AFriendlyFace

They were the ones that did "Venus" didn't they?? I know they have a song I really like if it's not that one.

My gosh, how ridiculous and disgusting these laws are!

Well personally I've always hated the idea of nature just spitting out a bunch of traits and characteristics and everyone just always turning out predictably. In the nature vs. nurture debate I'm definitely pulling for nurture. However, that's just my personal preferences (anti nature; pro nurture), I actually believe they're intricately interwoven and completely different from person to person. In other words using homosexuality as an example I think a different and unique combination of genes will mean a completely different reaction to life experiences. Say Tommy and Billy both have the "potential" (based on their genes) to be gay, and Tommy spends a good bit of time growing up engaged in sports for example (though really I obviously think it's an infinite number of variables), as a result Tommy's experiences and socialization lead him to be straight. Now say we take Billy and put him in the exact same situation, and the exact same experiences and socialization have the exact opposite effect and Billy turns out gay. Say Tommy had instead spent a good bit of time playing video games or reading, maybe he'd have ended up gay, whereas if Billy had done those same thing he's have ended up straight. Anyway what I'm saying is I don't think (in most cases anyway) people choose their sexualities, but I think life experiences and environment do play a role, just in completely unpredictable ways. This is also basically what I believe about everything else as well a tendency to be: spiritual, angry, happy, sad, a leader, a follower, jealous, secure etc. I hate the idea that people are just born to be a certain way and whatever happens to them that's how it's going to be. Different experiences affect different people diferent ways. I definitely don't think it matters though. I mean in the case of sexuality for example I really don't care if people choose it (which I don't think is usually the case), as long as they enjoy it and accept it. Who cares why I like guys? They're hot and I'm glad I do . And I definitely think it's ridiculous (just my opinion) for people to try to change it or influence it's course (which I think is way too complicated and unpredictable to begin with -think Oedipus trying to escape his fate). That's like saying, "I hate that I like like oranges! I need to stop liking oranges and start liking apples!" I mean what the heck, why would not want to like oranges if they taste really good to you? Besides they're perfectly healthy and so is homosexuality Just my thoughts, Kevin

aww thanks! LOL blue's my favourite colour and I have alot of it in my wardrobe, so hopefully it does look good on me.

Hey Nick! So did you have a good time in Carolina? I'm sorry you've been bored, and all that stuff about Taylor and his mom sucks! It's good though that he's there for her even if she isn't really there for him, I mean she definitely should be, but at least he's being the better person and making the effort and doing what's right etc. I'm really looking forward to reading your summer Anthology entry! I'm sure it'll be awesome! Take care and have a teriffic day Kevin

***borrows C James' sunglasses and Steve's (flattoppp) large hat*** Hi everyone, I'm John. I'm new to the forum, but I just wanted to say what an excellent chapter I thought this was. I'm looking forward to reading more and I know chapter 22 will be worth the wait; however, I hope Buddha posts more for us to see ASAP! -John (who's face is neither friendly nor familiar)

