Here it is, Marky! You've earned it!

Holy Crap! Bob used an emoticon!!

Does this mean I'm given one grace emoticon too? Bob made me swear them off a month or so ago.

It's like seeing your AA sponsor with a drink in his hand.

As long as it's robitussin vermouth.

Murph: Sorry to "Obama" (hugely disappoint) you. (In the future, that will need neither a cap, quotes, nor a definition.)

Please bear in mind that it was a one-offer that I firmly believe Mark had earned. He knows how rare they are and I thought it'd make him feel special. (I also asked GOD if it was cool. He said, "No," but I've never taken his advice seriously anyway, especially when He posts here.)

Edit: If you use them ultra-sparingly (yes, it's OK), you too, can have others attribute far more meaning to them than they're worth.
It's an awesome power, my (our) island friend. Use it wisely.

OH OH! If Bob hates emoticons, he must really hate my posts. I use them, basically, because I have a fear my words alone, without the benefit of facial expression and vocal inflection, will be misinterpreted as having an emotional character not intended.

Sorry, Bob. Not sorry I use them, but sorry if they drive you crazy (in your honor, I am resisting the impulse to use the "crazy" emoticon here). (And now, I'm resisting using the smiling emoticon which would demonstrate I am not angry, upset, or offended and intend no offense). GAAAAAHHHHH! See what I mean? (insert frown emo.........oh nevermind!)

I refuse to have myself or my friends defined by their use of emoticons or lack thereof.

Everybody knows its the font choice that conveys character.

I thought it was the proper use of apostrophes.

No thread is safe on these forums from being completely derailed....

It's proper spelting and grammer thast convays karacter.