AFriendlyFace

In all seriousness I truly think assimilation is a natural occurrence. Since they're the group being focused on here, let's say a Muslim family immigrates to the U.S. Sure maybe initially they're going to feel intimidated by the American neighbours, and maybe based on their religious beliefs they will feel superior. Maybe their American neighbours will be similarly intimidated and condescending. However, as time goes by and the Muslims meet nice, accepting, friendly, helpful Americans, and as their children play and grow up with the American children, I think it's only natural to assume that they'll gradually begin to see Americans, at least some Americans as "good people", and they may personally feel less inclined to kill or enslave them even assuming they had those radical ideologies in the first place. Similarly I think the Americans immediately in their "sphere" will gradually become less distrustful of them, and hopefully more accepting of different cultures and religions. In the end both parties will better understand the other and everyone will benefit. Sure this is perhaps an overly optimistic projection of what might happen, but I really think it is a possible, if not likely, outcome. Sure they'll be bumps in the road, but in the end I think people will move toward acceptance. It's like with gay people for example, the more gay people an individual actually knows the more likely he or she is to gradually become okay, or at least ambivalent, with it. It's easy to have your strong, "unyielding", black or white beliefs in a vacuum, but once you get exposed to actual people in actual real world settings your beliefs are bound to soften a bit and reach a happy medium. As for Muslims biding their time until they can overthrow us (or whoever their host country is), that just seems very unlikely to me (unless they are treated like crud by everyone around them). Once again I think there's going to be a disconnect between what their religion might tell them (even assuming once again that they are one of the "dangerous", fundamentalist groups), and what they may technically "believe" and how they'll actually act. To specifically address a point, a gay teenage hanging is definitely horrible and IMO even "reprehensible" (and that's not a word I use often), but I don't think any one person in that culture is to blame (even the executers themselves aren't completely to blame). All people have the capacity to behave in such extreme, cruel, and diluted ways. Take any one of those people out of the culture in question, leave them in a more accepting culture for a few years, then expose them to a very nice, positive gay teen, and I bet the vast majority of them won't instantly be reaching for their nooses. They may still feel that it's wrong to be gay, but behaving in a non-violent way would in itself show some general progress. Especially if they did get to the ever popular position of "hating the sin but loving the sinner". In other words if they could admit, even if only to themselves, that they personally liked the gay teen in question, but still felt that he/she was immoral, that WOULD be progress. Give it a few more generations and that same family might be having their son's boyfriend over for dinner. Religion exerts the most control over people when everyone around them is the same and no one questions anything. Heck even I - someone who prides himself on being a completely non-judgmental, relativist with regards to pretty much everything - was a lot more conservative, and "absolutist" when I was in high school and grade school surrounded by nothing but other preppy, white, Catholic, southerners. LOL, I was still more open to other ideas, races, cultures, and religions than my average classmate, but even then not to the same extent that I am now. I think either total "segregation" or total "diversity" is best for people. I could probably be perfectly happy living in a completely gay world where everyone thought and acted pretty much the same way I did (I wouldn't want everyone to be the same since that would be horribly boring, but the same essential values and principles would be fine). There would be no need for me to learn how to interact with straight people, or fundamentalists of any type. But that world can never exist and it's just as well that it doesn't since quite a few people I really love and care about happen to be straight and several of them even hold "absolute", unwavering ideas about things So, I'm "richer" for having been exposed to all these different types of people. For learning how to empathize with people who are seemingly completely different from myself. For knowing how to agree to disagree about certain things. For getting the intellectual, philosophical, and moral workout that a good, in-depth debate can bring. What would be the worst is if I did surrounded myself with nothing but "heterophobic" people who all acted and thought essentially as I did and who all came from essentially the same background. Then when I did go out in the "real world" and meet people who are different I'd be at a total loss to try to understand them. I'd also probably naturally dislike and distrust them. SO, since we can't live totally homogeneous lives in totally homogeneous settings (and as I said I personally think that while this would work just fine, we're better off for not being able to). We'd might as well get out there and embrace diversity and take a minute to try to understand the other person's perspective. Just my thoughts, Kevin

