Introducing my Circle Of Trust (COT) > Reviews (36)

....roll over, roll over. So they all rolled over and one Ciao member fell out, with his/her head bashed in and guts hanging out...

Oooops, sorry - forgot some of you might be eating and Ciao'ing at the same time. And to put the record straight, being 'kicked' out of my COT really isn't that bad, in fact those few that I have probably didn't even notice....

OK, here goes. A short but sweet introduction to each of the 32 special Ciao'ers that have a place in my COT as it currently stands (in no particular order)...

patriciat (Ciao member since 22/04/02) - 'Mrs T' is my best friend on Ciao. It was her 'We are Sailing' op about P&O cruises that first attracted me and we have been Ciao buddies ever since. Her ops are written from the heart and always bring a smile to my face. Whenever I log onto Ciao, it's always Mrs T's 'page' that I check first to see if any new reviews have appeared. We don't have hour-long conversations but leave messages for each other on a regular basis; kind of an informal understanding. I have a lot of time and respect for Mrs T and she is the reason I love being here so much. Long live Mrs T.

Favourite op - 'We are Sailing'

LostWitness (Ciao member since 15/07/00) - OMG - where do I start. They say laughter is the best medicine and if this saying is true, Phil should open a surgery containing his work. Funny is an understatement - hilarious doesn't come close. Proud to be 'out', Phil tells it as it is - no details spared. If some of his ops were films, they'd be X rated. For as long as he writes, I'll read (and laugh). LOVE IT. Not for the faint hearted or easily offended.

Favourite op - 'Because men use sex toys too'

BladeRunner2003 (Ciao member since ) - One of the first members I added to my COT, with Dylan it is definitely quality not quantity. Ops are rare but always worth waiting for. From posh nosh to classy cars, Dylan has been there, seen it and bought the t-shirt, the mug, the car-sticker...

Favourite ops - 'I'm a British Citizen... get me out of here' / 'Muppets R US'

kappaslappa (Ciao member since 13/07/03) - Rachel, the girl who manages to make even the most innocent words sound sordid and rude. Rachel is the kind of person that could make a trip to the park sound like an investment in a brothel. How shocked was I when I read that she works for a political party then ?? Although we all knew there was something not quite normal about those MP's didn't we...

Favourite op - 'Sleaze, Corruption and shag fests ahoy'

Scampi1 (Ciao member since 04/08/03) - Martin - the funny Ciao Cafe regular. If the Ciao Cafe served coffee, Martin would have long since OD'd on caffeine. We also exchange friendly banter when reading each other’s reviews and more often that not, Martin's bring a large smile to my face. A Geordie lad, Scampi's ops are always thorough, light hearted and always deserving of high ratings.

Favourite op - 'Scampi throws down the gauntlet'

stuleg (Ciao member since 26/03/03) - the chef who is guaranteed to put a smile as well as food on your face.

My first memory of Stuart is reading that he had practically chopped his finger off in a culinary accident - ouch. Since then, he has continued to amuse me with his flow of food-related reviews (with a few odd 'uns chucked in for good measure'. A favourite with the ladies, Stuart's ops should be on your 'to read' list one the days you need cheering up.

Favourite op - 'My balls dropped online'

Castagna (Ciao member since 28/10/03) - Castagna - my French friend from across the channel. We share a passion for the same things - Dido, Moby, The Big Blue, France, football and much more. This is the guy who claims to brush his teeth with garlic flavoured toothpaste - mais non. Lived in France every summer for about 6 years when I was younger so I have a weakness for all things red, white and blue - he was always in with a chance of a COT position wasn't he ?

Favourite op - 'Hi, my name is Castagna, I am a dad'

Sunnyfox (Ciao member since 17/09/03) - Melanie should have been born a horse. Horse mad is an understatement and considering I have only ever ridden one about 20 times in my life, she manages to convince me every time to get back on one. Can't remember how I first came across Melanie's work but my favourite op certainly made me realise what an excellent choice I had made. A quiet member of Ciao, Melanie isn't often about but remains in my COT forever.

Favourite op - 'Caring for Courtney'

Sally3 (Ciao member since 16/11/03) - If Sally were a book, she'd be the 'Good Housekeeping Guide' - but a modern version of the old classic. Whether it's games to keep kids happy, handmade crafts or recipes you are after, Sally's ops cover the lot. What I love about Sally is that she never has a bad word to say about anyone and helps to keep Ciao the friendly place that it is. I miss her when she's not about.

Favourite op - 'One hilarious hazard'

dj981 (Ciao member since 07/12/03) - I love the way that David writes and most of his topics are right up my street too. A great mix of travel, games, pets and real life - you name it, he's probably covered it. The quality of David's writing is second to none whilst maintaining a degree of informality. Always a pleasure to find a new review to read when it belongs to dj981.

