AFriendlyFace

I completely disagree! The two shirts are very different. The first one, worn by the girl, is preaching acceptance and tolerance - a wonderful virtue! The one about feeding Christians to lions isn't exactly advocating tolerance, and I'm assuming that isn't the literal opinion of most of the people who wear such shirts (and if it is then that degree of extremism really bothers me). Conversely I would assume that the "Gay? Fine by me" shirts DO represent the literal opinion of the wearers. That's completely different in my opinion. I do advocate speaking up for ones values in a confident, composed manner. I just don't advocate creating unnecessary strife and pissing people off for no positive good. I don't have a major problem with those shirts. I get that it's just a joke, and it is funny. I also get that one can say it's only "fair" given some of the horrible things the people being attacked by the "lion shirts" have said (I.E. "AIDS cures homosexuality" etc.). The distinction I'm making is that it's better to voice your opinion calmly, rationally, and compassionately, then step away from the issue and let it sink in versus engaging in a screaming match and escalating the situation. Minds and opinions aren't won like that. When people take the defensive they aren't going to question their beliefs and values. The sad fact is that the people in question probably won't in either case, but at least in the second scenario there's a chance, and at least you can say you're not sinking to the level of hate or needlessly hurting people. Anyway, I don't meant to come off so strongly against said shirts. I personally disagree with them, and wouldn't wear them, but I'm not going to sit here and criticise people who do. I just wanted to make my stance, and distinction, known. -Kevin

You're not allowed to enter bars in the U.S. until you're 18 either. Glad you had fun, Mike Glad you're having fun visiting your dad, Beasty

Ohh Viv, you made me cry! But in a good, happy way of course! It was an awesome story and I thank you so much for sharing it with us. It really gives me inspiration and perspective for what I want out of life and I just can't imagine anything more...perfect! thank you again! -Kevin

You're right, Vic! The lions are having enough trouble as it is without having to worry about choking on homophobes!

No offense to anyone who posted, indeed I'm sure you're all aware that I regard you very highly, but those strike me as so divisive. Shouldn't we instead be acting to gently heal the wounds and smooth things over? I'd much whether conduct myself with kindness, grace, and dignity and make someone shrug and question their beliefs versus needlessly pissing them off and further proving their point (at least in their own minds). Just my thoughts, Kevin

Hi all! I think I agree with you: it is the best chapter yet! I totally disagree here! I think Mr. Bellinger was pretty lenient overall. I really don't think it would have been fair to punish Grady any less. LOL, I think perhaps Grady should have tried a bit harder to get out of trouble though. When Mr. Bellinger asked what happened, I think he should have just looked innocent and confused, and just shrugged and said, "I don't know! He just didn't catch it. I hope he's okay!" Definitely agreed! Grady is being a super bad friend where Brennan is concerned; whereas, Brennan is being a really good friend to Grady right now. I definitely disagree. I think that regardless of his "feelings" Grady is being a bad friend. He's basically ditching his best friend to hang out with the new kids, as well as completely taking him for granted. Kids that age are kinda possessive about their friends and what "clique" they're in. I don't think Grady can possibly be as foolish and innocent as he's letting on by thinking that Brennan won't care if he ignores him to spend time with the others. It certainly looks like Grady must be gay and must know it. It also looks like the other guys seem to know, or at the very least, suspect it as well. Really Dalton didn't even say anything untrue. However, my only criticism with this chapter would lie with something he said in their conversation: I think there's no way a presumably straight 12 year-old boy would be acquainted with that gay euphemism. I think it very unlikely that even a fairly precocious gay 12 year-old would be familiar with the usage. I think it's virtually unknown outside of the gay - and peripheral gay supporting - community. I'd be surprised if the average straight (or even gay) twelve year-old would even be familiar with the far more common and generic "topping and bottoming". I may be wrong I suppose and perhaps kids these days are just acquainted with more than I'm expecting, but that surprised me. Anyway, great chapter and I'm really looking forward to the next! -Kevin

LOL, actually I was. It was about a year ago when I was quite active with the WST, RT, Mod team, and Newsletter. And actually I think I may have been posting comments in the anthologies too. Naturally I never post when it isn't unavoidable, site business -Kevin

Well I certainly didn't mean anything negative by it I really miss Benny

Thank you, Vic, for the definitive answer! Mine too! In fact TOU is the first full length gay story I ever began reading. I read the first 10 chapters at Nifty, then followed the link over here to discover 3 more. It was after that famous chapter 13 ending, which was such a major turning point for Quinn, and obviously the story in general, that I was like "MORE!! MUST HAVE MORE!" and finally went to read TLW whilst waiting for chapter 14 Anyway, yeah I seriously do think chapter 13 was perhaps the most crucial turning point for Quinn and TOU. What do you guys think? -Kevin

Here's a bit of GA trivia for you guys. If I recall correctly it was said goat that inspired CJ to pick his (in)famous avatar I do remember that! I quite liked it. Can't seem to find the link now though. As I recall at the time, there were many comparisons made about TOU being like a movie and DD being like a soap opera. It's probably not coincidence then that many of the things people were focusing in on were the result of deception, misinformation, or purposeful omissions. So then I'm assuming based on what you said, glomph, that Quinn is your least favourite leading man? Take care all and have an awesome day Kevin

LOL, I kinda wanted to click the link too! Sounds like a good show. If I watched TV I'd probably check it out. -Kevin

Wow! That was really well choreographed and well performed!