Hi all! Since people were bringing up parents in the Which Dom character do you want to BE thread I thought it might be fun to start a poll to see who everyone thought was the best and worst mom and dad. For best mother I picked Rory's mom hands down! She got a lot of criticism and I agree that she didn't do everything right, but personally I thought she was an excellent mother! My second choice would probably have been Brad's mom, and Quinn's mom would have been right up there with her. Quinn's mom was definitely more conflicted than Brad's mom, but I think since she was a really major character and since we got such a good look at her it's easy to tell that overall she was a really excellent parent who really did do her best to come around and support her son (and his boyfriend). Frank also had a stand out good mom. For worst mother I picked Oliver and David's mom , let's face it a lot of the other moms sucked big time, but Mary Martin seemed to do more than any of the others to actively hurt and manipulate sons. Aiden's mom is the most conflicted of all the "bad moms" IMO, and as such definitely not the "worst" although certainly one that did her son a great deal of harm. I think in the end she really did mean well though, she just wasn't strong enough to change. Owen's mom would have been my next choice, with Sara - Travis' foster mom - right behind her. These two mothers showed completely unacceptable levels of negligence. The difference is that Sara seemed more conflicted and less cold (well apart from the not talking or showing any emotions thing ) than Owen's mom. Jude's mom blows big time too. For best father I picked Eddie, Rory's dad. I think it's obvious that Eddie really cared about Rory and did his best to be there for him when he himself was trying to figure out how to be a father. He's certainly the most thoroughly explored and well-developed dad too. Frank's dad would have been my next choice. He was heavily conflicted and made a lot of mistakes, but when it came down to it he was obviously willing to die to protect his (estranged) family, which says a lot. Reilly's dad would have been my next choice because he seems like a really excellent father figure, and actually all around he's less conflicted and more straightforwardly "good" than Eddie and Frank's fathers. He even went out of his way to help out Dennis! Nelson also has a stand out excellent (step) father! For worst father I picked Oliver and David's dad. Once again quite a few of the others were pretty lousy, but Brain Martin went to new lengths of crappy-dadhood by actively trying to kill his offspring. Other stand out bad fathers would be Bill - Travis' foster dad/Sara's man - who again seemed to take pleasure in physically and emotionally harming Travis and Alan, and Owen's dad who just had no business raising a hand to someone as beautiful and awesome as Owen ( ). Dennis' dad would be next on my list, but I think we're really starting to delve into his character with IFTB, and that in itself is making him a more sympathetic character to me. It's interesting to note that I picked both of Rory's parents as "the best", even though Rory's story (I would say) was primarily about the struggles he went through in his transition from one parent to another! It's heartwarming that Rory pretty much transitioned from living with a mom and grandmother who loved him very much, and having friends who genuinely seemed to care, to living with a dad (and his dad's partner) who loved him very much, and having an awesome boyfriend, best friend, and general circle of friends! Put that way it definitely sounds like the kid had it lucky, and spent too much time whining. Of course in the context of the story it's easy to see that he did go through a great deal of pain and confusion Conversely, poor David and Oliver both had the worst parents in my opinion. So it's no wonder that they also had the most severe mental and emotional troubles. What do you guys think? -Kevin

And Seth no doubt Haha! Well perhaps next time! Yes, I remember Ryan being well-developed Yes, I wanted to include "male family" and "female family" categories, but they only allowed 5 questions and I felt that the other 5 were more relevant and that the people in question wouldn't really have fit into them. I did consciously leave out Harrison Polk and Dom's other short stories for the sake of brevity. Personally, I never did see Grandma Alice, Eddie, Rory's mom, or Quinn's mom as "villains". The term "villain" seems a little harsh for Aaron's brother too. Jude's mom and Owen's parents probably would have fit nicely into the category though, but I didn't think they were well-developed enough to slink in (that and I pretty much forgot about them ) Hmm, good observation! Let's see if we can recall positive mothers: TLW: Ryan's mom, Angie. Reilly's mom I guess TOU: Brad's mom. (I think) Quinn's mom (definitely ambiguous though). DD: (I think) Rory's mom. Maybe Seth's mom? WT: Nelson's mom. TOSOM: Frank's mom. ITFB: None that I can think of. Bad moms: TLW: Owen's mom. Aiden's mom. Dennis' mom. Nicky's mom (?) TOU: Trina's mom. Jude's mom. (some would say Quinn's mom) DD: Luke's mom. Aaron's mom. (I really don't think Rory's mom) WT: Milo's mom (maybe??). TOSOM: David and Oliver's mom. ITFB: Travis' (foster) mom. So yeah, bad mom's do seem to outnumber good mom's in the Dom world! I think fathers are more generally absent or tend to fair better when they are there...let's see Good Dads: TLW: Reilly's dad. Aiden's dad (only from memories, but he sounded positive) TOU: Brad's dad. DD: Eddie, Rory's dad. (Jase was sorta dad like too). Seth's dad. WT: Nelson's dad. Milo's dad (?? I think). TOSOM: Frank's dad. ITFB: Dennis' dad (???? Probably not, but he's certainly looking better in this incarnation). Bad Dads: TLW: Owen's dad. Dennis' dad. TOU: Jude's dad (?? I don't remember him being as big a deal as his mom, but I think he was there and crappy) DD: Aaron's dad. WT: none that I can think of TOSOM: Brian Martin ITFB: Travis' (foster) dad, Bill. SO, we have: -8 good moms (with Rory's and Quinn's being somewhat debatable, but this is where I'd put them. And with Seth's mom not being heavily present in the story). -11 bad moms (if you don't count Rory and Quinn's and if you DO count Milo and Nicky's, which is how I'd do it) -8 good dads (if you do count Aiden's and Milo's and don't count Jase, or Dennis' (ITFB). Which again is how I'd do it) -6 bad dads (if you do count Jude's, again how I'd do it) So yeah, we have about the same number of positive male and female parents but almost twice as many unfit mothers as fathers. Just for kicks: Good sisters: TLW: none that I can recall TOU: Bree DD: Seth's little sister (anyone recall her name?) WT: none that I can recall TOSOM: Frank's little sister. Jay's little sister. ITFB: none that I can recall Bad sisters: TLW: Janie (not the capacity in which I'd define her at all) TOU: none that I can recall DD: none that I can recall WT: none that I can recall TOSOM: none that I can recall ITFB: none that I can recall Brothers seem to play a larger role. Good Brothers: TLW: Tony. Chris. Asher. TOU: (Jude had a brother whom if I recall cared about him but disliked the homosexuality, so he's pretty ambiguous) DD: none that I can recall WT: Nelson's brother (can't even recall his name anymore). TOSOM: David (I think, overall). ITFB: Alan. Bad Brothers: TLW: Lyle. TOU: (same problem with Jude's brother) DD: Aaron's brother WT: none that I can recall TOSOM: (only if you count David) ITFB: none (Still Lyle, but he's already been counted). SO -4 good sisters -1 bad sister -6 good brothers (if you don't count Jude's) -2 bad brothers (if you don't count Lyle twice and once again don't count Jude's) So brothers seem to crop up a bit more often than sisters, and tend to fair slightly better in terms of good vs. evil. In general it also seems that siblings in general tend to be "good". We could even add another "good brother" if we want to count Aaron's youngest brother. Have a fantastic day all! Kevin

