KJames

jamessavik and Mark Arbour, you guys are too much! Pushing an old lady into traffic and sitting on one of Obama's New Healthcare Plan's Death Councils....jeez... I'll still be looking down on you from my private skyroom...

And what a ride it's been! Mark has been giving us an excellent story, told from several points of view, JP, Stefan, Brad AND Robbie (interspersed lightly), back to Stefan, and several new characters keep the continuing options open. Jeremy, I've been reading the musical matches very intermittently, but have heard several of the songs you've recommended--I'm probably going to compile the list (unless you do) and get it downloaded to my BlackBerry...

Enric, I remembered Billy having been described as a 'twin' for Jeff's looks...that's why I did eventually go back and read the whole series from the start. I did not, however, remember the comparison of Claire to JP...she is, after all, female, and of less interest to me than the male characters in the story.

I had mentioned to Mark that it was soon time to revisit Claremont...how about Robbie's mom being on top of the WTC, touring with other adult family/friend members also vacationing away from Ohio, leaving all their children in need of adoptive families? This way, there's bound to be some more gay members coming out and non-gay becoming much more tolerant due to the life trauma, and not only gay-male support, but gay-female as well with the mother of Brad's children being in Malibu. Now, finally, JP would be justified in adopting neices and nephews with the last name Hendrickson. How about it, Mark?

Tall Stools

Seduction Expert

Resurrecting Billy? Sure... Now, Mark, I know you're like, 2nd in line to the throne for "King of Cliffhangers", but even I don't think you can pull a rabbit that big out of your proverbial hat. You did surprise me, and a good few others, with more proof of Bill Hendrickson's rather unusual proclivity for getting "a little on the side"...as it were. Finding Jeff's kid in France was a big surprise (even a bigger surprise to find 'only one'), as it was to find the other french bastards. So--to be fair--I suppose you'll just have Billy walk back in to Escorial one day for dinner, out of the blue, and that it was a friend of his in the car, or someone else, and he had gotten pantsed or something to where is ID went with those in the car... Speaking of the past catching up, we haven't heard mention in the two recent stories of the sculpture that Brad and Mouse did of JP and Jeff for JPs birthday...only of the large statue of Andre. Speaking of that, we haven't heard of any visits to the graves of Roger and Mouse, or the parents and Tonto back in Claremont, either. Sounds like it's almost time for another "obligatory" visit back to Claremont, OH, for the whole clan.

So you came to that conclusion too, huh? I figured Cassidy was dead from an overdose, too...but he could be very much alive, and just "out of Anderson's life" due to some disagreement... We'll just have to wait and see what Chase has in store for us... I, like several of you, found Chase's method of leaving us with a cliffhanger to be...ingenious, it was very subtle, a nice change from most cliffhangers here.

Assumption Clause

Nice job, PD...picking up with someone else's story 'universe' isn't always easy...your characters, very much like Comicality's, are very easy to be symapthetic toward. Keep it up!

Arises eerily

Chase, Chase, Chase....when I say "nervy, gritty and very active" I mean that in a good way. Active writing is so much easier to read...did I say your story was poorly done? No. If you ever have doubts about what I'm saying, ask me for clarification. On the contrary, I have PM'd you and told you it was good, before I even saw this blog comment...I was merely commenting on your style, and suggesting that you read Mark's voluminous work, as it is--as many others will also back up--very well done. I'll ignore your calling me a "dipshit" since you're only freshly dipped here yourself.

Chase, your response is unusually blunt--even for you. Your recent writing is nervy, gritty, and very active, but if you want a good example of something approaching the status of 'masterpiece', start reading Mark's C.A.P. series, from beginning to end is recommended. As he says, you'll fall in love with some characters, cry over others and even hate more, still. However, the entire series taken together is truly a wonderully shining example of what a masterpiece should start out as.

Red Flag

Tess's last gasp.

Teller Window

Wow...die, or die...hmmm...... I would be willing to die in battle while protecting someone I love with all my heart, with every tool at my disposal. But, I'd prefer the peaceful death of the ready, in my sleep, after a long, fulfilling lifetime of rewards. Confused yet? So am I...you ask very confounding questions...(darn you ) I would rather die peacefully in my sleep. WYR: Die changing to an immortal (i.e.: become a vampire)? or Die at the hands of an immortal for not wanting to change?

Apostles sages

Yours truly

Apparently, we only accept wierd illnesses...

Rotting Carcass

Have a happy one, guy! You could do those errands if you want to, the only thing that won't wait is heaven...

