AFriendlyFace

Well, I was going to agree with Menzo...but now it'll just look like I'm ripping him off in terms of insight In any case, I like it as well and did note that it seemed to be a part of the saga you discuss in your other poems. Well done, Kevin

I believe we did discuss briefly during LTMP that the takes place in the future. If I recall correctly I don't think CJ ever pinned down when exactly. It seems like a mostly pretty similar world that the characters inhabit so I'm guessing it's not too far into the future. ...wait now that I remember I recall a mention after the Australia bombing that John was the only one old enough to remember the events of Sept. 11th 2001....so I guess that would mean it's maybe about 2018-2020 or so?

LOL, this reminds me of LittleBuddha's SOOTB when Conner asked Cody if he were gay and Cody responded, "no, I'm Cody," Anyway, I think Steve makes some good points and I'm looking forward to seeing how CJ will address them!

Well you know how I am; if it's important I'm bound to repeat it anyway. By the way, have I mentioned how nice it is to have you back, Benji?

I'm inclined to agree with Benji...didn't you say in another thread that you once answered a call from your father and announced that you were in a GSA meeting? I'm sure he's able to put two and two together. So when would you tell him and your mom (assuming you're considering it at all)? Good luck! -Kevin

Wait what? You thought this was a parody of coming out? NOOOOOO, this was supposed to be a parody of how difficult it is to live a simplistic life in our materialistic world! Thanks, Benji I'm really pleased to find out how it was taken by vets! I meant it in a positive light with the over-arching theme being acceptance and doing what you feel you must. I was more skewering ultra-liberals than anyone else...because I myself am an ultra-liberal so I thought we were fair game Of course that is the ultimate irony of the situation. John's family wouldn't have had any trouble with him being gay, or being in an interracial relationship, or changing religions, etc., but when it came to a more conservative topic like the army they were suddenly less tolerant and accepting. Thanks Tiff! I'm glad the obviousness was okay. I agree with CR and Richard that the piece would probably have been more effective if it had been broadened and understated, but despite other goals I first and foremost just wanted to give everyone a good laugh. I really enjoy writing humourous pieces and this one was sort of testing the waters. I'd love to do more of these sorts of things in the future. Thanks, ya'll -Kevin

Welcome back, Benji!! We missed ya -Kevin

That's very true and very tragic I was actually superficially exploring one of my own great fears with the story. Obviously I'd have no issue with my son being gay (indeed I'd have a slight preference for it, but would be fine either way), but I'd be utterly horrified if he wanted to join the army. I'd actually probably go through many of the same reaction's John's family did. I'd try to support his autonomy and his decision, and I wouldn't be ashamed of him, but I would be a very sad and scared. I'd also be quite disappointed in general even if not explicitly in him. I don't think I'd actually believe that anti-war songs and movies could change his mind, but I suppose you never know what I'd cling to if I were desperate. I probably would be wishing he'd spent less time doing aggressive activities (like football) and instead had engaged in artsier hobbies. Of course I wouldn't think it had anything to do with being a vegetarian, that was definitely just a joke. When you think about it, it's easy to see how parents can react a certain way to their child's gayness. Like a well meaning parent I would primarily be concerned with his safety and happiness, and I would fear that by going into the army he was endangering those things. Also, as a pacifist the thought of my child engaging in armed warfare is certainly disconcerting. However, first and foremost I think it is important to support your children's decisions and while joining the army isn't exactly a decision I would be thrilled about it or agree with, I don't actually think it's immoral. I'd also be proud of him for pursuing his own goals and interests and doing what he felt was necessary, ESPECIALLY against the subtle pressure against this particular decision that he would probably have felt growing up. That is courageous and laudable. So I wouldn't scream, and I wouldn't cry (at least not in front of him), and I wouldn't try to manipulate him, but I probably would gently try to talk him out of it and at the very least be certain it was something that he felt like he needed and wanted to do. In the end I think I would support him, but no, not his decision. That (not being able to support the decision itself) is something I'm embarrassed about and slightly disappointed in myself about. For the record I'd feel the same way if it were my daughter we were talking about. -Kevin

Like Drew I would encourage you to drop by Gabriel Morgan's forum and let him know what you thought! Authors usually love that sort of thing. Actually, I rather like the internet version of books. It's nice to not have to hold anything while I'm reading, I always know right where my computer is (the can't always be said for my books ), and it's actually nice to not have a book sitting around taking up space once I'm done. But then again I'm a bit strange so what do I know?