Welcome to GA, Cnlundgren!! It's awesome having you here! YUP, I think the term "better late than never" definitely applies here! HEHE, We're all eagerly - but patiently - awaiting an encore So who was your favourite SOOTB character? And who were you hoping Conner would end up with? Anyway, great having you here, and I hope you check out the rest of GA. There's alot of really excellent work at this site! Take care and have an awesome day! Kevin

I don't really want to get involved in this discussion, but being a fairly opinionated person...

Yes, I liked it too

Hi all! I thought it would be fun to do a poll to see which Dom character in each category we, the readers, would most like to be. Remember, this is all in fun, hopefully we're all content with who we are as people. For the TLW and ITFB crew I put in parentheses which story I felt you should consider. In other words Owen is only an option as "protagonist" in TLW, not ITFB, Aiden is only a boy friend/love interest/secondary character in TLW, Dennis is only a villain in TLW and only a protagonist in ITFB, etc. I picked Nelson as the protagonist I would want to be. I personally wouldn't be interested in Milo at all, and if I did become Nelson moving on would be my first order of business , but of the options he's the one who went through the least pain/hard times who was also IMO the coolest, cutest, "funnest" to be. Owen is my favourite protagonist, but he went through way too much cruddy stuff to want to be him. Quinn had a good life, great friends and family, and a super-hot boyfriend, but he was just...Quinn . Rory went through a buncha pain, people lied to him, and he was kinda...Rory. Frank just isn't a cool or cute as Nelson, although he (or maybe Owen despite what he went through) would have been my second choice. I'd never want to be Dennis - too much crap and he just doesn't know how to handle his emotions, and Travis went through way too much stuff too, and again is kinda closed off emotionally. So yeah, Nelson. Best adjusted, happiest, best family (or at least, least familial tribulations, etc.) For Boyfriend/love interest/secondary character I picked Jude. It was definitely either Jude or Luke (Seth was a distant 3rd, but far ahead of the rest). In the end I think Jude's a slightly more admirable, loving, HOT individual, but Luke's pretty high on these traits too. Seth has them as well, just not to the same extent, and not in that exciting way, that Jude and Luke do. In the end part of it came down to preferring to have Jude's straight hair than Luke's curly. So yeah Jude. For Male Supporting Character I picked Taylor. Love the hair, love the style, love the 'tude. Don't get me wrong, Ryan's definitely my favourite character in this category...I just wouldn't want to be straight. :wacko: Ben's a very viable option too. Chris and Nicky also both appeal to me, but less so than the other three I mentioned. None of the rest I'd want to be at all. So yeah Taylor with Ryan and Ben as reserves. For Gal Pal I picked Trina. Don't get me wrong, Lacy and Bree are WAY cooler, but this way I get to be a lesbian!! For Villain I picked Aaron. No contest! He's the hottest, looks like he has the most fun, and manages to show very little remorse while still appearing to have an inner goodness not quite destroyed. If you're going to walk on the dark side, at least have fun with it! All the rest of the villains were just crazy, pathetic, or just didn't enjoy it. SO, who do you want to be? Take care all and have an awesome day! Kevin

No angry stare here! I completely agree with you and love the idea!! I always thought Luke and Aaron belonged together I'd also prefer if we just left Seth and Rory alone for the sequel. Hmm, no, I'd definitely prefer Rory and Seth stay together and Aaron and Luke hook up. It just makes more sense to me with regards to all four characters. Luke and Aaron have a history, and some unresolved chemistry, and Rory and Seth are on track and adorable as they are! Take care and have an awesome day! -Kevin

***picks his jaw up off the floor*** ***attempts to type but drops jaw again***

Ah, well that explains it! Menzo must have told Colin ohh, about 27 minutes I'd say Personally, I prefer longer hair on virtually all guys. Yes, I agree, Rupert is cuter! I'd quite like to see the play, and no not to gawk at Daniel Radcliffe, it sounds like an interesting work! Also - I forgot to quote it - but, Jan, I just read a review of an upcoming movie called "Promises". It seems that Viggo Mortensen (Aragon from LOTR) will do a very long nude, fight scene in a steam room. Personally he's not at all my type. Nor is it at all my type of movie. So I'll probably never watch it, but I figured since we were talking about male nude scenes involving our favourite fantasy characters I'd throw this in. Take care all and have a great day! Kevin

I just wanted to wish Nifter a very happy and special birthday! Happy Birthday, Jeff! I hope you have a very happy birthday, and may the coming year bring you all the peace, happiness, love, and joy that you deserve!!! Take care and have an awesome day Kevin

Excellent point, Carl!

