Mark Arbour Posted August 17, 2010 Author Posted August 17, 2010 I really liked the threesome too. I've never had a threesome, but I've heard that they are more typically awkward. I'm sure others are here are experts in that arena. For real life, I'm a one man man despite my flirtatious nature. I think they're awkward if two people are really into each other and the third person is an interloper. I suspect (not admitting to any personal experience) that it's best when the three people either know each other really well, or don't know each other at all. Just a guess. I'm sure there are guys on here who have more insight.
methodwriter85 Posted August 17, 2010 Posted August 17, 2010 I'd watch a threesome and think it was hot, but I wouldn't actually participate in one. I've realized that one-on-one action just turns me on more.
Canuk Posted August 17, 2010 Posted August 17, 2010 (edited) I'd watch a threesome and think it was hot, but I wouldn't actually participate in one. I've realized that one-on-one action just turns me on more. I agree, and like Mark, not admitting to any personal experience, I think 3somes may be one of those things that improve as time goes on: the longer ago it was, the better it seemed..... also, still not admitting to personal experience, alcohol helps - it blurs some of the inconvenient bits! But back "on topic" (there doesn't seem to be a thingy for "back on topic?"), this last chapter does give me some hope for the two of them - I was starting to despair. I worry that Carson is going to get really nasty when this all blows up - he was probably told that his "reward" in all this was his new lover. He doesn't strike me as terribly smart, so I think we may be in for more tears before there is any resolution...... Edited August 17, 2010 by Canuk
Mark Arbour Posted August 18, 2010 Author Posted August 18, 2010 An update: I'm working on a first draft of Chapter 48 now. This is going to be a long story.
methodwriter85 Posted August 18, 2010 Posted August 18, 2010 (edited) Well, Brad Schluter is worth it. You went 53 chapters for Matt Carrswold's story, you can damn well hit 48 chapters for Brad. I'm just glad Marcel only got like 14 chapters. Damn, was he a wet blanket or what? Nice guy, but ugh. I again apologize for giving you the idea to follow Marcel because I thought following a Hayes going through the drama of graduating from college against the backdrop of the end the Cold War would be automatically interesting. It wasn't a complete loss, though- "A Summer Love" did serve as a transitionary point where we saw the family leave the late 80's and enter the early '90's. From the Paula Abdul Era to the Nirvana era, so to speak. This story has been pretty fascinating to follow- I've liked exploring where Brad is at the age of 37, and all the angst that comes with realizing you aren't as young as you used to be. A lot of what makes this story good is the fact that Brad is truly an interesting character, which is so important when it comes to making a compelling story. It's also been good at giving us a snapshot of pre-9/11 America...when the economy was booming, Clinton had handed us a major budget surplus, and the biggest worry was about computers possibly not working on January 1st, 2000. The decade the Cramptons/Schluters are about to enter is full of turmoil, and we're getting the "calm before the storm", so to speak. Edited August 18, 2010 by methodwriter85
Mark Arbour Posted August 18, 2010 Author Posted August 18, 2010 Well, Brad Schluter is worth it. You went 53 chapters for Matt Carrswold's story, you can damn well hit 48 chapters for Brad. I'm just glad Marcel only got 13 chapters. Damn, was that a disaster. Ugh. A disaster? Really?
methodwriter85 Posted August 18, 2010 Posted August 18, 2010 (edited) You can see I modified a little. You know me and my dramatic over-statements, Mark. Marcel wasn't a disaster, per se, I just think of all the characters we've followed, I connected the least to him. My old e-friend once said something like, "I still feel like I don't know who Marcel is, which is strange because he had his own story." I agree with that sentiment. Brad on the other hand, has really been a great character to anchor some really good stories on. I'm glad this story is a long one, because Brad and his issues really are fascinating enough for us to follow him into a long story. Edited August 18, 2010 by methodwriter85
Mark Arbour Posted August 18, 2010 Author Posted August 18, 2010 You can see I modified a little. You know me and my dramatic over-statements, Mark. Marcel wasn't a disaster, per se, I just think of all the characters we've followed, I connected the least to him. My old e-friend once said something like, "I still feel like I don't know who Marcel is, which is strange because he had his own story." I agree with that sentiment. Brad on the other hand, has really been a great character to anchor some really good stories on. I'm glad this story is a long one, because Brad and his issues really are fascinating enough for us to follow him into a long story. Yeah, I kind of got that, but if you're going to be a drama queen, I'm going to call you on it.
methodwriter85 Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 I was a drama major in high school, Mark. Being a drama queen is kind of second nature.
