Rabble_Rouser

It was a good chapter and it moved the story line along nicely (although I would complain if this became a War and Peace length serial ). I also think it brought the story to the point that we're going to meet some new characters. I thought it was interesting to see Worthington in such a weak state both physically and emotionally (well, and I guess magically too). In some ways it made him even a more sympathetic character... especially after we were reminded of his past and difficulties of power and money that people often forget about (still working on finding out first hand ) And for my weekly complaint, I want to see Rob (the warrior mage) do more than bend over for elves! Cheers! Steve

Yeah it's Friday!!!! <hits refresh> nope <hits refresh> nope <hits refresh> nope... Steve

Losing what he learned about military tactics and the use of weapons would be bad but I think he'd miss the ability to ride his precious motorcycle (which even with the absorbed skill he seems to wreck alot) more. Two more days.... unless we're graced with a mid- week chapter (hint hint!) Steve

Is it Friday yet? I was wondering if what he had to give up is the power that only he has... the one to absorb the abilities and experiences of others. Steve

Well, the latest chapter is out and I was left with mixed feelings about the chapter. I liked Dan's choice for attire for Jean's wedding. I'm happy to see the story glossed over their weekend with the couple in Edinborough! I think the visit with the doctor and his warnings to Vadim (which he artfully chose to ignore) means that there will be rough water ahead for Dan and Vadim. I've been wondering how the authors would fill up the time between the current chapter (1992) and the end of the Mercenaries book which the website shows as ending in 1994. I'm wondering if Vadim does have the problems that the doctor warned him about and there is a hiatus between the pare before we get into the Veterans book. They have to have something to fill up a third book and Dan and Vadim settling down in New Zealand could take up only a few chapters at best... even if Vadim and Dan deal with the ex-wife and Vadim's family in Russia. Steve

The chapter with Dan's family really made me respect Dan more than I had. I found the chapter at points intriguing and happy. It was nice to see both Dan and Vadim learn things about each other and themselves in the new chapter. I wonder if we'll see more of them on vacation or if we'll start the next chapter with them being back at the base. Steve

I didn't find AAFI chapter moved the story along too much but it did definitely make me look forward to the next chapter to meet Dan's family and how they'll react to his return after a very long absence and to having a male partner in tow. I was also surprised to see that it was Vadim who had more issues with being open with Dan's family than Dan says he does. I think taking Vadim to meet Dan's family also has a great deal of unspoken meaning for both of them. Steve

It was a good chapter especially because it developed the character of some of the government people. I worry about Brandon because not only were there a couple of references about his possible not being up to the physical part of the mission (especially the retreat) but there was the conversation in the plane about "not everyone might make it back". Actually, the two minor characters I've gotten to like the most are Brandon and Rob. I'm glad Rob found someone but I'd to see more of him in the story line. I'm hoping that Brandon doesn't get killed off, not only because of the impact it would have Worthington, but because I don't think he's had much joy in his life (ok, yeah, the romantic in me is creeping out). Bad omens but a good set up for what should be a couple of amazing chapters coming our way (soon I hope)! Steve

I think I'm more in line with Dementz. It's body type that seems to be the biggest factor in what attracts me but I do have a thing for guys with red hair! After that it's personality... doesn't matter how attractive I find someone, if the personality doesn't fit there is no sense in pursuing it. Steve

I can't speak for anywhere else in Canada but in my province (Ontario) I know there is at least one High School in Toronto for GLBT kids. There is also mandatory "Character Education" that my teacher friends have told me includes components on diversity and social responsibility. It's only been around for a couple of years so I don't have a clue as to whether it's effective or not. What's interesting is that it is compulsory for all publically funded schools including Catholic schools. I agree that if a kid has bigotted\homophobic parents, chances are that they be too but teachers are (or at least can be) a major influence. Steve

I actually happen to like body hair! Though it has to be said that if I found someone I like who was, for the most part hairless, it wouldn't stop me from dating them. For the record, I don't find a hair free body attractive but I can understand the advantages. Steve

Congrats! That is great news, especially since you seem pretty excited about the job! Steve

I was going to say Alanis Morrisette's "My Humps" like Menzo but I'll include a link: Steve

I agree! There's nothing more frustrating than to start a story that an author has put on Hiatus. I also know that from comments I've seen in the forums from time to time that there are a number of readers who won't start a story until it's complete. Steve

Interesting chapter Dan! I'm still curious about who is behind the government Mages but I guess we'll find out eventually. I wasn't disappointed with the lack of action in this chapter but I'm wondering if I'm the only one who's itching to see Rob come to the rescue and see what he can do (since Worthington has been training him as some sort of warrior mage). Don't know exactly why but I'd like to see Rob brought to the fore front and get some more character development. I think he has the potential to become a really interesting character. Steve

Just as Vadim has had to confront the issues of self-worth, of his defecting and of falling in love with a SAS soldier, Dan still has to deal with issues he has of his "deal with the devil" Katya and accepting that he does enjoy sex that he previous declared that he doesn't "offer". Maybe the the kids will provide a sense of purpose that both Dan and Vadim will need before they can happily accept moving onto "Veteran" status. As it stands now, I see them both realizing that they can't keep working as they have in the past for much longer but I get a sense that they both have doubts that they can successfully adapt to retirement on Dan's farm. Steve