This bothers the hell out of me! Not just with dentists and doctors, but it seems that everyone who wears gloves forgets that just because you have gloves on doesn't automatically mean they're sanitary. The other day I saw a Quizno's worker take money and give change to a customer, then go back to making sandwiches, without changing his gloves :nuke: After all money is only about the dirtiest thing in the average person's possession at any given time...why change your gloves when handling it? :wacko: Oh my gosh! that's scary! -Kevin

It was an interesting article. However, I personally wasn't that crazy about it as an article. I think it would have made an excellent blog, and I suppose it does work as an opinion piece, but overall I do think it's too biased to be considered a fair article. The author also presents all of his opinions subjectively as opinions. Now it seems downright ridiculous for me, "Mr. I don't really care about science or objectivity", to be complaining about this, but it really would have been nice if it had had some research or scientific basis. It also might have benefited from a bit more editing. The other thing I would point out about it is that it focuses a bit too heavily on the negative (of course I realize that was the point and based on the title that should be obvious). I'd have preferred a little more mention of how things are getting better. It also seemed very apparent the opinions expressed were based heavily on the writer's own personal feelings and experiences. Anyway, like I said, it was very interesting, I agreed with quite a few points, and it would fit very well as someone's blog entry, or as a non-objective opinion piece. I would hate to have an article of this type distributed widely, however, because it does reek of propaganda. Didn't mean to come off overly critical of it, just playing "devil's advocate" I suppose. Anyway take care all and have a great day! Kevin

An interesting article. I thought that part that theorized his motivation for banning gay sex to be a desire to expand his population was especially interesting. I'm certainly not saying I agree with it, but I do understand it. In fact I've always naturally assumed that this was also the motivation for any possible prohibition in Biblical times. It does somewhat make sense for an endangered population with a high mortality rate to actively encourage all of it's members to procreate. What I do take issue with is that this strategy has in many cases failed to evolve. We are not in any danger of running out of people. Quite the opposite, I would much more readily argue for a strategy that would discourage people from reproducing prolifically (obviously I wouldn't endorse any such law since I think it would be a major violation of civil rights, but in general it would be a good idea for people to curb their population growth). Anyway, IMO if anything they should be giving us medals for usually not reproducing naturally and instead in many cases adopting/looking after kids that others can't handle/don't want. Don't get me wrong, I definitely intend to be a parent, and while there's a good chance I'll opt to adopt I may look into other options for having kids biologically, but in any case at this point the world doesn't need me to reproduce biologically. Nor does it need the children of any of my GLBT brothers and sister nor the offspring of my straight cousins who don't want kids. That phase of our history is over, and unless there's a major worldwide disaster or we decide to colonize outer space, I don't see it coming again. The other article was excellent as well! It's good to know that French society had made arrangements for non-traditional families Just my opinions, take care all and have an awesome day Kevin

Happy Birthday, Trebs! Thank you for all the kindness and consideration you show here, and may your day be filled with all the joy, love, peace, and happiness that you deserve! -Kevin