Complete Details

I've had an astrological chart done, it was years ago, but only the pre-natal chart (for those who follow) when my mom had her full chart done at 32, I was 15 and the astrologer is the one who outed me to my mom--well before I was even sure. I found out that I'm a Leo with Virgo rising, which tends to modify a lot of the typical "Leo" traits, which are here: The Lion July 23 to August 22 Traditional Leo Traits Generous and warmhearted - That's me... Creative and enthusiastic - Again Broad-minded and expansive - Since I've learned I don't need to fit molds of what others expect Faithful and loving - Right on both counts (Leo's make very staunch, supportive friends) On the dark side.... Pompous and patronizing - well...everybody likes to blow their own horn now and then... Bossy and interfering - this comes from some of the good traits, but as described below, this weak trait can be overcome... Dogmatic and intolerant - same as above, this ingrained trait can also be overcome but not without some effort. Leo! About Your Sign... The Leo type is the most dominant, spontaneously creative and extrovert (this point is debatable) of all the zodiacal characters. In grandeur of manner, splendor of bearing and magnanimity of personality (don't you love how they use big words for the little things? I think that's how they say, "Leo's can be classy people."), they are the monarch's among humans as the lion is king of beasts. They are ambitious, courageous, dominant, strong willed, positive, independent, self-confident there is no such a word as doubt in their vocabularies, and they are self-controlled (right on all points here, but the last one took a while to learn). Born leaders (yes), either in support of, or in revolt against, the status quo (Status quo? Things are so hectic right now, I'm just trying to stay happy). They are at their most effective when in a position of command, their personal magnetism and innate courtesy of mind bringing out the best of loyalty from subordinates (traits learned with experience). They are uncomplicated, knowing exactly what they want and using all their energies, creativeness and resolution to get it, as well as being certain that they will get whatever they are after (one whole, true sentence). Their followers know where they are with Leonians (how 'bout that, a second one). Leonians think and act bigger than others would normally dare; the ambitiousness of their schemes and idealism sometimes daunt their followers (if you dare to dream, dream big), their practical hardheadedness and ability to go straight to the heart of any problem reassures those who depend on them. If Leonians meet with setbacks they thrive on the adversity (I think we refuse to drop the challenge). On the whole they are powers for good, for they are strongly idealistic, humane, and beneficent (better to be remembered for something good). They have powerful intelligence (if they tell you they've been thinking about something, take notes) and are of a broad philosophical, sometimes religious, turn of mind (only sometimes religious, mind you). Those who are devout may become very obstinate in upholding traditional beliefs and will cling tenaciously, but with complete sincerity, to practices and doctrines which liberal thinkers regard as absurdly out-of-date (hence, if we trust and believe our friends, nothing can break that bond). These will be found as the 'lions' of industries, and in the forefront of the cutting edge of technologies (might may make right, but determination makes results). Their faults can be as large in scale as their virtues, and an excessively negative Leonian can be one of the most unpleasant human beings imaginable, displaying extreme arrogance, autocratic pride, haughtiness, and excessive hastiness of temper (when we make a mistake, it's gonna be a real beaut'!). If jealously suspicious of rivals, they will not hesitate to use cunning, lies and trickery to discredit them (I don't know about the lies, I find it much more fun to catch them in their own lies). Self-centeredness, greed for flattery, boastfulness, and bombast, pomposity, snobbish superiority, and overbearing, and intolerant disdain of underlings; to whom they will nevertheless delegate the carrying out of minor details in their grandiose schemes, and from whom they are not above borrowing immoderately if an occasion necessitates it (admitted conditioins of 'power' or 'prestige'...but traits that with effort may be overcome). Any of these can be characteristic of Leo (usually more than one). Add to them a passion for luxury (true), a lust for power (I wouldn't call it purely 'lust'), unlimited sexual lust (no arguments), and emotional indulgence (a trait which can be 'unlearned'), and a character emerges that no one would want to know either in public life or private (not true). But their pride may go before a fall, as uncontrolled impetuosity is likely to bring them low (true). Fortunately it is rare that a Leo is so undisciplined as to give way thoroughly to this list of vices (true), and their tendencies to them are usually balanced by an innate wisdom (yes). Those who are afflicted with them also have the intelligence it takes to consciously and actively overcome them (as I have been saying--I started going down that path and didn't like who I saw myself becoming). In professional life they do well at any vocation at which there is room at the top (that 'lust' for power, we still like it at the top as all big cats do, but we're just playing to our strengths here). As politicians they are content with nothing less than a powerful position in government (wouldn't know about that, politics leaves a bad taste in my mouth). In business they may be the chairman of their company's board, or at least directors or managers (VP & Secretary). They are excellent organizers and overseers, often laying the groundwork for new projects (a presumption). If from the artisan ranks of society they will aspire to become the boss, partly because they are ambitious by nature, partly because they dislike manual labor, preferring to take charge of others doing it (true). If artistic, Leos can become stars of stage or screen (their bent is serious rather than light drama) (personally, I prefer comedy), maestros as musicians where they will gravitate toward the grand instruments or activities, such as the organ or conducting of orchestras (played string bass for 3 years) and as painters; anything grand in conception and scale appeals to them (messy work, and the fumes give me a headache). Leo women make exceptionally good welfare workers (more tolerance for bureaucratic b.s.?). In his or her relations with others the Leo type is open, sincere, genuine and trusting (once we open up). Outgoing, spontaneously warm hearted and plain spoken, though never