This was indeed a very powerful, emotional chapter! I didn't see the Mikey car accident thing happening, I did suspect that the call could have been about him, but I was thinking suicide (outright) or more likely a beating from his parents. It was a very sad chapter and I cried for a good bit of it too. However, I think it certainly fits really well for the progression of the story. It seemed like Ryan needed I kind of "wake up call" to snap out of his denial/detachment. I pretty much did need to be a horrible event happening to Toby or Mikey to really powerfully effect this change. Ryan was primarily distent and "absent" towards Toby during his sickness and Mikey with the thing with his parents. So it rather makes sense that it would require one of them's death (or some other really bad happening to them) to snap him out of it. Mikey also works better because his death is more of a "surprise" than Toby's would have been. This is what I'm thinking too. I also definitely agree that Ryan's love and support will be crucial in his recovery, but I also think Ryan will play a role in a different way. Toby can see how deeply Ryan is hurting and how horribly he's taken Mikey's passing. I think seeing this (and to a somewhat lesser extent the affect this has had on everyone else) will give Toby a major incentive to fight hard and recover, in order to spare Ryan (et all) more pain. I'm so sorry I'm pretty torn with regards to Mikey's parents. On the one hand I agreed with Connor's original assertion that it was Mikey's parents' fault. I do still believe this. However, on the other hand I still have this compulsion to forgive them, though I don't think I'd be able to at this point if I were actually in the story. I still can't help but think they have to be forgiven. Thus, I really don't like them and I'm mad at them, but at the same time I'm trying to get over it (especially since they're sorry - though I completely agree that that's too little too late) Excellent observation, Nick!! I hadn't really realized that before, I think you're definitely right! Yep, I think you're right LOL well as I've often said I can't listen to music while I read or write, but I've downloaded quite a few of the songs I'd never heard of (and several of the ones I'd "forgotten") and it's been really great listening to them. While we're on the subject of songs I have to say that personally I found "Sand and Water." really moving, and defintely cried quite a bit more while reading it's lyrics. While the last four lines of "One More Arrow" struck me as really powerful, I couldn't really connect with the rest of the song. Of course I haven't actually listened to it only read the lyrics just then. And yup, Nick, that's the same Burt Bacharack Also on the subject of songs, I think everyone's failing to point out something REALLY significant: After that, I vowed never to perform on stage again. What!? I totally didn't see that coming, and can only vaguely understand why Connor would make such a decision. Performing has always seemed like his therapy and I should think now more than ever he'd need it. I'll be interested to see what comes about with this! WOW! Good Luck, Steve! I bet that'll be a huge adjustment for you, I'm sure you'll enjoy your decision though and I wish you the best of luck! aww I'm so sorry it's been rough on you, Hocus . I'm really glad you found this community though, please do let others be here for you if you need them. I recommend the live chat and the blogs as an excellent source of support. Remember not to go through it alone and that 1) your parents may make significant progress and 2) regardless they'll be LOTS of people who'll accept you just the way you are. LOL the newspaper? hehehe I wouldn't look there for pleasant, happy reading! Of course I've made it a point to avoid reading the newspaper or watching the news since I was about your age, so for all I know they may be filled with cheerful things....I doubt it though Anyway take care everyone and have an awesome day! Teriffic chapter, David! Awesome job, Kitty! (in fact the Maggie/Ryan interaction was one of my favourite parts ) Kevin

YES! LOL Jesse McCartney is my # 1 male celebrity crush . It's a bit embarrassing really, one day I was in Wal-Mart and they have those TV screens advertising whatever, and all of a sudden Jesse comes on and says "Hi, how would you like to take me home?" (referring to his new album or something).....lol I stop dead in my tracks and caused quite a shopping cart traffic jam Anyone ever see the video for "she's no you". EUNNNNHHHH he's so pretty it hurts! um anyway.... take care and have a great day Kevin

Gosh! That's like my fantasy come true! LOL I sort of agree with you, although I usually don't envision everyone as blonde or redhead if there's information to the contrary....if there's not though Gosh ANOTHER fantasy come true .....now if they'd only come true -Kevin

aww I'm glad you enjoyed it naw, it's not dangerous at all. It's just a cheap gillette razor. It works on one AA battery , I didn't like electric razors as much....probably mostly because I do like to lounge around in the tub while I shave. LOL and yup, the whole time I'm in there I have music on and I'm usually singing along -Kevin

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't The person below me has made up their own word and used it in everyday conversation with a completely straight face

Ohhhh I'm so sorry I hope you feel better.

Yes!! I completely agree! I also definitely agree with you about the vet thing. I'm pretty sure that's how I would feel too. glad to hear you're writing again! Take care and feel better Kevin EDIT: I posted at the same time as Lucy, but I just wanted to say I completely agree with her!

Yay! Congratulations Luc!! I'm ashamed to admit I haven't read your work yet (I intend to within the next week or so though), but if it's half as good as everyone says I'll be unbelievably pleased! Take care and have a teriffic day! Kevin

I just had a horrible thought! What if she's cheating on Christine with Mary

LOL well I wish SOMEONE could get me that adorable crying one used in chat (not in regular posts)! I can't figure out how to add that one, I use " " all the time in MSN though. Perhaps he's not stupid....he may just be a liar "hmmm, I'll put male model in my profile! They'll never think to click the phony link!".....okay maybe he is stupid To answer the question, nope that's never happened to me. The person below me is going to get me that crying emote ***puppy dog face***