Menzo, I don't think I can properly express my surprised delight at discovering this piece! I had no idea that you wrote poetry, and was only vaguely aware (from your "author" tag) that you wrote anything at all. This was...AWESOME (It's a pity I over-use the word to such an extent that saying it now delivers less impact than I mean). I've known several transsexuals and have become pretty good friends with one. In fact she and I will probably be having dinner tomorrow evening with a small group of friends. I confess that transsexuals/transgenders (as well as drag queens, cross-dressers, and transvestites) are the portion of the "alternative lifestyle" culture with which I have the most trouble identifying/understanding. However, in the past couple of years I've made considerable efforts to correct this - which I consider a very unfortunate personal failing - and I take great comfort in the fact that while I think I need a lot of work in this area, I'm generally perceived as a very understanding, supportive ally. Anyway, the point is this poem beautifully and very effectively sums up the feelings I've come to recognize. It also lights a fire beneath me to make further strides in reaching out to this group (who are perhaps the most vulnerable segment of the GLBT population). Yet, as much as this poem makes me feel for the trans people of the world, and chillingly reminds me of some of the things a few of my personal friends and acquaintances have gone through, it does not make me empathize any less with the tragic figure the poem depicts! Beautifully done! Hmm, I have heard some dire stories about unaccepting dads, and I realize this is a very common perception. Personally, I don't care for the general characterization, however. This is probably because I'm all about gender equality, and "men's rights" (women's rights too of course, but I think men's rights are all too often ignored), so the idea that fathers make inferior parents, or that they're generally less accepting than mothers is one that leaves a very nasty taste in my mouth (granted though my own mother if by far my "favourite parent", and I can't say enough nice things about her). Anyway, I concede that it's often the case that fathers have a harder time dealing with a son's sexuality, or gender identity issue. This I recognize is a fairly understandable - though certainly undesirable - function of male psychology. Nevertheless, I've known several instances in which the father handled things better than the mother, and I know of even more in which they both did an excellent job. (unfortunately I know of several in which they both did a crappy job too). I felt more like her primary expression was that of bitter desperation. There did seem to be a "revenge" aspect to the poem, but I felt like it was a secondary characteristic of her hopeless despair. As far as my understanding of literature goes a simile IS a type of metaphor. Being something of a literary pedant I googled "simile" and checked out the wikipedia entry for it. It would appear that overall the authors of this entry agree with you. However, I was somewhat vindicated in the "Simile vs. Metaphor" section in which the following quote appears: I would be the "some". Anyway, no point in going off on that tangent (any further than I already have). As for the two points Conner raises: I couldn't have said it better myself! I was thinking the same thing when I read that particular criticism, but upon scrolling down discovered that you'd already responded eloquently. I tend to like somewhat "narrative, prose-like" poetry. I similarly find myself favouring songs that tell a specific story. So this works very well for me. I'd also agree that that was definitely the best way to handle this particular poem. I hadn't, but will now (well not now, but eventually). I love stories that deal with suicide! (and other dark themes for that matter) I suppose it may be a bit morbid, and who knows what it says about my psyche, but my preferred interpretation is that I have a pretty happy, "light" life, so I like to vicariously live the dark, painful stuff through art and literature. I whole-heartedly agree that some of the most powerful "suicide" stories happen suddenly, and serve to shock the reader. However, I've also read quite a few very powerful pieces (this one included) in which the author was upfront about the main character's intent. So I agree that the element of surprise can be very potent but I think there's a place for stories/poems like this as well. I can imagine something along the lines that you're describing, Jason, to indeed be excellent, but I think this poem works just as it is, and I'm perfectly content to have "known all along" Yes, I've read several pieces like this as well; they definitely work. I think there's a place for all the before mentioned styles of literature. Thanks for the good read, Menzo. I shall indeed check out your other work. Take care everyone and all the best Kevin

