shadows

You're right, reclaiming a word is one of the most powerful things a minority can do. When the people of a subgroup start using a formerly deragotory word amongst themselves it loses its offensive meaning and becomes impotent. When it's used by the widespread community then it by defintion is no longer offensive. But words are words. It doesn't matter about the word, it's the tone and manner in which they're said. I can be called incredibly offensive things by my friends and respond in kind, but nobody cares since we're joking around. If however, someone I dislike says something like "You suck" you bet I'm going to be ticked. So words dont' really mean anything, it's only the attitudes that accompany them. To change words we must first change attitudes. I think. //shadows

Oh, ugh. A move. Those are never fun. Have you spent much time back in the states? It may not be as you remember it, especially day to day living. We tend to romanticize the past, or at least I know I do. And of course the kitties come with you... But if Taipei isn't working out, then you shouldn't stay there either. Hmm, I imagine you'd be working as a translator for the government? That's got to be even less fun than writing a masters thesis. Hopefully a job won't interfere with your writing. That'd be upsetting for all your fans. //shadows

Go ahead, spoil our discussion with facts. Just kidding! Nice find.

Hmm. Not bad for a first attempt. I know I never would've tried to use tables. My advice is go for a solid colored background it's easier on the eyes, and use what you currently have for a background elsewhere. Also, you've chosen good colors generally speaking, they're easy to read. I'd choose another color for "My Long Jump Off" as it's better to have light against dark or vice versa than light against light or dark against dark. Images are nice, but you don't want to go overboard. Check out "The Gimp" for a free image creation program, and maybe make yourself some buttons if you feel like it. For ideas on web design check out places that you find easy to navigate around like google, or a news site like news.bbc.co.uk. If that's a bit much, just keep it simple and get things lined up. If you need help, send me a PM, or if you just want something really simple search for open source templates or html templates or something similar. //shadows

Myr, you're an awesome person. Thanks so much for hosting the site; visiting it is one of the bright spots in my day. //shadows

Hmm dunno. I think a possible interepretation might be a slightly more hip guy telling a younger guy to just go for the girl instead of alawys running back to him for help. He's stepping on his shoes, literally "cramping his style" Thought the "lights down low" line tends to create a gaping hole in my theory. I personally think your interpretation is correct, that of a romantic relationship, but it's always good to consider alternative theories //shadows

Hmm, I have negative comments but I'll save them for later in this post. Suffice to say, that that that was an emotionally rigorous event. It's not the ending I would've wanted, it's not the ending I expected, but it's an ending. I'm happy that Rory's story has come to an end and that we can move on. This was definitely the most cathartic story I've read online and I'm glad that it ended up having more depth than it originally appeared. My problems with this chapter can best be summed up in one word: "timing." Or for a more thorough explication: "The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday" To me, the ending seemed contrived. Am I just being cynical? //shadows P.S. If I'm being harsh, my apologies, I wouldn't have missed reading DD even if it meant failing Physics (which may in fact occur). Okay, I freaking loved it and the withdrawals are already occurring. Forgive me!

*Growl of discontent* I am not happy. P.S. to Dom, this better not be an anti-climax. This damn well BETTER NOT BE. Those are the hallmarks of a bad author, and until now I've respected you as a good one. Quite honestly though, you've resolved the major conflict, so what's the point of continuing the story? //shadows P.P.S. (Of course, you're the author, you've just messed with my head so I'm bitter, don't listen to me )

Happy Birthday!

I like my name, it's an alliteration, and my initials are HRH (I get to pretend I'm royalty). Plus it looks like I'll be the last of my family to bear that name anyway. So, no. But I do love "The Princess Bride." I went around half of last year randomly repeating that line (My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to Die) to people. Ah... fun, much fun. Also many strange looks. //shadows

Wow, that does sound stressful. From the sound of it though, I wouldn't be too worried. It seems as though you've got a lot going for you that others don't. Is the culture barrier that difficult for a foreign student to crack? It's an issue I notice you've brought up several times. I just realized you have the same Masters as my Japanese Teacher and (just did some research) she also attended National Taiwan University! weird... She graduated at least 19 years ago though. I wonder if you have any of the same professors? Hmm, so I started reading your story as much to avoid homework as anything, and damnit now I'm hooked on yet another story. This is really most unfortunate, I don't have the time to be worried about Rory and Connor, Harrison, and Nelson... I like it a lot, pity Connor is eventually going to have to choose. :'( I do hope that the only autobiographical parts of this story are your shared interest in music though. Anyway, just thought I'd say I really like SootB (fun acronym!) and I'll be biting dead skin cells until I found out what happens next! //shadows