LOL, well sometimes This sounds like a cool game. How does it work exactly? Is it a board game? Or some kind of computer/video game? Really? LOL, my mom was all about German pride Good luck with your move!! aww thanks You're welcome! It was a really awesome story, Ieshwar! I'm really sorry it took me so long to read it! I'll post some things I'm grateful for later, I've got to fix something to eat now -Kevin

Good for her! I was just thinking that, Robbie! Are these new or something? It struck me as a big coincidence that they should crop up suddenly in two threads at the same time! I kinda like them. I think I'd rather have one that said "Gay? Me too!", but I guess they don't make those -Kevin

Ohhh actually it sounds like you're right! I think there were s'mores in that camping scene in TLW; I'd completely forgotten about them. I think I was just assuming there were S'mores with the marshmallows and hot chocolate in TOU, but now that I think about it I believe you're right! Sorry, it's been awhile since I read either section -Kevin

Oh no!! I'm so sorry to hear this. Poor Vance. Please give him my affection and regards, Sharon, and let him know how much I'm thinking about him and how concerned I am. I hope we get to catch up soon. Kevin

Hi all! LOL, so I seem to be a little late to the party ( ), but oh my gosh! Jamie!! That totally rocked! I mean like "WOW! Awesome story!" Wow! **whispers conspiratorially to Jamie** You know he doesn't like anything! That's very well said, Steve! That said, however, I have to say that I'm not at all "on Aaron's side". I think it's commendable that he eventually wanted to make things right. I also agree that no one's perfect, everyone makes mistakes, yada yada, but he does deserve a little punishment IMO. I confess that when I'd first started reading the final scene I expected him to get to Joey's house and find his parents mourning his suicide or something, but I have to say I'm really impressed and pleased that you didn't do that because: 1) that woulda been kinda clich

Hey Viv! Not always but not never! What I mean is, sometimes I like everything spelled out and nicely resolved, and sometimes I like more open endings that are left to the imagination. Overall I think I slightly prefer the more open-ended endings as long as they're not too open-ended...but then even really open-ended endings are good sometimes. So um, yeah theoretically I can be happy with anything along the continuum. Actually, personally I think those two events are almost completely irrelevant to a story. Unless the story is somehow focused around the prom or graduation, like say it's American Pie and the whole point was that they, well you know by graduation. So yeah having a graduation was necessary. But just as a "look how far we've come" thing or whatever, I don't think it's at all necessary and sometimes even unwanted. Not always of course! It totally depends on how it's handled, but having a graduation/prom just for the sake of having it is the sort of thing I'd get tired of in literature. yeah this one! YAY!!!! **does the mental equivalent of jogging laps to train for reading the extra-long chapter** when I first read this sentence I read it as "Now's the time, too, if you are at camp..." Couldn't figure out why being at camp would be relevant. SOOOOO, when can we expect it? **hopeful/expectant eyebrow raise** Have an awesome day and take care! Kevin

You did, in fact I wouldn't have even noticed it wasn't worded exactly the standard way had you not said anything. The phrase is "A man(or whomever) after my own heart". So yeah, definitely close enough

WOW! I know I'm late reading this, but I have to say that was extremely powerful and well-written! I loved how the first time Kevin and Jess met with the injured and bleeding puppy paralleled with their final moments together once again filled with cradling and bleeding. It was very poignant and extremely moving. I was shocked when Mark and his crew appeared from no where! I can really identify and empathize with many of the feelings and experiences that Kevin and Jess went through. Awesome job, Ieshwar! -Kevin

Well here goes then! ************* As Nelson was driving home from Milo's place his thoughts were racing over the events of the past few days. He felt like for once things with Milo might actually be going in the direction that he'd been striving to direct them. It was probably due to these thoughts, and the compelling manner in which they gripped his attention, that Nelson didn't notice a familiar person - in a very unfamiliar situation - until he'd almost driven over her. Haily looked frustrated. Very frustrated. This may have had something to do with the fact that Jame following about 30 feet behind her - and gaining ground - as she walked determinedly down the road toward Nelson's car. "Haily what are you doing here?" Nelson asked as he began to pull over. Before he could even come to a stop, however, Haily was already opening the passenger side door. "I'll explain later! Just get me away from him"

...but how many of them do you write about?