Hermetically Sealed Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 Hmmm, why do i have a feeling something is going to come to a head between Jeanine and Brad. Like, she's going to bitch him out someday . . . soon. lol
methodwriter85 Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 (edited) Because she's bearing the sole responsibility of raising their three teenage sons while Robbie and Brad have their bitchfits and various affairs? Cody kinda annoyed me this chapter- if you treat sex casually and 'eff around often, don't be surprised if you're going to be treated like a sex toy by one of your friends. Edited August 19, 2010 by methodwriter85 1
centexhairysub Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 Okay, I have decided that Mark doesn't need a real life, he is only allowed to sleep, eat, and write. LOL... I need at least one chapter a day from this point forward or I will have significant health issues. Love everything about chapter 19, the pacing and writing is excellent as always. I am so getting into each and everyone in this story. I love how Sergio/Kevin was almost a throw-away but has developed into a really interesting persona. I loved how Robbie got back at Carson, hope he gets stuck in a drunk tank over-night. Will is developing into his own person and is becoming so interesting to watch. I do think that Brad is a little dismissive of Jeanine and not sure that she really deserves that. If nothing else, she is the mother of his only biological child. Seems that she has always been the parent that has dealt with the every day grind of parenthood and maybe he should appreciate her contributions more... Jeanine really has never been a fully developed character however, we have always just had glimpses of her from the very first. Maybe she needs to have a girlfriend, a lesbian story line could be very interesting... I still believe that there is someone besides Dan that is really behind the business issues, I keep looking for someone from Claremont to pop up and be invovled in someway. Dan simply did not come from enough money and even as a CFO for a large company would not have made enough to be doing all of this... Am I the only one that thinks someone else is behind Dan??? I mean I can believe that Dan/Cary/Lark are all involved but just feel that there has to be a deep pocket out there as well... Now remember, at least one chapter a day, or my doctor will be contacting you to discuss how you will be responsible for my medical bills... Keep them coming... :worship:
Mark Arbour Posted August 19, 2010 Author Posted August 19, 2010 Keep them coming... :worship: I usually do.
methodwriter85 Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 (edited) Will is developing into his own person and is becoming so interesting to watch. He is, which has been nice. My beef with Mark has been that of Brad and Robbie's kids, Will had been developed the least. Mark's done a great job of developing Darius and JJ throughout If It Fits and Bloodlines, but I didn't really get a sense of what Will is like until this story. And I'd been stressing to Mark that if Will is going to be a protagonist in a future story, he's got to make the kid interesting. I've been looking forward to an eventual JJ story- I mean, come on, the issues that kid is going to deal with in terms of being a competitive figure skater, not to mention his paternity deal....that's going to be a dramatic goldmine for Mark. And JJ in general just seems like a fun kid. I'm really looking forward to a JJ story. But now I can also say I'm honestly looking forward to seeing Will in his own story at some point. What's Mark has been good at- and he did this with Brad during The Landwhore- is giving us an idea of what the future generation is like by having the kids serve as peripheral characters in current stories, and then letting us see them grow up on the story canvas, and then finally giving them a story when they're old enough. That's what soaps used to do with their kid characters, and Mark's done a great job at it. Also, I like that Wade has apparently taken a mentor role to Will. It's cute- Will has Wade as his mentor, while JJ has Matt as his. Although having Will view Wade as like an older brother pretty much kills any chance of having Will and Wade hook up circa 2004, I think. LOL. Edited August 19, 2010 by methodwriter85
Caedus Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 I do think that Brad is a little dismissive of Jeanine and not sure that she really deserves that. If nothing else, she is the mother of his only biological child. Seems that she has always been the parent that has dealt with the every day grind of parenthood and maybe he should appreciate her contributions more... Jeanine really has never been a fully developed character however, we have always just had glimpses of her from the very first. Maybe she needs to have a girlfriend, a lesbian story line could be very interesting... This hasn't been confirmed yet, but maybe Jeanine blames Brad for not having a girlfriend, though I can't confirm that since we know so little about her. shes definitely closer to Robbie than Brad...I just can't help thinking how she got the s**t end of the deal when they decided to live together. Contrast this with Isidore/JP/Jeff trinity where theres mutual love and respect between all three of them. Even up to the current story JP and Isidore have deep affections for another, where Brad seems to take Jeanine for granted and Jeanine probably wants to rip Brad's face off at this point. I'm just trying to figure out where Brad dropped the ball with that relationship, because it looks like a shoes about to drop at some point. That would be kinda funny to have Jeanine do that out of nowhere. 1
Mark Arbour Posted August 19, 2010 Author Posted August 19, 2010 This hasn't been confirmed yet, but maybe Jeanine blames Brad for not having a girlfriend, though I can't confirm that since we know so little about her. shes definitely closer to Robbie than Brad...I just can't help thinking how she got the s**t end of the deal when they decided to live together. Contrast this with Isidore/JP/Jeff trinity where theres mutual love and respect between all three of them. Even up to the current story JP and Isidore have deep affections for another, where Brad seems to take Jeanine for granted and Jeanine probably wants to rip Brad's face off at this point. I'm just trying to figure out where Brad dropped the ball with that relationship, because it looks like a shoes about to drop at some point. That would be kinda funny to have Jeanine do that out of nowhere. I'm betting those questions get worked out in the next ten or twenty chapters.
