Poor Man's Son

[Mark Arbour]

The next story in the CAP saga has been posted HERE!

 

I recommend that when you go there, you click on "like" the story, that way you'll get updates. The update system has been screwy lately.

[B1ue]

And somewhere, Jeremy is consoling himself with a bottle of jack, weeping the tears of someone who has antoher story in 2000 to soundtrack.

 

I like the start. Gathan sounds like an interesting guy, a firecracker, but not one that takes himself seriously.

[centexhairysub]

Well, I am so excited to have the next story in the CAP saga starting so soon, I expected Mark to take more time off. I am glad they are back in Claremont at least to start, I so enjoy when the stories take place or visit there...

 

I have to admit I did not really think about Gathan as the next narrator but he will bring a fresh perspective to the series. I always wanted to have a story in the early part from Jeff's point of view as well. From the song that was selected to start the story, I am guessing that Gathan starts a relationship with one of the family when he moves to and starts Stanford, or is there going to be an additional new person introduced as well??? I can't imagine who it would be unless somehow or another Matt and Wade are in an open relationship or broken up, the rest of the kids except for Darius seems to be a little young but.....

 

Can't wait to see where Mark takes us this time...

[rjo]

I thought it would be Gathan. He is another person with issues but he tries hard to over come his temper. Who does that sound like? Is this the new Brad? I am glad that he is in control. I am sure he will take us for a great ride. Love you Mark!!

[methodwriter85]

I honestly don't see Gathan as being like Brad at all. Gathan has a temper, but he also doesn't come off as someone who takes himself too seriously or is a control freak like Brad.

 

As for weeping inconsolably, you have no clue Blue. I BEGGED and pleaded for Mark to have the story skip to January 20th, 2001(Bush Junior's Inauguration Day) so I could use 2001 music, but Mark seems really attached to the idea of exploring the second half of 2000. It's been tough having had so many stories crammed into 1998-2000, and it forced me to branch out, as well as re-use material. I'm praying that after Mark gets done with 9/11(which I'm assuming has to be next because if Mark tries to fit another story between this one and 9/11 it's going to be ridiculous), we'll be able to at least skip over a boring year like 2002, and wind up in 2003 or 2004. 2003-2004 is actually a great year for music- I felt like it was when we finally left the late 90's in terms of music and pop culture. 2000 had some good stuff like Eminem and Linkin Park, but for the most part it was a weird transition year like 1980 was.

 

In the end I think I can deal, especially if it doesn't take over forty to fifty chapters to wind up in 2001.

 

As for the other stuff, I think it's a great start. One thing that kinda bothered me was Gathan saying "homies"- that was pretty outdated by 2000....homies was more slang from the early/mid-90's. I think "bros" was getting used instead by that point. "Boys" is timeless. Like, "Zach's boys." "Buddies" is pretty much timeless, too. But then again, Claremont might be behind the slang curve.

 

I also really like the development of Will. He's so much cooler than Brad ever was. Reminds me of that really chill(that's another slang term for you to use, Mark) 9th grade kid you saw who pretty much came off as like a junior or senior. They were that mature and cool. Unfortunately, most 9th graders are like JJ. Too bad.

 

Damn, Mark, now you got me wracking my brain for early '00s slang. I know "beast" is getting used at this point- it was a compliment for a bro who did something like a champ. Like if a guy managed to sink 6 cups in a row with beer pong, you'd go, "Damn, you totally beasted that game." Or just used to denote someone's who really cool. Like, "Will's a beast."

Edited March 13, 2011 by methodwriter85

[Mark Arbour]

I honestly don't see Gathan as being like Brad at all. Gathan has a temper, but he also doesn't come off as someone who takes himself too seriously or is a control freak like Brad.

 

As for weeping inconsolably, you have no clue Blue. I BEGGED and pleaded for Mark to have the story skip to January 20th, 2001(Bush Junior's Inauguration Day) so I could use 2001 music, but Mark seems really attached to the idea of exploring the second half of 2000. It's been tough having had so many stories crammed into 1998-2000, and it forced me to branch out, as well as re-use material. I'm praying that after Mark gets done with 9/11(which I'm assuming has to be next because if Mark tries to fit another story between this one and 9/11 it's going to be ridiculous), we'll be able to at least skip over a boring year like 2002, and wind up in 2003 or 2004. 2003-2004 is actually a great year for music- I felt like it was when we finally left the late 90's in terms of music and pop culture. 2000 had some good stuff like Eminem and Linkin Park, but for the most part it was a weird transition year like 1980 was.

