys together (not at the same time lol) in many places. I had great time travelling with you, since you were knowledgeable, good company and easy going. I wish you the best of luck. Next time I will enter the Mezzaninu sauna, the Meio Mundo sauna or Boardwalk or Monty=Little Temple in Prague, I will have a big thought for you. Thanks for having permitted to me - and to a lot of readers of this forum - to discover the Mezzaninu sauna. Best of luck ! Paulo

As someone who has benefited from your kindness and your wisdom TomCal I am devastated by this news. As a friend of 20 years I hope I can be of assistance to you if you need. You have my phone number-just call if you need anything. Your positive energy as well as your stamina gives me hope that this illness is not going to have an easy time getting the better of you. Thank you.

Best of luck, many of us often just browse without ever posting, so sometimes I guess you may not appreciate that your posts are valued and informative. Thanks. And hopefully you can manage through what must be a difficult time.

Tom, thx for all the information and advice you have been sharing with us all those years. You are a esteemed member of this community and I truly hope you stay coming to this forum.

Allow me to echo the sentiments expressed by everyone else and wish you the best as well as thank you for your valuable contributions.

Tomcal, I,m heartbroken, just to remind you thatas much as illness advance, so does science, and seeing you in a sauna in Rio or Porto Alegre is not out of the picture. Faith!

Hi, Tom: Sad to hear you are forced into early retirement. But Hey, you had a great run, being there during the heydays! I am full of envies your posts are both entertaining and informational. Very much appreciated. Best wishes.

I'm very sad to read your post, Tom. I wish you all the best in fighting your illness.

Tom, you are an amazing person and are a true asset to this forum. You are also a great friend and travel companion. You are truly a world class person! You are in my thoughts!

Tom, I'm also very sorry to hear of your health issues and wish you the very best! I still hope to see you around sometime, in the forum or in WeHo/etc! I remain envious of all you've done and hope to experience even a fraction someday!

I'm sorry to hear of your health issues. But you are maintaining a positive and proactive stance with regard to this problem. I am hoping there will be a cure or a new treatment for your illness. Yesterday I finally took the plunge and booked my flight to Prague for early August. So I'll try and enjoy the city in the spirit of Tomcal. All the best!

Tom, as I read your poignant post, I applaud you for your sincerity, honesty, and for 'ALL' that you've rendered here. Strange: an acquaintance of mine who sent me an email today asked me if I've ever met you. This Brit met you in Rio at one point and was impressed. Also, you have been in my thoughts recently, for there haven't been any posts! Now I know and am sorry that you will be taking another road! Riosul's sentiments are mine. I wish you the utmost best in carrying on now as well as in the future despite your illness!!