Hey Ibuprofen! Good luck on your exams! I'm sure you'll do teriffic I'm sure by the time you read this you'll have already taken your exams, but as a general bit of advice (that I'm sure no one'll listen to anyway lol ) let me remind you of the importance of getting enough sleep! Lack of sleep is one of the most detrimental preventable things that can happen to your health, it's also one of the worst things you can do to your concentration (which will of course effect how you do on your exam). The other thing people tend to do when studying that's very bad for their performance is over-indulge in caffeine. Studies consistently show that large amounts of caffeine actually impair learning and recall. Anyway relax and try to get some rest and I'm sure you'll do splendidly on your exams! I know it'll be a huge relief when it's all over! LOL, and don't worry about the hair brushes and other things, those can be replaced easily enough . Perhaps you can borrow one back from your sister or other family member in the meantime? And budgies awww so cute! Don't worry about misplacing him, he probably misplaced himself Take care, good luck, and have an awesome day! Kevin

Hmmm,I think you must mean FBTE (From Behind Those Eyes ), which is the very excellent serial Viv has in progress! (In fact she's so thoughtful she gave US a present on her birthday and released chapter 20 ). SOOTB ( Someday Out Of The Blue ) is the (also excellent) serial being written by LittleBuddhaTW . Anyway have a teriffic day and take care! Kevin

Good Luck, Ronnie! I'm sure you'll do great! Xander and Jayne sure are cute dogs! LOL I noticed you left the chain in Jayne's picture Take care and have fun Kevin

That's not exactly true in my opinion. As I mentioned above myself and another guy both referred to ourselves as feminists, in fact in this case there were more male feminists than female feminists on hand . However, even that notwithstanding the tag "feminists" describes characteristics of someone's ideology not (physical/demographic) characteristics of the individual themself (like environmentalists seek to protect the environment they don't claim to be environments ). Personally however, I use the tag only as it applies to equal rights to women. As it applies to equal rights for men I would adapt the phrase "masculinist" to suit my needs, or simply say, "I'm in favour of equal rights for men". I prefer this because it brings more attention specifically to men's rights, and chances are if I use one of the before mentioned phrases it'll confuse people enough for them to ask what I mean, thus giving me a chance to explain and bring attention to the matter. Well I say call it whatever you like. It's your own person viewpoints and attitudes, so I think you should get to pick the label . Besides, as I said if it's one people aren't too familar with they'll probably ask you to explain which is generally a good thing in terms of rallying support. Of course if you find yourself with very similar attitudes to some other preexisting, well-known group you'll probably have to accept that label. Anyway just my thoughts on the matter. Besides labels are stupid anyway (IMO) Have an awesome day and take care everyone! Kevin EDIT: I googled "Masculinist" and got this interesting Wikipedia entry as a result (which describes the ideology of "Masculism" ) Masculism It's very informative, and as you can see by reading it people may interpret "masculism" in completely different ways. If you scroll down to the section entitled, "Differences in masculist ideology" it describes both the conservative views and the liberal views. The conservative views I, personally, completely detest. The liberal views are spot on how I feel about this issue. Thus, it is dangerous to use the term lest you be identified with the complete opposite viewpoint :wacko: . The liberal section did suggest using the phrase "gender egalitarianism" to describe the ideology. As I side note I feel really bad about taking this thread . I think what we were initially saying is that we hoped Cameron's mom would have a more progressive attitude toward women's rights than the traditional (but really sweet, IMO) Mrs. Harris. Either way though, I know I'll love whatever Vance has in store for us, and I trust him to tell the story exactly in the high quality, powerful way all of his stories affect us.

Yay!! So glad you had such a great day, Viv! I can't believe they made you go to a boring meeting on your birthday . LOL, I bet you showed them though, smiling anyway ohhh clever idea, Rob! I can definitely see a trend like that catching on Kevin

Welcome Jack! It's really great to have you here, I'm eagerly looking forward to reading your work Have an awesome day and take care! Kevin

Gosh you know these things just get easier and easier to answer the longer ya wait to answer them 1. What is my middle name? Marie 2. What is my favorite color? Green 3. Which of my kids is older, my son or my daughter? Daughter 4. Where was I born? San Diago 5. What is my favorite candy? Jolly Rancher 6. What are the names of Viv

That was good of you, James. I hope the ride back is more fun! Take care and have an awesome day! Kevin