On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 7:59 PM, Greg A. wrote:

Well, you'll recognize me :-)  I've learned much, have copied my picture over a background having 2 layers. The picture is semi-transparent, just what I want. But the picture has a small part I need to either cut, clear, or somehow get rid of. All I can manage to do is Free Select and draw around what I want to cut but when I cut the image actually gets more bold and clear. What am I missing?  Thanks....

I'm not sure what you mean by "bold and clear". Usually "clear" is a good thing, but you don't seem to like your "clear". :)

Anyway, try this method:

http://www.brankovukelic.com/post/526945497/effective-background-extraciton-gimp

Also, when using selection to erase parts of an image, you can control the softness of the edge by using Select > Feather.

Greg A. wrote:

The picture is semi-transparent, just what I want. But the picture has a small part I need to either cut, clear, or somehow get rid of. All I can manage to do is Free Select and draw around what I want to cut but when I cut the image actually gets more bold and clear.

Sounds to me like you are only applying the selection to one layer. Make your selection, and perform your cut; then, in the layer dialog, select successive layers without moving the selection, and cut the same part out of each layer.

Alternatively, if the entire image is as you want it to be, and you have no need for maintaining the separate layers, merge the layers together, and then make your cut.

ns