 

In the end I think I can deal, especially if it doesn't take over forty to fifty chapters to wind up in 2001.

 

As for the other stuff, I think it's a great start. One thing that kinda bothered me was Gathan saying "homies"- that was pretty outdated by 2000....homies was more slang from the early/mid-90's. I think "bros" was getting used instead by that point. "Boys" is timeless. Like, "Zach's boys." "Buddies" is pretty much timeless, too. But then again, Claremont might be behind the slang curve.

 

I also really like the development of Will. He's so much cooler than Brad ever was. Reminds me of that really chill(that's another slang term for you to use, Mark) 9th grade kid you saw who pretty much came off as like a junior or senior. They were that mature and cool. Unfortunately, most 9th graders are like JJ. Too bad.

 

Damn, Mark, now you got me wracking my brain for early '00s slang. I know "beast" is getting used at this point- it was a compliment for a bro who did something like a champ. Like if a guy managed to sink 6 cups in a row with beer pong, you'd go, "Damn, you totally beasted that game." Or just used to denote someone's who really cool. Like, "Will's a beast."

 

I actually did a little research on that.

 

Well, I am so excited to have the next story in the CAP saga starting so soon, I expected Mark to take more time off. I am glad they are back in Claremont at least to start, I so enjoy when the stories take place or visit there...

 

I have to admit I did not really think about Gathan as the next narrator but he will bring a fresh perspective to the series. I always wanted to have a story in the early part from Jeff's point of view as well. From the song that was selected to start the story, I am guessing that Gathan starts a relationship with one of the family when he moves to and starts Stanford, or is there going to be an additional new person introduced as well??? I can't imagine who it would be unless somehow or another Matt and Wade are in an open relationship or broken up, the rest of the kids except for Darius seems to be a little young but.....

 

Can't wait to see where Mark takes us this time...

 

I wanted to jump inside the mind of a Hayes boy, one that was a little twisted. We'll see how well I do, but I don't see him as being much like Brad.

[Hermetically Sealed]

It seems to me that he's a bit of a more rough around the edges version of Matt. Those Hayes boys are certainly prone to bisexuality. lol

[Mark Arbour]

It seems to me that he's a bit of a more rough around the edges version of Matt. Those Hayes boys are certainly prone to bisexuality. lol

 

They're horny bastards.

[methodwriter85]

Well, if you researched it, I guess it works. "Sweet" was definitely used a lot as well- I think it was the influence of South Park. Eric Cartman said that a lot.

 

Here's one that might be controversial, but if you're going to do slang for the early part of the 2000's, you can't really ignore it...

 

"That's gay" as in that's something lame. I mean, I know it'll tick off some readers, but since when have you ever backed down from something like that? It's not politically correct, but it's how teenagers really talked circa 2000. You could not stand around a group of bored teenagers for an extended time and not hear "that movie was so gay" or something like that. I have a sister who's Gathan's age, and it was a heavily used phrase.

 

So "beast" and "that's gay" are the two slang words from the time I hope you can work in at some point.

Edited March 13, 2011 by methodwriter85

[B1ue]

I'm going to continue encouraging you to broaden your databases. Though I was pleased with the last story, don't get me wrong. This is more...helping. Yes, let's call it helping.

 

2000 was arguably the height of the trance rave scene on the west coast. DJ Sammy, Louie Devito, and Mars & Mystre are couple names I can recall.

 

I was still not admitting the extent that I liked country at that time, but "I Hope You Dance" was a standout, and a pop hit as well.

[methodwriter85]

I'd really like to use "Heaven" by DJ Sammy, but that's 2002. Damn it.

 

My guess is that I'm going to lean towards a lot of poppy punk like Blink 182 and Sum 41. And of course, hip-hop. I also really wanna use more Moby.

 

"Because I Got High" will defnitely make an appearance as well.

 

To get more on topic....alright Mark, since you like describing clothing trends and brands...

 

1. Abercrombie and Fitch

2. Urban Outfitters

3. Tommy Hilfiger. And I'm sure Ella is getting dressed in Tommy Girl.

4. Tank tops for guys and for girls.

5. PacSun

6. Diesel jeans. God, I wanted a pair and I knew I could never spend 150 dollars on a pair of jeans. They were like the Calvin Kleins of the early '00s.