This is such an awesome post. You're brilliantly insane, as RHAWES pointed out, but in such a good way. It must be so nice to see joy in everything. //shadows

I just read it and I don't think I've read anything in Dom's, or in anyone's stories that has resonated quite so much as this paragraph. "I guess in all honesty, I wanted what my friends could have. Last year, Haily had two boyfriends. Neither of them had lasted beyond a week, but she

Happy Birthday! 15 is a fun year...

Well, consider how much of that community might have registered once, took a look around and left, how many might only be able to check once or twice a week, how many have abandoned those accounts and created new ones and it adds up. Personally, I'd be impressed to see 70 people on at once. //shadows

Dang. This was one depressing chapter. And I want Davey's luck. It's insane. Oh, yeah it was a delight to read even though it was a downer. //shadows

Wow, I wasn't aware candy-grams had been around that long. They must be ancient Kidding. But I know what you mean about being self-concious. I'm not above getting people to do what you did with your friend. Our school does it several times a year, and if you send them enough, people feel obligated to return the favour. So... I've gone from getting one to getting six... It's so shallow, I know but sometimes one needs a bit of shallow affirmation. Awww, the frog sounds so cute. You've now become the kids designated Baby Sitter, he won't want to spend time with anyone but Uncle Dom, when his parents want to go out. You'll now get to be his mentor for life... especially since he gave you a valentine. (If you really want to embarass him, ten years from now take out that same card and show it to him). Btw, thanks for posting on V-Day. It was a nice present for those of us celebrating "Black Tuesday" //shadows

A Very merry Black Tuesday to all of you. I'm sure we'll all enjoy this day where chocolate is stolen, roses are burned, and c...cou...couples have frozen ice water dumped on them. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this holiday here are the rules: 1) You must wear Black. All Black. The more concealing it is the better. 2) It is your responsibility to make friends/acquaintances feel as guilty as possible about any relationships they may be in. 3) Any mention of the "V-Word" bans you from any and all Black Tuesday celebrations 4) You must consume chocolate. Theough it may at first confuse those who are celebrating that other holiday your unholy gorging will soon convince them otherwise. 5) Flower and candy are contraband for any not celebrating Black Tuesday. They must be seized and eaten/destroyed peremptorily. This is an incomplete list, are there any suggestions from my fellow Black Tuesday celebrants? //shadows P.S. My V-day money went to helping Orphans and bad poetry.

I"m thinking it's time that we create some new topics so Greg here stops bumping them. *Glare* Hahaha //shadows

Ah, no worries. It's more like DD is one of the few stories I read for pleasure these days. Actually English is probably my favorite (and best) subject, it helps to have a good teacher. After all, with some of the more horrible realizations one comes to, it helps to remember that "it's only there if you choose to see it." But, if it makes you feel any better, and not despair for the youth of America, I shall soon be writing a paper on the "Magical Realist" novel Neuromancer. Just as soon as I find out what magical realism is of course... //shadows Perhaps I'm being dense, but why that chapter/verse? Is it the pun on hard?

Dear Lord, it's english class. They're even quoting Eagleton! Not in my beloved DD you don't. No sirree. Anyway, according to Psychoanalysis Rory's desire for Seth is due to the absent father... which actually seems to work. Oh hell. //shadows

*grin* I should've seen this was a bump. *hangs head in shame*

In my opinion, the site ishere to foster a sense of community. For people to engage in discussions, chat, and just hang out. I for one know I'd be very unhappy if this place were to disappear. //shadows

While this wasn't the ending I was expecting, I think it's perfect. Thank you so much for letting me glimpse the life of Justin. //shadows

Not at all, living out your dream is awesome beyond all reason. Trust me, if were living any other kind of life, but this you'd be wishing you could've followed your dream instead. Plus, it sounds like you're becoming well respected, not a bad thing at all. Hope Wednesday goes better for you! (haha, it's not even Tuesday yet here) //shadows