Favourite ops - 'What I'd put in room 101' and 'Randy Rodents ? HAMSTERIFIC'

jillmurphy (Ciao member since 08/07/00) - To me, Jill is everything you would want in an older sister - she's funny but fair, sensible but with a wild streak ( a tattoo - who would have thought) and she fights for what she believes in - FAIR TRADE ANYONE ?? Her reviews are always of the highest standards possible, but then she's been around a bit (the site that is) and had plenty of practice !! If you want a well written review, suitable for all ages but with a hint of naughtiness - Jill's your woman. Oh and she steals from children.

Favourite op - 'Fitting Title'

torr (Ciao member since 29/08/02) - Who wouldn't enjoy one of Duncan's reviews ? The travel expert of Ciao, Duncan writes about places in a way that makes you feel like you've been there yourself.

Either that or you just want to grab your passport and a few overnight essentials and get there ASAP. Torr's work could easily appear in any travel guide, newspaper or magazine review - the very best in review writing and that which we all should aspire to.

Favourite op - 'The Deeper South'

emmorticia (Ciao member since 30/10/02) - another outstanding author, Emily is the one wearing the party hat and who now reviews for a living.... The quality of Emily's ops is second to none with books and food being subjects covered most frequently. Food I love, books I really don't so for anyone to keep me so interested and actually persuade me to try one takes more than just a couple of compliments. Emily is definitely an example of someone added to my COT simply to allow me to benefit from outstanding writing again and again.

Favourite op - 'I like my Italians cheap and tasty'

Kelmisty (Ciao member since 02/02/03) - Kelmisty is the queen of the Ciao cafe, although she likes to get her beauty ops in and amongst. Have you ever read a review and thought 'That's exactly how I feel / think / would say it etc ?' well that's what happened when I read my favourite Kelmisty op - I was actually in her shoes and feeling exactly what I was reading. She earned a place in my COT for just that.

Favourite op - 'I don't love you anymore'

Pumpkin (Ciao member since 28/04/01) - The English Language teacher of the Ciao school. I must admit, we all make the odd mistake or typo but there really is nothing worse than a review full of spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors. As an 'A' English student myself, I actually believe the quality of the content is more important but laziness or untidy work makes for lost readers. With a handful of diamonds to backup her talent, Pumpkin is just a really nice, good all rounder and I always enjoy her work.

Favourite op - 'Four Fingers can be very pleasurable'

JessL (Ciao member since 15/06/03) - Jess is a more frequent author and I'm ashamed to say I don't always keep up with all her ops. Jess is what I would call a 'girls girl' and many of her reviews support this covering topics such as Celebrities, Love Actually, Eating Healthily, Sanitary Towels and Beauty Products. Jess is the member I'd most like to have a really girly chat with - a good old-fashioned bitching session !!

Favourite ops - 'Depression, Love Triangles and Babies' / 'And he was hung like a Kling on'

Alkaliguru (Ciao member since 26/06/00) - Once you get past the 'about me' (You're fat and you smell of poo), Keith is a harmless chap and actually quite a decent one at that. Well, actually he did once state that if he had a kitten, he would kill it when it grew up, but apart from that he seems OK. Anyway, I added Keith because I found his picture so intriguing and his writing style so different. And that's that really.

Favourite op - 'It's going straight back to the shop'

Kezzalea (Ciao member since 14/08/03) - An unusual member of my COT as most ops relate to all things technology which I usually find incredibly boring.

Something different here though and the op I have selected as my favourite definitely helped - read it and you'll see why I'm sure. Having managed to avoid the Ciao Cafe since joining, don't know much else about Kezzalea other than they are staying put in my COT for now.

Favourite op - 'Midges, DJ's and Toilets'

Kazziebears (Ciao member since 29/01/01) - The reason why Kaz is in my COT is simple - she writes about all the things I love to read about. I like variety - it is the spice of life after all. I am a gossipy, gorey type of girl that likes to read about other people's lives - that's why I buy celeb mags !! Makes me smile and that's enough for me. A valued member.

Favourite op - 'Bootiful... of junk or treasure'

tamsin23 (Ciao member since 30/03/03) - I added Tamsin shortly after my boyfriend proposed to me and I started to realise what a nightmare this wedding planning thing is. Tamsin had written an op which is now my favourite about a wedding internet site and not only was it a fantastic op but one of the few I have actually done anything with. We're a similar age and have similar interests which helps, and I also admire the obvious love she has for her little girl.

Favourite op - 'With this website I thee wed'

ElizaF (Ciao member since 14/08/03) - Elizabeth was added to my cot some time ago and I'm not really sure why. That's not to suggest I don't like her reviews because I do, they're great, I just can't think of the particular moment I thought - 'Yep, want her in my COT'. Anyway, if I was to sum Elizabeth up, I'd say she was the sort of person everyone likes straight away - very open and honest. She like her beer and have the reviews to prove it.