gjtravel2a Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 I'd watch a threesome and think it was hot, but I wouldn't actually participate in one. I've realized that one-on-one action just turns me on more. Threesomes can be quite a bit of fun, but it gets confusing if you start getting more than a fivesome!
Mark Arbour Posted August 19, 2010 Author Posted August 19, 2010 Threesomes can be quite a bit of fun, but it gets confusing if you start getting more than a fivesome! I'll lead the charge here: DETAILS! We want details!
gjtravel2a Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 The truth be told, (and I am all about truth btw!) it is a bit perhaps embarassing to admit to quite a variety of experiences (most quite enjoyable though some more than others!). Perhaps it is that I am a safe, but experience oriented bi-guy...bit of an adrenalin junky...that I could detail some diverse actual experiences ranging from the good old fashioned internet hook-ups (alas, those wonderful AOL chat rooms from old) to even some nice Chicago Bar experiences to.....ooops, now I am sounding more like a perv than one of your thoughtful reader/loyal fans!!!
Hermetically Sealed Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 (edited) "Threesomes can be quite a bit of fun, but it gets confusing if you start getting more than a fivesome!" Hah! You should try a sevensome. ETA: So, at what point does it stop being a "-some" and become an orgy? Edited August 19, 2010 by Hermetically Sealed
Canuk Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 "Threesomes can be quite a bit of fun, but it gets confusing if you start getting more than a fivesome!" Hah! You should try a sevensome. ETA: So, at what point does it stop being a "-some" and become an orgy? if you know all their names its a "-some", if you don't it's an orgy........ nb if there is only two of you and you can't recall either your name or theirs you are simply a drunken slut! Now, Back On Topic: what does Lou mean "I hear you are available"? - will he have heard through the family or from and outsider........ Great ep Mark , There is talent in that misbegotten soul of yours..... the ep was almost as good a Grainger ep......
methodwriter85 Posted August 19, 2010 Posted August 19, 2010 (edited) This hasn't been confirmed yet, but maybe Jeanine blames Brad for not having a girlfriend, though I can't confirm that since we know so little about her. shes definitely closer to Robbie than Brad...I just can't help thinking how she got the s**t end of the deal when they decided to live together. Contrast this with Isidore/JP/Jeff trinity where theres mutual love and respect between all three of them. Even up to the current story JP and Isidore have deep affections for another, where Brad seems to take Jeanine for granted and Jeanine probably wants to rip Brad's face off at this point. I'm just trying to figure out where Brad dropped the ball with that relationship, because it looks like a shoes about to drop at some point. That would be kinda funny to have Jeanine do that out of nowhere. I agree with this. Since 1986, Jeanine has been essentially treated like the live-in nanny for Darius, JJ, and Will. After 13 years of this, she's got to be pretty pissed off, and I'm betting the Brad/Robbie shenanigans have to be the last straw for her. Brad and Robbie are not 17 years old, but they're acting like they are, so Jeanine is basically supposed to do all the parenting responsibility by herself when there are not just one, but TWO dads around in the household. With JJ and Will being thirteen years old, and Darius getting ready for college, I'm betting that Jeanine is really ready for finding a life of her own. Hopefully she does find a girlfriend, maybe even a career. She could become a tutor or a teacher or something like that- she does seem to enjoy being around kids. You do have to compare her to Isidore, who was treated as a full member of the household and even got to field her own career when it wasn't common for a woman to have one, and you do find Jeanine's relationship to Brad and Robbie to be pretty lacking in comparison. I'm hoping Brad's going to realize at some point, "My kids have been growing up, and I have been completely blind to it because I've been so wrapped up in my own life that I haven't taken the time to look at theirs." I also hope he realizes that he's been playing favorites with the kids, and overall that he really needs to tweak his parenting style before he can honestly call himself a great parent. But the good thing is that it's not too late- the kids aren't out