LOL, even I worked that one out with my high school French. If you enjoy such things may they happen for you, Fran

Good for you, Robbie! I had a feeling Tim! It is easy to forget what we've told to whom sometimes

Thanks, Richard, Yeah, I thought about it expanding it a bit and probably should have. It was just a silly little idea that occurred to me randomly and only took a few minutes to bash out. So I probably didn't give it as much attention as necessary. Exactly Yes, that's very true. Thanks CR, and yeah, you guys are right; it's isn't quite analogous at all. I'm sure you're right. Had I indeed extended it and broadened it a bit I probably would have, but as it stood I just wanted to have fun with making it outrageous and absurd. I meant it more to pay homage to the sort of ridiculous, largely unrealistic comedy scenes you see in movies and television, than to actually be believable or moving. However, I'm sure you're both right and it would have been much better literature if I'd expanded the idea and toned it down a bit. I hope you both got a couple of laughs or eye-rolls out of it though Oh definitely! I think it gives people a great opportunity to consider angles they might have considered and come up with new points that way. I know that personally speaking when I've read threads about a story I've often thought, 'that's a good point! I hadn't considered that." I've then thought of separate, related points to mention from there. So yeah, good or bad I definitely welcome a thoughtful review, and I thank you both for your comments Take care and have an awesome day Kevin

That's true, there's nothing worse than wet, sexually confused guys with nothing to hold on to

Happy Birthday, Francois!! I hope you have a fantastic day and a terrific year!!

Hi all, Please check out my new piece, Going In I hope you enjoy it! Please let me know what you think! -Kevin

I'm sorry, Tiff Recently I was driving IN MY OWN QUIET LITTLE NEIGHBOURHOOD, and I was running late back to work from lunch, so I got to this little four way stop sign - that I pass everyday - and no one was coming (I had good visibility and could see that), so I just sorta slow down and halfstop, and lo and behold if there wasn't one of those dreadful cops SITTING THERE a block away watching and waiting (probably because he knew there was no point in stopping at this intersection and that a lot of people were going to do what I did!). He was a total jerk too, didn't talk to me at all, just took my license, made me about 15 minutes later, and then gave me a ticket for $230 EDIT: I've already gotten like 3 or 4 of those stupid by mail red light tickets!

Well don't get me wrong; I definitely think you're right in this case, but the thing about someone asserting their honesty is that you still don't really know if they're being honest or not. I mean they might be sincere...or maybe they're just lying about it

Hey Jonathan! Welcome to Gay Authors! It's really awesome having ya I hope you have a fantastic time, and don't worry about being nervous; just jump right in! Everyone's pretty friendly Take care and have a great day! Kevin

I got a big kick out of those!

LOL, the other day I went out in a spike choker, fingerless black gloves, a studded belt, and of course a sassy tee and tight pants. It was fun, lol, but I don't have any pics

Coolness! Yay for Indian Independence!

Well of course everything has shades of gray! LOL, odd really, despite my more extreme protesting I imagine my own odds of undertaking such a venture are slightly higher than that, still statistically irrelevant, but a bit higher

No, and my reasoning comes down to one simple point; anyone who can be led away isn't worth leading away. Apart from that I would be horribly ashamed of myself. -Kevin

Well imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Personally, I would have to say I have some 'influences' but no, I don't consciously imitate other authors. I like to think I have a pretty unique, non-traditional voice, but it's certainly a blend of quite a few different things. The rest of this post would find me either engaging in obsequious praise of a few authors which I really like or else ranting about how dry and overrated a few other authors are. Since I don't particularly want to go down either road I'll just end it here by saying, yes am influenced, no I don't consciously mimic. Take care all Kevin

I just wanted to wish another of our special and excellent hosted authors a very happy and awesome birthday! Happy Birthday, Stefan!! I hope you have a fantastic day! -Kevin