var story=""
function CkNme(XNme)  {
  var UcNme = XNme.toUpperCase()
  var LcNme = XNme.toLowerCase()
    
  if (XNme==UcNme || XNme==LcNme){
      XNme = LcNme;
      XNme = XNme.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + XNme.substring(1,15);
    }  
 return XNme;
 }
function compute(fern)  {
 var firstNme = fern.firstNme.value
       firstNme = CkNme(firstNme);
 var lastNme = fern.lastNme.value
       lastNme = CkNme(lastNme);
 var friend1 = fern.friend1.value
       friend1 = CkNme(friend1);
 var friend2 = fern.friend2.value
       friend2 = CkNme(friend2);
if(fern.gender.value == "Male"){
 var boyGirl = "boy"
 var heShe = "he"
 var heSheCap = "He"
 var hisHer = "his"
 var hisHerCap = "His"
 var himHer = "him"
 var himHerSelf = "himself"
 var sibling= new Array("Son","Son","Grandson","Grandson","Son","Son");
} 
else {
 var boyGirl = "girl"
 var heShe = "she"
 var heSheCap = "She"
 var hisHer = "her"
 var hisHerCap = "Her"
 var himHer = "her"
 var himHerSelf = "herself"
 var sibling= new Array("Daughter","Daughter","Granddaughter","Granddaughter","Daughter","Daughter");
};
var sib=sibling[fern.relative.selectedIndex]
var adult= new Array("Mother","Father","Grandmother","Grandfather","Mother","Father");
var polite=adult[fern.relative.selectedIndex]
var achieve=new Array("completing and turning in all "+ hisHer +" homework, on time, for a whole month"," getting 100% on "+hisHer+" spelling tests for the last six weeks "," playing well in the soccer tourney  ","doing "+hisHer +" chores for a month, without once being reminded "," giving up watching TV for two weeks","making the honor roll","doing "+hisHer+" personal best at school","doing well in the swim meet ","reading for more than 20 minutes every night for three weeks","using good manners even when "+heShe+" was upset");

var achievments=achieve[fern.goal.selectedIndex]
var relative = fern.relative.value
var RelYell= relative.toUpperCase()
var x = fern.relative.selectedIndex
var z = x+1
if(z/2 == Math.floor(z/2)){
var RheShe = "he"
var RhisHer = "his"
}
else {
var RheShe = "she"
var RhisHer = "her"
};
var x = fern.old.selectedIndex
var z = x+1
if(z/2 == Math.floor(z/2)){
var OheShe = "he"
var OheSheCap="He"
var OhisHer = "his"
var OhisHerCap = "His"
var OhimHer = "him"
}
else {
var OheShe = "she"
var OheSheCap="She"
var OhisHer = "her"
var OhisHerCap = "Her"
var OhimHer = "her"
};
var sick = fern.sick.value
var x = fern.sick.selectedIndex
var z = x+1
if(z/2 == Math.floor(z/2)){
var SheSheCap = "He"
var ShimHer = "him"
}
else {
var SheSheCap = "She"
var ShimHer = "her"
};
var goal = fern.goal.value
var play = fern.play.value
var treat = fern.treat.value
var game = fern.game.value
var cards = fern.cards.value
var bad = fern.bad.value
var roller = fern.roller.value
var storm = fern.storm.value
var old= fern.old.value
var trio=fern.trio.value
var trios= new Array("Ladies","Gentlemen","Good People","Good People");
var groupy=trios[fern.trio.selectedIndex]
var storms= new Array("A tremendous crack of thunder sounded. Lightning split the air. The sky opened up and rain drenched everything in sight. The rain","The temperature fell. A tremendous crack of thunder sounded. The sky opened up and huge ice balls pelted everything in sight. The hail","A tremendous crack of thunder sounded. The sky opened up and rain poured down. A moment later, however, the temperature fell. The rain became sleet and the sleet coated everything in sight. The sleet","A tremendous crack of thunder sounded. The sky opened up. Sleet poured down in waves, rapping on everything in sight. A moment later, however, the temperature warmed a little. The sleet became snow and big, white, sticky flakes were blowing everywhere. Soon they could not see across the street. The snow");
var forecasts= new Array("heavy rain and flooding", "hail and icy roads", "sleet and icy roads","heavy snow and icy roads");
var hears= new Array("rain pounding on the roof and windows.","hail beating on the roof and windows.","sleet hammering on the roof and windows.","wind whistling and calling to them through the windows and front door.");
var x= fern.storm.selectedIndex