I like it, Ian. Well done

LOL, I think I did a longer version of this test recently, but since it looks fun and my answers tend to depend on my mood anyway, I'll do it again: TEN EMOTIONS. 1. are you missing someone right now?:Yeah, actually I am, which is kinda odd for me. ( I tend to be really self-contained) 2. are you happy? Usually, and right now, yes 3. are you talking to anyone right now?: No, I'm taking this quiz 4. are you bored?: I'm never bored. I pretty much always have way more things I want to do than time in which to do them. 5. are you German?: Genealogically, I'm more German than anything else, which English being second. 6. are you Irish?: Nope 7. are you French?: That's 3rd (my mom's a genealogy nut ) 8. are you Italian?: Nope, not at all 9. are your parents still married?: Nope 10. do you like someone right now?: Tons of people, but none romantically TEN FAVORITES. 1. store: Such an unfair question! Uhh, M2M Fashion (it's a men's boutique here in Houston), Express, Abercrombie and Fitch, Hot Topic, Hollister, lots more 2. flowers: Not a flower person, um Red Roses I guess. 3. color: Blue! 4. sport: Soccer, baseball, pool, lotsa others, I love games (don't like watching any of them though, only playing) 5. mall: Definitely! haha, I guess "The Galleria" which is actually one of the largest malls in the nation 6. movie: Hmm, I'd have to say Transformers. (I'll just leave this answer) 8. season: Winter 9. animal: Cats, Dogs, squirrels, horses 10. state: Hmm, Happy, contented, or pleasantly excited. TEN FACTS. 1. hometown: I don't answer that question online. 2. hair color: HAHAHA, like I can pick one! Right now red with blonde highlights. 3. Birthday: No thanks, I've had enough. 4. hair style: LOL, again "like I could pick one" 5. eye color: Blue! 6. best friend: ...like I could pick one. My current "local" best friend is Brian. 7. mood: Content 8. skin color: White, I'm going to get a spray on tan soonish when I find the time though. 9. available: Depends on what you have in mind 10. left/right-handed: Right, but I'm fairly ambidextrous TEN THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE. 1. have you ever been in love?: Nah 2. do you believe in love: With regards to that perfect, story book kind? Theoretically: yes. Practically: ...no, to be honest (wouldn't mind being proven wrong though) 3. why did your last relationship fail: *sigh* define "relationship" and *shrug* who knows 4. have you ever been heartbroken: Romantically? No 5. have you ever broken someone's heart?: I hope not...probably though 6. have you ever fallen for one of your best friends: No...well yes...sorta...it's weird 7. have you ever liked someone but never told them: Not really, I mean I usually let people know when I like them, although there were some people I never straight up told, but if they didn't get it they really weren't paying attention 8. are you afraid of commitment: No 9. has someone ever kissed your hand: Not that I recall 10. have you ever had a secret admirer: Wouldn't be much of a secret now would it? But yeah, I've had people that I later found out "secretly admired" me TEN THINGS: THIS OR THAT. 1. love or trust: Both 2. hard liquor or beer: Something in between, like wine, champaign, or any number of mixed drinks. 3. night or day: Night 4. one night stands or relationships: Can I plead the 5th? Relationships would be better. 5. television or internet: INTERNET! I don't watch TV at all, and I'm online all the time. No comparison. 6. pepsi or coke?: I don't drink soda, or caffeine in general, but when I used to, I preferred Dr. Pepper. Of those two though definitely Pepsi. 7. wild night out or romantic night in: Both please 8. chocolate or vanilla: Do you really need to ask! 9. phone or in person: In person 10. Love or Lust: Both please TEN HAVE Y0U EVER 1. have you ever been caught sneaking out?: never had to sneak out 2. have you ever skinny dipped: I think so, can't recall for sure but probably. 3. have you ever done something you regret: Haven't we all? 4. have you ever sky dived: Nope, but i plan too 5. have you ever been on a house boat: No (LOL, I'll just keep leaving LC's answers ) 6. have you ever finished an entire jaw breaker: Well yeah! I even finished one of those really giant ones the size of a baseball once. 7. have you ever liked someone so badly it hurt?: Yes 9. have you ever danced in the rain?: Yes 10. have you ever had a hang over?: Not yet WHO 1. Who was the last person you laughed with? Umm, my mom I think. 2. Who can cheer you up instantly?: Virtually anyone who tries. 3. Who do you think will make you smile tomorrow: Tracy or Michelle at the meeting I have to go to. 4. Who is making the world a more terrible place to live in: What a dreadful question! I shan't answer this one. 5. Who dominates the family: *shrug* it's a matter of opinion 6. Who is like a brother/sister to you: Uhh, my Cousin, Katie I guess. 7. Who is the youngest person you know: *shrug* 8. Who makes the best dinner: If I eat a home cooked meal it's usually prepared by me. If you mean what restaurant do I like best...well I don't know, I eat out a lot. 9. Who needs to chill: No one's really "on my case", but I think everyone needs some downtime. WHAT 1. What do you hope will happen next week: I hope I win the lottery! (I don't play, but I can hope) 2. What would you name a newborn puppy: I dunno, gimme a newborn puppy and let's find out! 3. What relaxes you: lotsa things! How about a bubble bath. 4. What is the most difficult decision you had to make: Dunno 6. What's your style: What isn't my style? Most typically preppy professional I guess. But I enjoy lotsa different looks 7. What is your number one priority: Helping people 8. What is the worst movie you've ever seen: I don't know, I tend to go easy on movies when it comes to evaluating them, and if I already think I won't like them I don't watch them in the first place. Since I never feel like I have enough free time, and since I'm not a big movie person in the first place, I never watch movies for the heck of it, so if I'm going to watch it, it's probably one I'm fairly sure I'll like. 9. What do you want for Christmas: My two front teeth? Oh I dunno, let's go with world peace. No need to wrap it even. WHEN 1. When is it a good time to be truthful: "Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies". I don't know, how bout "when someone needs to hear it". 2. When was your last break-up: We're back to defining "relationship" before we can define "break-up". 3. When do you take time for yourself: When don't I take time for myself? 4. When is the next time you'll see your best friend: Depends on the "best friend" in question. Several of my "best friends" I don't expect to see in person for several months at least. I'll see quite a few people I really care about tomorrow though. 5. When will world hunger end: July 7th 2038 12:19 PM (don't tell them I told you ) 6. When was your last bad hair day: Ohh, um, it was a Sunday about a month and a half ago. Looked horrible. I woke up too late to do anything with it, and the natural look really wasn't working. 7. When do you usually take a shower: In the mornings, but ideally I throw a bath in somewhere along the way. 8. When are you going to go on your next date: *shrug* no telling, could be in a few days, might not be for weeks 9. When will emo kids grow up: This is a stupid question, IMO 10. When did you first learn about sex: "learn" about sex? I think I've pretty much always known it existed. 1. Why do you feel the way you do right now: Because i drank too much water and I'm trying to finish this quiz thing before I get up to pee. 2.Why are teenagers becoming more apathetic: I don't really think they are. 3. Why did you say the meanest thing you've ever said: I don't usually say mean things. If I do I'm thoroughly ticked off. 4. Why can't perfection exist: Because the penguins hid the magic potion 5. Why is gay marriage illegal: *shrug* give it time 6. Why, in your opinion, are some countries more privileged than others: It's a complex mixture of social, cultural, historical, and political factors, and it's also greatly influenced by natural resources and the climate. 