7. The whale tail on girls. I'm sure Jack is thrilled that his daughter is wearing thongs shown off by low-slung jeans.

 

I think Hot Topic and the whole emo look is still about a year off.

Edited March 14, 2011 by methodwriter85

[PrivateTim]

The next story in the CAP saga has been posted HERE!

 

I recommend that when you go there, you click on "like" the story, that way you'll get updates. The update system has been screwy lately.

 

So can I neg the chapter for its outrageous and false claim that Stanfurd is the best school in the country? It isn't even the best school in the Bay Area.

 

Other than that, a cool story and nice beginning.

[PrivateTim]

I'm going to continue encouraging you to broaden your databases. Though I was pleased with the last story, don't get me wrong. This is more...helping. Yes, let's call it helping.

 

2000 was arguably the height of the trance rave scene on the west coast. DJ Sammy, Louie Devito, and Mars & Mystre are couple names I can recall.

 

I was still not admitting the extent that I liked country at that time, but "I Hope You Dance" was a standout, and a pop hit as well.

 

I think a lot of club music is missing and maybe stuff that Jeremy isn't even aware of because if you weren't in the club scene, you'd never know it existed.

 

No Black Box, Ultra Nate, Labouche, Nikki French, Real McCoy, Los del Rio, Gillette, TLC, N Trance and more.

 

It is funny how Total Eclipse of the Heart can take me back to Axis in West Hollywood in 1995. I'll never forget the first time I walked in there with the music rattling the old tin walls, hundreds of half dressed, happy, hot young men.

 

It was the happy that struck me more than the hot or half dressed. It was the first time I ever thought I was going to be okay.

 

I think club and rave need more attention.

[Mark Arbour]

I think a lot of club music is missing and maybe stuff that Jeremy isn't even aware of because if you weren't in the club scene, you'd never know it existed.

 

No Black Box, Ultra Nate, Labouche, Nikki French, Real McCoy, Los del Rio, Gillette, TLC, N Trance and more.

 

It is funny how Total Eclipse of the Heart can take me back to Axis in West Hollywood in 1995. I'll never forget the first time I walked in there with the music rattling the old tin walls, hundreds of half dressed, happy, hot young men.

 

It was the happy that struck me more than the hot or half dressed. It was the first time I ever thought I was going to be okay.

 

I think club and rave need more attention.

 

Perhaps that's why they call it gay?

 

You're probably right about the club/raves, even in the stories.

[methodwriter85]

I honestly don't see Gathan as a club/raver type. That's more Sergio and Cody.

[Mark Arbour]

I honestly don't see Gathan as a club/raver type. That's more Sergio and Cody.

 

I see him going and being uncomfortable, at least as he is right now. College can change a guy, and I'll bet it changes Gathan at least a bit.

[methodwriter85]

No Black Box, Ultra Nate, Labouche, Nikki French, Real McCoy, Los del Rio, Gillette, TLC, N Trance and more.

 

It is funny how Total Eclipse of the Heart can take me back to Axis in West Hollywood in 1995. I'll never forget the first time I walked in there with the music rattling the old tin walls, hundreds of half dressed, happy, hot young men.

 

Hey, though, in my own defense, I used Labouche, Nikki French, Los Del Rio, and Real McCoy to score Mark's 1995 story, If It Fits. It made sense for the story because Stefan was hanging out in the club scene.

 

As for Gathan, I can see him changing, but not to the point where he'd be like a mini-Cody passing out X at the club. I'm thinking he's more into listening to rock and hip-hop. Maybe some country.

[PrivateTim]

I honestly don't see Gathan as a club/raver type. That's more Sergio and Cody.

 

Yeah, but clubs and raves are totally different.

 

Stef & Greg would have done the club scene, at least a little and so would Robbie and Brad. The clubs were the one place you could really let your hair down.

 

For all of the hype about San Francisco being this gay Mecca, there weren't any 18+ gay clubs in the 90's. There was one in Concord, whose name escapes me, but you could see just about every gay boy from as far south as Palo Alto & San Jose there on a Friday night. My friend Dave from Stanfurd would swing by and pick me up and we'd dance and flirt and mack the night away.

 

I know we are well past the 1970's and 80's, but the clubs were even more important in the gay community in those days. There are some amazing stories online about Studio One (now the Factory) and its place in the community.