var bigStorm=storms[x]
var forecast=forecasts[x]
var heard=hears[x]

var tales = new Array(". The second story was as captivating as the first. As they listened, each easily became the beautiful colt Black Beauty. They galloped when he galloped. They learned what he learned. They felt as he felt. When "+old+" finished, they were very disappointed. "+OheSheCap+" told them that "+OheShe+" had only read the first chapter. The book, <i>Black Beauty</i>, follows him through his life. They could find a copy in the library",", found a page, and told them, \"Now you will learn how Arthur became King of England. You may have heard of the sword in the stone, of Camelot, and of the Knights of the Round Table. There are many accounts, but this one by Sir Thomas Malory is my favorite. This chapter will get you started.\" The children were total fans when "+OheShe+" finished, vowing to get the whole story at the library soon"," and declared, \"Now, I\'m going to read a little Shakespeare to you.\" By this time, the children were game for anything "+old+" was giving them. They were not disappointed. "+OheSheCap+" made Romeo and Juliet real. "+OheSheCap+" made music with Shakespeare\'s words. "+OheSheCap+" explained the unfamiliar and reread the best parts. By the end, all agreed that \"never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo\"",". The second story was as captivating as the first. This one took them back to the time of ancient Greece. There they met Ulysses and the one-eyed giant, Cyclops. They held their breath throughout the adventure; then clapped with relief at the end. "+old+" told them that Ulysses had many more challenges. Long ago Homer wrote them all down in a book named <i>The Odyssey</i>",". The second story was as captivating as the first. "+OheSheCap+" read about the trials of poor King Midas who loved gold more than anything. When the tale ended, "+old+" surprised them by saying \"The Golden Touch\" was an ancient Greek myth. Further, a man named Hawthorne wrote down this version almost two hundred years ago");

 var x= fern.tale.selectedIndex
 var saga=tales[x]
 
 var story = ("<html><HEAD><TITLE> " + firstNme +"\'s Winter Tale</TITLE>  <LINK REL=stylesheet Type='text/css' HREF='SansTxt.css'></HEAD>");

story = (story +"<BODY text='#000000' BGCOLOR = '#6699FF'><Font size='+2'>");
story = (story +"<h1 align=center>" + firstNme +"\'s Winter Tale<br><sup>by " + firstNme + " "+ lastNme + "</sup></h1><P>");

story=(story+"<P>"+firstNme+" had been looking forward to this Saturday for a long time. "+hisHerCap+" friends, "+friend1+" and "+friend2+", were spending the afternoon at "+hisHer+" house. ");

story=(story+hisHerCap+"  "+relative+" was rewarding "+himHer+" for "+achievments+". The "+trio+" were planning on "+play+", making "+treat+", listening to "+hisHer+" latest CD, using the computer, and, of course, just hanging out together.");

story=(story+"<P>Then, almost ruining the party plans, the unexpected happened - twice.");

story=(story+"<P>First, the early morning weather report sounded awful. The forecast was for high winds throughout the day with possible "+forecast+". But, that problem solved itself. Within an hour, the weatherman said the storm had changed direction and was headed out of the area. Besides, even if there were a little "+storm+", they would be safe inside. \"No problem,\" "+firstNme+" reassured "+hisHer+" "+relative+".");

story=(story+"<P>The second problem was harder to solve. "+firstNme+" heard the phone ring while "+heShe+" was cleaning up "+hisHer+" room for guests. "+hisHerCap+" "+relative+" came in and sat on the bed. Looking worried and speaking softly, "+RheShe+" said, \"Your "+sick+" is sick and needs my help right away. All of us will have to go to "+ShimHer+" as soon as possible. "+SheSheCap+"\'ll be okay. But, I\'m afraid we\'re going to have to cancel the party.\"" );

story=(story+"<P>"+firstNme+" felt "+bad+". "+hisHerCap+" whole body froze. \"This can\'t be happening,\" "+heShe+" silently cried to "+himHerSelf+". When "+firstNme+" found words, "+heShe+" pleaded with "+hisHer+" "+relative+" to think of some way "+hisHer+" friends could come over although "+hisHer+" "+relative+" wouldn\'t be there.");