lacking in kindliness, Leos are more disillusioned than the average if let down by those they trust (oh, very, very true). They are not good judges of character and are inclined to favoritism and an exaggerated faith in their followers which too often ends in disappointment (as I said, we can be stalwart friends, to the point of embarassment). They have a strong sex drive (very, very) and are so attracted to the opposite sex (false) that they find it hard to be constant; they can be so intensely sexual as to become dissolute (?). They may have numerous love affairs for their love of pleasure and beauty is liable to drive them from one attractive partner to another (until we find 'the one'). They are very much inclined to deceive (false). Their marriages may fail for the same reason, yet they are sincere and generous to their lovers while love lasts, and will remain attached to their homes so long as it is run for their benefit (must be why I've been with Rob since '91, committed since '93, and finally got married 10/12/08). They demand service but are incapable of giving it (that's not true...I've given plenty of service ). Possible Health Concerns... Physiologically, Leo governs the upper back (my stress is in my shoulderblades), forearms (writer's cramp easily), wrist (cramp with excessive typing), spine (back twinges once in a while) and heart (haven't mentioned it before, but I had what I thought was a heart attack or sunstroke, my opinion is the heart attack 'cause it felt like I was being stood on by an elephant, during a heatwave on my paper route--I was only 14). Its natives are subject to a number of ailments: pain in the back and lungs (twinges and bronchitis), spinal complaints (twinges from turning wrong), diseases of the heart (heart attack at 14?) and blood (was anemic for a while), sickness in ribs and sides (had cracked ribs as kid from bronchitis), convulsions (if you count being electrocuted), pleasantries (?), violent burning fevers (measles, chicken pox, mumps, appendicitis) including, in former days, when they were prevalent, plague, pestilence, jaundice (in 1998, due to a hep. A outbreak in So. Calif.--it was miserable, and made my skin hurt!), and some afflictions of the eyes (they forget to mention the ears, nose, and throat--had several of these over the 'little' years). LIKES Speculative ventures (sometimes) Lavish Living (who doesn't now and then?) Pageantry and Grandeur (eh...) Children (yeah...I guess I do, after all) Drama (only on TV) DISLIKES Doing things safely (not necessarily) Ordinary,Day to day living (sometimes it just plain boring) Small minded people (like the religious nut-jobs) Penny pinching (if you've got means to not worry about it) Mean spiritedness (being mean can come back on you the wrong way) PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE FOR YOU, AND THEIR SOLUTIONS As with all sun signs, we all have unique traits to our personalities. When these traits are suppressed, or unrealized, problems will arise. However, with astrology we can examine the problem and assess the proper solution based on the sun sign characteristics. As a Leo you may see things below that really strike home. Try the solution, you most likely will be amazed at the results. If you find yourself on the receiving end of the negatives below, it is because you are failing to express the positive. Problem: Getting all upset and angry with others when things do not go the way you fully expected them too. This kind of reaction to a problem is what causes a lot of marital discord and unhappiness. Solution: You should never base all of your expectations on what you should get, but rather base them on what you can give to, or do, for those who are in your sphere of influence. You will find you have a more peaceful and happy home if you do this. Problem: You are sometimes your own worst enemy, especially so when you are striving for attention in such obvious ways that you turn off the very people you sought to impress. Solution: The first place to start is to stop trying to gain attention; give people the chance to notice the real you. Decide what it is that impresses you and you will then know what to do to impress others. (those problems: sometimes letting go isn't the easiest thing to do, but it can be learned) Problem: Egotism, to the extent that you may be the Leo who thinks no one is quite as good at things as you are and the people around you are made to feel small through your habit of comparison. Solution: What the higher minded Leo has is a sense of self worth and of greatness, this is corrupted when you let the ego get out of hand so you should learn to walk tall by looking up to those that are 'taller' than you are. (I've learned that it's better to lift others up with you, show that you know how to pick people that can make accomplishments and you'll still get a lot of credit) Problem: Losses in income from unwisely speculating which leads to financial ruin, as well as possible personal losses of family and friends due to a lack of concern for their financial welfare. Solution: You should always investigate all investments well before they are made, then talk it over with your spouse as to how hard the budget can be hit, before you spend the first dime. (I don't have those kinds of problems anymore, in fact Rob keeps telling me to go shopping for myself once in a while) Your ruling planet is the SUN (and I sunburn way too easily ) The Sun is our nearest star and the source of energy for life on Earth. It is about 150 million km away (93 million miles), a distance which sunlight covers in 8 minutes, whereas the distance to the moon is only 1.3 light-seconds. The Sun is about 300,000 times heavier than Earth and rotates around its axis (as viewed from the orbiting Earth) in about 27 days. Some more interesting facts about your sign: The male lions are not particularly good hunters, the main work is done by the females when the male drives the prey in the direction where they are hiding, although the males insist on eating their share before the females. Hunting occurs at night or cooler times of day, the hotter hours are spent resting in the shade. Only males grow a mane, which can take up to 5 years to fully develop. The color of choice for Leo is GOLD (so why do I like silver?) Your starstone is the rich red RUBY Known as a stone of nobility. It can improve success in controversies and disputes, encouraging gentleness and discouraging violence. Excellent shielding stone to protect you from bodily harm. Encourages one to follow bliss. (I walked into our jewelers store last month and looked at the loose stones, when I asked her the price on one she said, "You picked out the real ruby, it's not one of the 'grown' ones, either." It's a talent... )

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