of the house just yet. And I think it's really those last years- the high school years- that a kid needs their parent the most. I hope Brad and Robbie get it together to really be there for their kids. Brad and Robbie are just lucky that Darius, JJ, and Will are esentially good kids who aren't going to go off the rails when it comes to adolescence. JP, Sam, and Isidore's laconic, overindulged parenting styles had some consequences- Brad and Ace's anger issues, Claire's stuck-up shallowness, and Billy's self-centered attitude. I think it took the tragedy of Billy's death to help Brad, Ace and Claire learn to become better people. In contrast, this generation of kids seem like nice, mellow people with good heads on their shoulders, and don't seem stuck-up at all. Which is nice. Although JJ is really, really prissy. LOL. Edited August 19, 2010 by methodwriter85
B1ue Posted August 20, 2010 Posted August 20, 2010 Although JJ is really, really prissy. LOL. I'm going to need to reread Bloodlines, because I don't remember him being that fussy, so perhaps there are other things I missed. I don't think I truly believe what I'm about to type, but throwing out theories is fun, especially with Mark's dark muttering in the background. We've essentially figured out who the insitgators of Amphion are (Dan and Lark), who their most active agents are (Brandon, Carson), their public face (Cary Chase and that other dweeb from chapter 4 or so), but who came up with this operation? Who is driving the timing, found all these people with their axes to grind and made sure they met not only each other but the right people in Brad and Robbie's world? Who might have enough second or third hand knowledge of both of their careers in order to come up with an idea to wreck them both but not, perhaps, enough saavy to beat them both on their own turf and on their own terms? Who has, better than a half-forgotten high school crush, a solid seventeen years of exasperation and bitterness built up against Robbie and Brad? Who might see Matt, especially, as a threat to her own continued lifestyle, due to the role he has assumed in the lives of JJ, Darius, and Will, and saw in the stories of Brian, Bitty, and Nick that not even a blood tie is truly enough to keep you around if the clan decides you are no longer welcome? And, who, with college coming up fast for all three boys, might just realize her own usefulness might be coming to and end, and might have decided to stake out a retirement claim? Jeanine has the contacts, knows the family and it's history, and has money enough of her own by now, and most certainly has enough motivation to want to wreck Robbie and Brad, if only to more firmly cement her own ties in JJ, Will, and Darius's lives. The timing troubles me, ideally she'd have wanted to wait at least a couple years to limit the fall-out if the plan blew up in her face. But she may have originally hatched a slow, long term plan that got snatched out of her hands by her idiot co-conspiritors, or the targets themselves. Robbie, one could have predicted he'd wilt like the delicate flower he is, but Brad going crazy would have been impossible to predict. And having both a Brandon and a Carson planted in the right places, especially Carson as Robbie's confidant, might have been planned to take longer than it actually did. Like I said, I'll need more information before I think something that elaborate was actually plausable, but I am the product of my upbringing. As the child, grandchild, and little brother of sergeants and petty officers, the Keep It Simple Stupid principle was drilled in fairly early. The Cramptons revel in soap opera thinking, so this might be right up their alley.
Hermetically Sealed Posted August 20, 2010 Posted August 20, 2010 While I agree she has an axe to grind with the boys, I think she knows enough about the family to know what a horrible idea it would be to act against them like that. She knows they can ruin her if she does. Still, it's an interesting proposition.
Conner Posted August 20, 2010 Posted August 20, 2010 I must admit to liking the Jeanine theory. Fascinating really. A question though - does she really have the finances to be the money clip behind Amphion? Everyone talks about Stef having more money than God. Frankly, I can't remember her history at all. I too was surprised by Cody's reaction to Brad's teasing. It seemed out of character. He's never done the whining thing before. I'm pleased that Robbie's starting to think straight again. Brad is too. Super chapter, Mark!!!
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