story=(story+"<P>For the longest time, no one said anything. Then, suddenly, "+hisHer+" "+relative+"\'s face brightened and "+RheShe+" spoke. \"Maybe, just maybe, my dear friend "+old+" would be willing to stay with you. You met "+OhimHer+" a couple of times. Of course, we would have to ask "+OhimHer+" and then get permission from your friend\'s parents.\"" );

story=(story+"<P>"+firstNme+" vaguely remembered "+hisHer+" "+relative+"\'s friend. "+old+" was on the old side and not very interesting. "+OhisHerCap+" clothes were simple and somewhat drab. "+OheSheCap+" moved slowly and used many words "+firstNme+" didn\'t understand. All in all "+old+" probably wouldn\'t be much fun.");

story=(story+"<P>\"Oh well, any old port in a storm will do,\" "+heShe+" thought to "+himHerSelf+", unaware of just how the day would unfold.");

story=(story+"<P>Many phone calls were made. By noon, "+firstNme+" felt as "+roller+" as if "+heShe+" had just gotten off a bad roller coaster ride. But, "+hisHer+" friends could come, the party was still on, and "+old+" was now driving up.");

story=(story+"<P>Shortly, "+firstNme+"\'s family left and "+friend1+" and "+friend2+" arrived. In no time at all, the three friends were "+play+" and laughing happily. "+old+" seemed content as "+OheShe+" quietly kept "+OhimHer+"self  busy in the front room. Not one of them noticed that the day was rapidly getting dark. The air was growing heavy and an unusual quietness had settled in.");

story=(story+"<P>Then, without further warning, the sharp sound of wind howling stopped everything and everyone. The "+trio+" ran to the front window and looked out. A dark shadow had fallen over the whole neighborhood. "+bigStorm+" kept coming and coming and then ... the lights went off.");

story=(story+"<P>Immediately, the house fell into almost total darkness. Four pairs of ears focused on the "+heard+" Three pairs of eyes opened wide. Nervous hands reached out for a friend. Uneasiness ruled.");

story=(story+"<P>"+old+" broke the spell with "+OhisHer+" calm and quiet voice. \""+firstNme+", do you know where to find matches, candles, and a flashlight?\"");

story=(story+"<P>"+firstNme+" thought "+heShe+" knew. "+heSheCap+" stumbled "+hisHer+" way through the house searching through drawers and cabinets. Luckily, "+heShe+" found a flashlight first. That helped "+himHer+" find some matches, a couple of candles, and the hurricane lamp. The only batteries "+firstNme+" found were in the flashlight. They needed those for the radio. They switched off all the lights to prevent damage from power surges. The candles would be their last resource. In the meantime, the oil lamp would have to be their sole light. One thing was for sure; all four of them would have to stay together in the same room.");

story=(story+"<P>Each child wondered what they could do next. "+firstNme+" was stuck on what they were NOT able to do. Making "+treat+" was out because they couldn\'t use the electric stove. Likewise, they couldn\'t  watch movies, play CDs, watch television, or use the computer. There wasn\'t enough light to continue "+play+". Somehow, even hanging out together had lost its appeal. The four of them huddling around the limited light from the hurricane lamp in the cold, dark, front room was what they had. Furthermore, "+firstNme+"\'s pleading wasn\'t going to cancel this "+storm+"storm.");

story=(story+"<P>\"Ghost stories are fun,\" ventured "+friend2+".");

story=(story+"<P>\"Table games can be fun,\" suggested "+friend1+".");

story=(story+"<P>\"We could play "+cards+" if you have cards,\" offered " +old+".");

story=(story+"<P>After a short time and with zero enthusiasm, "+firstNme+" said, \"I\'ll try to find some cards.\"");

story=(story+"<P>They ran through their ideas quickly. "+cards+" didn\'t work because some of the cards were missing. "+game+" didn\'t work because too many of the pieces had been lost. And, somehow dark and stormy tales were neither scary nor amusing. The "+trio+" were beginning to get on each other\'s nerves. To make matters worse, news from the last radio report was bad. The phone lines were still down and many of the roads were closed because of the "+storm+". No one was going anywhere, anytime soon."); 