7. Why is your father the way he is: This is kinda a silly question too. Just "what way is he?", and why is anyone the way they are? 8. Why do bad things feel so good: Do they? I usually decide that if it feels good it isn't bad. Or if it is bad it doesn't feel good overall. 9. Why would you hurt someone, if you ever did: I can be very protective of people I care about, and some things you just DO NOT say to me. 10. Why did you go online today: I go online everyday. SPILL YOUR GUTS Q. First thing you did this morning?: Decided I could be late for my first appointment and slept for another hour Q. The last thing you ate?: Um "Crispy Dippers, Baked Soy Snacks" from "GeniSoy" with cottage cheese, and I drank a glass of wine with it. Q. What's something you look forward to most in the next 6 weeks?: I'm pretty excited about the GA convention thingy, I'm also looking forward to a work sponsored vacation I'll hopefully be taking in the Caribbean, and after that I'm kinda hoping to go visit Megan and Jesse ( ) in New York. Q. What's annoying you right now?: My full bladder (stupid long, quiz!) Q. What's the last movie you saw?: Maybe Transformers, I'm not positive if I've seen anything since then or not. Like I said, I'm not a big movie person. Q. Do you believe in long distance relationships?: Well obviously I believe they exist. Whether or not I believe they're advisable would depend on the people and the circumstances. Q Where is the last place you went?: ? Um, upstairs to my bedroom? Q: Who is the last person you called?: I talked to alota people on the phone today. I think my mom was the most recent (hence the last one I laughed with). Q: Been cheated on?: Nope, never had to deal with it, but I would consider immediate grounds for breaking up. Q: Do you think that someone is thinking about you right now?: Uhh, possibly. Q: Do you wish on stars?: uh huh Q: Did it work?: So far Q: Do you untie your shoes every time you take them off?: Depends on the shoes Q: When did you last cry?: Wow! I think it's been weeks! Q: Do you like your handwriting?: Of course not; it's horrible. Q: Are you a friendly person?: Yes, I've even won awards for it (LOL, it was one of those silly, school voting things) Q: Are you keeping a secret from the world?: No, I don't think so. Although, the word can be a tad nosey at times. Q: Who's bed did you sleep in last night?: Jesse McCartney's (well not really, but it sounded more interesting that way) Q: What color shirt are you wearing?: Red Q: Do you have any pets?: My babygirl Lucky Q: What is the color of your bedsheets?: Blue Q: What were you doing at 9 last night?: Hangin out with Brian from earlier in the quiz. Q: Last person you talked to: Again that would be my mom a couple hours ago. Q: When is the last time you saw your dad?: Hmm, I guess about 7 or 8 years ago. Q: Look to your left: OK, I did. Odd request, but whatever Q: Ever cried yourself to sleep?: Yup, sure have. Q: Ever cried on your friends shoulder?: Yup, sure have. Q: Song that makes you cry?: Geez! This quiz is obsessed with crying! Ummm, "Good Riddance" by Green Day (there are others, but that was the first one that came to mind). Q: Are you a normally happy person?: No, I'm an abnormally happy person 1. Smoked a cigarette: I've smoked like 8 or 9 EVER, last one probably about 8 months ago. 2. Smoked a cigar: NO 3. Drank so much you threw up: LOL, of course! I'm seldom particularly bothered by doing that though, and it's usually a fairly conscious decision. 4. Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back: Never serious ones. 5. Been arrested: No 6. Gone on a blind date: Yes 7. Skipped school: HAHA, goodness yes. 8. Seen someone die: Whoa! No way! 9. Been to Canada: No, but I wanna die there eventually 10. Been to Mexico: No, but I hope to go within the next few years. 11. Been on a plane: Yes 12. Been lost: As I alway say, "You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going" 13. Been on the opposite side of the country: I've been on the East Coast before, but since I'm from like the middle bit I'm not sure that counts (since there isn't really an "opposite side of the country") 14. Swam in the ocean: If you're feeling charitable you can call it "swimming". I've been in the ocean lotsa times. 15. Felt like dying: No way! 17. Played cops and robbers: When I was a kid 18. Recently colored with crayons: Not recently 19. Sang karaoke: I've done that, but again not particularly recently. 20. Paid for a meal with only coins: No, I don't think so. 21. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't: Well yeah, but I didn't believe myself in the first place. 22. Made prank phone calls: I would never do that! 23. Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose: Yeah. 24. Caught a snowflake on your tongue: I don't even think I've seen a proper snowflake. 26. Written a letter to Santa Clause: Yup 27. Been kissed under the mistletoe: That is SO going on my list of things to do. 29. Blown bubbles: Of course 30. Made a bonfire on the beach: not on the beach, but lotsa other places. 31. Crashed a party: I've unexpectedly shown up at parties, but I wasn't really unwelcome, so I'm not sure if that counts or not. 32. Gone roller-skating: well yeah! I wanna do that again soon! Personal questions to know you better: 1. Nicknames? Several 2. Mother's name? Sharon 3. What is your favorite drink? Water 4. Tattoos? Tattoos are definitely not for me. 5. Body piercing? Considerably more likely than tattoos but still exceedingly unlikely. 6. How much do you love your job? I like it quite a bit! 7. Birthplace: Virginia 8. Favorite vacation spot? N/A 9. Ever been to Africa? No, and I'd much rather go to Europe, Asia, and Australia first, and really South America is about equally as appealing. Although I guess Egypt would have alota cool things to see, so maybe it edges out S. America. Still much rather go to Europe, Asia, and Australia though. Anyway, I'd like to go to all 7 continents. Although, I'm not sure I'd actually want to "get out" when we stopp by Antarctica. 10. Ever eaten cookies cake for dinner? Cookies no, they're not generally rich enough to be that appealing to me. Cake/pie/brownies LOTS of times, including tonight actually. 11. Ever been on TV? Yes, but only like "cameos", but I'd quite like to be on TV regularly in some sort of acting or "personality" role. 12. Ever stole any traffic signs? Certainly not! That's not at all something that interests me. In fact I'd much rather not have to deal with figuring out where to put a traffic sign. 13. Ever been in a car accident? Never a serious one. 14. Was it your fault? Clearly you were anticipating the answer to the question above. But no, I've never been in an accident that was my fault, and I've never been in an accident PERIOD when I was driving. 15. 2 doors or 4? In most cases one is usually sufficient If you mean with regards to cars, then 4 16. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch, I guess. But I like vinegar/vinaigrette quite a bit! 17. Favorite pie? Something insanely decadent and chocolately. Lemon flavoured pies are really good too though, and if I'm going to have dessert they're about the only thing that might tempt me away from chocolate. 18. Favorite number? 4!!!! (and I feel really passionate about this) 20. Favorite holiday? *shrug* Christmas I guess. 21. Favorite dessert? You're just beating a dead horse now. 22. Favorite food? Edamame! It's freakishly good and freakishly good for you! 23. Favorite day of the week? Monday (seriously) 24. Favorite brand of body soap? I don't really use "soap", I'm kinda a fancy, snob when it comes to hygiene accessories. 25. Favorite TV show? As I said, I don't watch TV. I guess I'd have to say Friends from back in the day. 26. Favorite Toothpaste? Crest Vivid Night Whitening. 27. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? My eyesight's not that sharp 28. What do you do when you are bored? Like I said, I don't get bored. I have too many hobbies and interests.