[methodwriter85]

Good to know. I'm still not sure I see someone like Gathan in the club scene, but never say never. If Mark writes clubs/raves into the story, I'll gladly look up stuff.

 

I went through 2000 as a 7th/8th grader, so what I basically knew was all that boyband/Blonde jailbait stuff, poppy punk like Blink 182, rap-rock like Limp Bizkit and Korn, and of course, hip-hop. If you've got music outside of that you'd like to see used, by all means let me know.

 

There's also a recomendation thread for fans, where you can post songs that make you think of the story.

 

Now can we please get beyond razzing me for not using enough club music to score the story and get back on the story? (And where exactly where you Tim when I posted stuff like ATC for the New Year's party? Nary a peep of appreciation.)

 

I'm really loving Will's characterization. He's a 20-year old in a thirteen year old's body, and man did those kinda guys stand out in 8th grade. So far it seems like he has the best of Brad in him, without having Brad's not-so-sterling qualities.

[centexhairysub]

Okay, a question here because I am not sure if I missed something or what happened.

 

What is the deal with JJ??? When Matt was introduced to him in " Bloodlines ", it was said that JJ was the most loving and easy going of the three boys; he was the one that got along with everyone and never rocked the boat.

 

In chapter 10 of " Bloodlines " Stef says about JJ

 

{ “I think he is still trying to figure it out,” Stef said. “He is probably the happiest, most naturally cheerful person I have ever met. That alone is a major talent. Beyond that, nothing has emerged yet.” }

 

All the sudden JJ is a bitchy queen, and I really don't think he is going to be gay, so this comes off sort of weird. Yes, I know that he has started skating since his this but I don't think that would cause this much of a personality change. I actually know two people one male and one female that skated and were on a competitive level nationally for several years; while both got a little more intense after getting to that level, they both held onto the basic personality that they had before they started skating at an intermediate or national level. I just will not buy the fact that his whole basic personality changed just because he started skating at a high level.

 

I don't know what happened that is why I am asking if I missed something? Even at that age your personality doesn't just change overnight, not without something else going on.

 

I love how Will is being developed but just can't get over the change in JJ.....

[methodwriter85]

A teenager who undergoes a dramatic personality change into a bitch? Surely you're kidding. Every 9th grader is as cool and mature as Will.

[mmike1969]

I love this line on what Gathan is thinking when Will asked him if he was with anyone:

 

I decided that his frustration was easier than me telling him the truth.

 

I wonder what the truth is

 

[methodwriter85]

All kidding aside, Cen, this is my take....

 

I have JJ read as this way, going by how I was when I was 14. If JJ likes you, he REALLY likes you. He's absolutely thrilled by your presence, and he'll follow you around like an overeager puppy dog and admire everything about you. But if he decides, for whatever reason, that you're not worth the time of the day, JJ completely ignores you and goes into Ice King mode. He'll bitch about the person he can't stand ad nauseum to whoever is unfortunate enough to be nearby, and it'll take a long time for any person to get off JJ's bad side, if ever. JJ can likely hold a grudge for a long time. There's no middle ground with JJ- he either loves you or he can't stand you. That would explain why his family seems to think he's such a loving and sweet person, but also how he can be capable of freezing out people like Gathan. It's also a better explaination for why JJ is so unpopular at school than just him being short.

[Mark Arbour]

All kidding aside, Cen, this is my take....

 

I have JJ read as this way, going by how I was when I was 14. If JJ likes you, he REALLY likes you. He's absolutely thrilled by your presence, and he'll follow you around like an overeager puppy dog and admire everything about you. But if he decides, for whatever reason, that you're not worth the time of the day, JJ completely ignores you and goes into Ice King mode. He'll bitch about the person he can't stand ad nauseum to whoever is unfortunate enough to be nearby, and it'll take a long time for any person to get off JJ's bad side, if ever. JJ can likely hold a grudge for a long time. There's no middle ground with JJ- he either loves you or he can't stand you. That would explain why his family seems to think he's such a loving and sweet person, but also how he can be capable of freezing out people like Gathan. It's also a better explaination for why JJ is so unpopular at school than just him being short.

 

Yep, because short guys can be hot.

[methodwriter85]

I remember when every freaking girl had a crush on Jonathan Taylor Thomas, so you're right.