story=(story+"<P>"+old+" must have been waiting for just this moment. "+OheSheCap+" slowly reached in a bag "+OheShe+" had brought and pulled out something. It was a dark blue book as thick and heavy as a dictionary. It looked worn and older than "+old+". "+OheSheCap+" opened it up and turned the pages with care. Even in low light, "+firstNme+" could see that the print was small and there weren\'t any pictures in it.");

story=(story+"<P>"+old+" explained, \"We\'re in luck, "+groupy+". I brought my storm book with me today. It\'s full of classics. Get warm and comfortable on the sofa together. I\'ll read to you for a little while.\"");

story=(story+"<P>The three "+trio+" tried hard not to roll their eyes and give each other that look. Their signal wasn\'t necessary though because they knew each was thinking the same thing. This was going to be boring beyond belief.");

story=(story+"<P>Well, from the moment "+old+" began reading about the kidnappers and the hyper, ten-year old boy who called himself Red Chief, they were hooked. For more than thirty minutes, they lived with Bill, Sam and the Kid. The tale had them spellbound and laughing as it twisted and turned all the way to the surprise ending. When it was over, "+firstNme+" was begging for more.");

story=(story+"<P>After a stretch, "+old+" talked about O. Henry who was the author and had written other wonderful short stories. "+OheSheCap+" said, when "+OheShe+" was growing up, "+OhisHer+" father would come home on Friday nights after payday with Oh Henry! chocolate bars for everyone. After dinner, they would eat them while he read aloud from his O. Henry book.");

story=(story+"<P>"+old+" picked up the storm book again"+saga+".");

story=(story+"<P>\"Classics are totally awesome,\" the "+trio+" announced in one voice.");

story=(story+"<P>\"Could you read another, right now ... please?\" "+firstNme+" tried to ask politely.");

story=(story+"<P>Clearly pleased by the request, "+old+" turned to another story and began reading. When the children heard \"Scrooge\", they snuggled back into the sofa knowing they were hearing a good one. "+OhisHerCap+" manner was unhurried. "+OheSheCap+" read slowly as if savoring the words before sharing them.");

story=(story+"<P>In fact, all four were so involved in Scrooge\'s story that they never noticed the green lights on the VCR blinking. "+firstNme+" didn\'t hear the car drive up. No one heard footsteps outside the front door. Not one head turned when the door opened quietly. "+old+" was reading the part when Scrooge first sees Marley\'s ghost coming right through the closed, heavy door into his room.");

story=(story+"<P>Then ... someone came into their room and turned the lights on. Startled and blinded by the sudden bright light, no one moved. Seconds later, "+firstNme+" cried, \"Oh, "+RelYell+"! PLEEASE  turn the lights OFF!\"");

story=(story+"<P>"+hisHerCap+" "+relative+" laughed and understood. Soon only lamplight lit the otherwise dark room again. Everyone resettled. "+old+" continued the story to its end. Parting that evening was difficult until "+old+" promised to visit again soon. Yes, "+OheShe+" would read to them. Yes, "+firstNme+"\'s friends would come,too.");

story=(story+"<P>By Sunday afternoon, the "+storm+"storm had passed and all the roads were open. The family decided they had to have their own storm book. Going out the door to shop for one, "+polite+" and "+sib+" said together, \"Let\'s remember, you can\'t tell a book by its age or its cover.\"");

story=(story+"<p>Then, "+firstNme+" smiled and quickly added, \"And, you can\'t tell a person either!\"</p>");

story=(story+"<hr><blockquote><font  size='+1'>PS ...  Please pass on this information to adults in your life. Jim Trelease writes the best books ever on stories people of all ages enjoy hearing and reading aloud. Look for his Read Aloud-Handbooks in the library and in bookstores. He steered Kay to William Russell's book, <i>Classics to Read Aloud to Your Children</i>, which was 'the storm book' used in this story.</font></blockquote>");

story=(story+"<hr><font color='blue' size='-4'>&copy;2003 Kay Wittes</font>"); 

msgWindow=window.open("","displayWindow","toolbar=yes,width=640,height=400,directories=no,status=no,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes,menubar=yes")
msgWindow.document.write(story)
msgWindow.focus()
msgWindow.document.close()
}