Hhhhmmm... I go away for a while thinking that the Members Awards settled that whole cliffie debate! Let the debate for the best\most frequent cliffhanger begin. CJ, it looks like Dan is taking an early in this category with the last few chapters of Rich Boy. Thanks to the team for putting out such a good story on such a frequent release schedule! Steve

I took it that Vadim's time with Hooch did more to further banish the "demons" from his past, most notably the conflict he felt about leaving the USSR behind and his prison interrogation. As for Katya... yes, something bad is going to happen to her and Dan and Vadim will settle on the farm in New Zealand and become family men. Steve

Hhhmmm.... that makes sense, especially with Dan possibly foreshadowing future troubles with the concerns we saw from Worthington and Jamie this chapter. Steve

I think the government and whoever is behind them will come to regret trying to take on Worthington and Jamie. I expect bad assumptions will be made as they figure there will be cut n dry reactions because they've studied Dark and Light Mages. I also think this is the catalyst and Worthington and Jamie will use to unite both communities of Mages and maybe the other magical creatures into forming a Mage governing body beyond Pheonix. My other assumption is that Colin will cause major problems for the two before they end up having to take drastic steps to control him permanently (before he's fully trained). Thanks for another great chapter Dan and I'm looking forward to more soon! Steve

I was also thinking the Uncle Sinclair is somehow involved. If I recall correctly isn't he some sort of religious figure? If that's the case this group might be tied to the White House if the Uncle has gotten his hooks into them as their "Preacher". Just a thought... I'm glad so see a chapter out this quickly as this is turning out to be more of a "page turner" than the first book. Can't wait for more... maybe this weekend Dan? Steve

I have no problems eating animals. Growing up on a farm made me appreciate the food more. I know few people are as well cared for as the dairy cows on my brothers farm... he's even gone so far as to have water beds put in their stalls (it's like a water filled camping pad for cows). I've never hunted but I don't have a problem with it except if people are "sport" hunting where they aren't eating what they kill. As for the organic food, I generally pass on it unless it looks better than the regular stuff. In Canada there is no regulation or standards so organic food is only grown with "minimal" chemicals in some cases. One thing I do try to follow (I do live in Canada where it snows 5 months of the year) is the 100 mile rule. If you try to stick to products that were grown or raised within 100 miles of where you live, you tend to get fresher and better stuff and it's also better for the environment. The city I live in has a number of farmers markets and one specifically requires the vendors to only sell products following the 100 mile rule. Steve

For home I have a 6MBPS cable modem and for work (RNapp don't look) we have 6 T1 lines for our building from 2 different vendors so when some idiot cuts a line digging we still have a big pipe to the outside world. This means blazing fast access at work but they track web access so.... Steve

Congrats Krista! I guess Shadowgod and I make two! Steve

The first place I would start looking would be at your financial institution. Many of the banks where I live offer seminars where they discuss what first time home buyers need to know about the process. Things like pre-approved mortgages, selecting real estate agents, finding a real estate lawyer and preparing for the never-ending expenses of getting your first house. I bought my first house a couple of years ago and here are a few things I would recommend you do to get yourself ready (I'm Canadian so the process will be slightly different for you): -Check your local financial institutions (or real estate companies) for seminars for first time home buyers that will give you more information about the "process". - Start shopping for a pre-approved mortgage to find out what the bank will lend you so you know your price range. I found that they would guarentee me a rate for 90-days and if the rate dropped (which is predicted for the next while) there was a clause saying I would get the lower rate. This is the big step since you'll have to look at your total monthly expenses like property taxes, any condo fees, utilities, how long and at what repayment rate your mortgage will be. The banks will mostly be concerned about your credit rating and your debt ratio which predicts your ability and likelyhood of repaying the mortgage. - Find a real estate lawyer who will take care of the legal niceities and make sure you don't get burned in the process. In Canada they check things like back-taxes, outstanding liens (loans\mortgages against the property), title (making sure the seller is legally the owner of the property) and work out things like the transfer of taxes and utilities so you aren't paying for the previous owner. - Start shopping for the new home thru private sales or a real estate agent (this is the ONLY fun part). Since you already know your budget, you need to start narrowing down what type of property and where you want to live. Once you've selected what you want it's time to negiotiate the price and what stays in the home (do they take the appliances or are they leaving them there for example). - If you are buying an existing home, you might want to get a home inspection done (my bank made this a condition of the mortgage) to make sure there aren't any safety\structural problems with the home and give you an idea of maintenance that will soon be needed. - From this point on you mostly sign checks and be dumb-founded at how many people will come looking for $$$. - The day you take possession, there will be a set time to meet your lawyer to sign documents and take the keys to your new home. Some people want to do things like painting and renos before they move in and some have the moving truck on standby. - The better the food and "beverages" you offer your friends and relatives, the more help will volunteer the day you move in. Congrats on taking the big step so early in your life! I'm sure you'll find out why people talk about being "mortgage poor" for the first year or two (crap, I gotta buy furniture, crap I gotta buy a lawn mower, crap I gotta buy a snow blower, crap the washer and drier died and I gotta buy new ones, etc). Your friends and family who already bought can help steer you towards people they dealt with when buying their home that they were happy with. Good luck! Steve