Happy Birthday, Marty! I hope it rocks

I think on their most fundamental level all relationships are about trying to make something together

Hey Richie Awww That sounds really sweet and fun! I was actually going to suggest something much along the lines that your friend had in mind. I find a really good question to be "so what are you up to tonight?" It's pretty open ended, flexible, and all around ambiguous. Like you may just be asking out of idle curiosity or just to make conversation, BUT it also opens the door to him saying, "nothing why?" Or "nothing, how about you?" then that's the part where you can say "I was thinking of catching a movie/grabbing some dinner at __/whatever, you wanna come with?". OR if he describes his plans and they sound fun, and not something you'd be intruding on, you can just say, "Wow! That sounds like fun", and maybe he'll say "well you can come along if you want". Or maybe he'll have set plans that obviously couldn't include you (like maybe dinner at a relative's or something), but the more you have these kind of conversations the more likely that eventually one of you will say something the other's interested in doing and can invite/be invited. hehe, glad I could help Ouch! That sucks! Hahaha, I know! I'd be in so much trouble if I worked there! LOL, I love how you said "get to see it on people first". It's like "ohhh, NO! I do not want to look like that. This shirt is staying on the hanger" LOL, or more hopefully, "He looks hot in that! I think I'll get one too" good luck! Yeah, I like that song! It was my ring tone for a really long time. Yeah, roommates are tricky business. Personally, I'm a fan of living alone and visiting people. So much easier when the mess you're looking at isn't half yours to clean up (Although, I've often helped friends clean up their mess because my own apartment's always really tidy, so when they need help cleaning I'm the first one they think of I don't really mind though it's also less stressful when the mess you're cleaning isn't yours.) Well, modern science is pretty amazing, so I guess ya never know I've never seen that movie, always wanted to though. Anyway take care and have an awesome day! -Kevin

Don't worry, Nick! I bet you really will shake off any dust and get rolling in no time! What are SOL's? The only thing I could think of (S*%$ Out of Luck) didn't seem to fit lol Take care and good luck Kevin

LOL, sorry, but I really am chronically camera shy. Thanks! I worked on it last night, not so much the next chapter (like I probably should have), but rather a couple of scenes I really wanted to get out. I guess what happened was that I got to a point in the story that I wasn't as excited about telling, and instead of going on and writing some of the other stuff that I was excited about, I kinda let it stop me. The other big problem is that the story wasn't supposed to have a "main character", it was just supposed to be the story of several people at critical junctures in their lives, and if anyone was going to be the "center" of the story it was supposed to be Donny (not so much as the main character but as the most central one that united everything), unfortunately I must confess that Nicky (who was originally supposed to be one of the secondary characters), really "hi-jacked" the whole thing, and all the parts that I really wanted to write related to him. Anyway, I feel like I'm "back on track" now, and even if the story does end up with a slightly different focus than I'd originally intended I feel pretty good about the direction I'm going in now. I don't intend to post anything for another couple of months though. I want to be certain that I'm far enough along, and know where I'm taking it before I get in over my head lol. Take care and have an awesome day! Kevin

Hey LC! Awww thanks! That's very sweet of you I definitely hope to get further along this time! I am looking forward to posting new chapters! Take care and have a fantastic day! Kevin