Favourite op - 'Bum Dealings'

Linzee (Ciao member since 29/08/03) - This lady always smiles !! It's a fact. The food and beauty expert within my circle of trust, I can always rely on Linzee to build up my appetite... As with a couple of other members of my COT, I can always rely on Linzee to read my reviews and she never has a bad way to say. She looks like the sort of 'gal I could have a write old knees up with and that's why she's here to stay.

Favourite op - 'My NEXT review folks'

Birkby (Ciao member since 08/09/02) - Laura became a valued member of my COT when I learned she worse tartan tights and went to Church !! Actually it was more than that, I read her op about being strange and giggled my way through - liking her more and more as I went through. Laura is lucky enough to look about half her age and get mistaken for being her son's sister rather than mum :o) Anyway, she continues to keep me amused and for that, she earnt her place in here.

Favourite op - 'A lapa what scopy'

Trampus (Ciao member since 29/07/00) - Well, she had to be in there didn't she - I mean, it wouldn't be right otherwise. She's like part of the furniture. I have to admit, I added Sarah when I first joined Ciao and I'm sure I don't need to explain why. I then grew up and realised that I wanted each member of my COT to be special for reasons other than status on the site but Sarah remained as she is a true Ciao'er and reminds us all what is it is really about.

I'm not sure how she finds the time to read, rate and comment on the number of ops she does but that's her secret and it's good enough for me.

Favourite ops - 'Babies are meant to cry' / 'How to avoid a snowstorm in your knickers'

tagheur (Ciao member since 03/09/02) - Jeff - the guy who knows lots of useless stuff - reminds me of Les my fiancé. I stumbled across his works purely by chance but the incredible standard of his writing and knowledge of his subjects (cars and watches amongst others) made me want him in my COT almost straight away.

Favourite op - 'Cute Scoot'

ClaireG86 (Ciao member since 30/10/03) - the girl who appears much older than her years (in her writing not looks !!), Claire is always the person who leaves a note in my GB when I haven't been around to check how I am or notices when I return. Little things count for a lot in this site you know. Again, I like Claire's range of topics that she covers - never predictable and always entertaining.

Favourite op - 'Knowing what to AYME for'

AimeeLouise18 (Ciao member since 03/09/02) - I reckon if you find someone with the same name as you, you almost feel obliged to add them don't you ? As it happens, Aimee and I chatted before I added her and we got on like a house on fire. Ashamed to say, I haven't spoken to her much recently, although in my defence she hasn't been around much either. Like ClaireG86, Aimee writes in a way more mature than her years and I love her work.

Favourite op - 'I won't be your winter'

Sweary (Ciao member since 10/06/03) - A great picture to match her great writing. Sweary is the COT member I always presumed was male when I read her ops for some reason. Not really sure why but loved them all the more for it !! I know, I'm weird. Anyway, Sweary remains a member now because of the quality of her work - it's fantastic and always entertaining to read. I never bore of her stories and debates are always very well balanced.

Favourite op - 'OK, I admit it I'm a SMEG HEAD'

sylviesinc (Ciao member since 10/11/00) - Sylvia is living proof that there is life after cigarettes !! (Her words not mine !) A valued member of my COT for some time now, I like Sylvia's mix of Ciao cafe challenges and random review topics including fags, booze and chocolate (well we all have a vice don't we ?!?)

Favourite op - 'It's no sacrifice'

Louise90 (Ciao member since 01/02/01) – Louise is definitely one of the nicest members of the Ciao community. She always sees the best in people and you only have to read her op on the members of her COT to know that she has a genuine heart of gold. A real food fanatic, there won’t be much Louise hasn’t reviewed and I bet she’d be willing to take requests too. You can always count on Louise to be open and honest – what better qualities for a member of your COT ?

Favourite op – ‘Man are from Mars, Women are from, er…..

PastyNicholls (Ciao member since 11/08/01) – I’m not even going to try and pretend that I didn’t add Philip because in his photo he is wearing uniform… imagine my disgust when I found out it was an old piccie and that it has now been exchanged for a Cops dress.

Anyway, that aside, Philip appears very down to earth and full of exciting and interesting stories to tell. He obviously loves his kids to bits and he also has an opinion on most things – good or bad.

Favourite op – ‘Single parents dream’

Wearsidelass (Ciao member since 14/08/03) - The newest addition to my COT, Julia's addition was well overdue. We have continually exchanged reads and rates and normally comments and I have the utmost respect for her work. To me, it seems that Julia knows a little about a lot and has loads of interesting experiences to share with anyone who cares to read. Well listen here Wearsideless - I want to read so keep 'em coming.

Favourite ops - 'The Host with the Most' / 'A mothers right to save her unborn child'

Well there you have it. Entry to the T21AMY COT comes at a price – I have to understand you and the way you work. Your ops have to either make me laugh, cry or both. I don’t care for those members that write about the same thing over and over again unless they are so brilliant at it, that it doesn’t really matter and my favourite topics are food, life, sex, travel and alcohol. Anyway, to all my COT members – hope I haven’t offended and keep writing.

I love you all.

T21AMY©