Timothy M.

Good point about Switzerland, Tiger. Perhaps the difference in homicide rate isn't so much the guns per capita number, but the types of gun which are legal to own ? Though I guess most of the 12,000+ yearly deaths in U.S.A. are caused by hand guns and other single or a-few-shots-at-a-time weapons. Anyway, I agree with James it's not so much the Homicide Rate itself, which is troublesome. It's the mass shootings and the fact they do not lead to a ban of those type of weapons (whatever their technically correct name) which are capable of firing a high number of shots per minute. But I guess to the NRA and their supporters a gun is a gun is a gun... Over here most commenters in the media are resigned to the fact gun control will never happen in the U.S.A. so I think we should be too. It's something uniquely American like the influence of religion in politics, and Donald Trump.

I'm glad you liked it, Gary, and I think you're right about Eric being somewhat impresssed. After I posted it, I realized this chapter was actually quite short, but I hope to continue their date asap. Wtih more Italian-style amore Thanks to both you and dugh for reading and reviewing. (Sorry I forgot to add that to my reply to you, dugh )

You're absolutely right about his reasons, dugh. Of course, having his dad offer to pay for the meal was an added incentive. A final reason may be the chance of a moonlit walk home through the local park...

I'm glad you approved, Drew. You and my other young CotT friends are like a test panel to show whether I get the young love and dating scenario right. Eric was fairly self-confident but introvert, although not quite enough to approach Nelson, who after all is a junior. But now Eric will pursue his goal with almost rob-like determination. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

LOL, yeah, they're doing their best to be a 'proper' couple on a date. Maybe Nelson should take Eric to the gym and show him some martial art tricks next time. They have the whole night for that deep 'talk' Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Once Jasper had dropped Nelson and Eric off near the restaurant, the older teen took charge of their date. Eric was slightly taken aback but also impressed when his boyfriend took his hand and calmly led him into the restaurant. They were immediately approached by the headwaiter, and Nelson didn’t show any of the hesitation or shyness Eric had seen on other occasions. “Good evening, Signor Alfredo.” Ah, he was familiar with this place; that explained it. “Good evening, Signor Nelson. Your tabl

Yes, Exactly, thanks Puppi.

Patrick's relatives are certainly an interesting bunch and we haven't heard everything yet. His new family is much better. Loved that you noticed the playful swat.

Thanks, Arazon, I like your combination list. Glad you like Peter and I think you're right about their night becoming a great memory. Telling Peter his ESP secret was an even bigger step.

of course http://satwcomic.com/a-bad-day http://satwcomic.com/proud-finland but I can't find the best one with Denmark and Sweden

I suddenly realized I should probably have specified it's ICE hockey we're talking about. On the other hand, what else would you expect in the far North of Sweden.

See, that's why I didn't want to use the term semi-automatic earlier, because I knew that would be inaccurate too. James, I assume you're also going to call out W_L in the Pit for this quote: Disallowing him to complete his gun purchases of assault style weapon? Yes. And thank you for explaining to me that what you meant is it's OK for U.S.A. to have a high homicide rate, because you have a high number of guns per capita. Now I understand.

Thanks, jfalkon. LOL, Imp would be horrified at your words, of course he's all bad! He's certainly not being influenced by that goody-good blue angel. Absolutely not... But I loved you thinking of him as a cheeky pet. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Now back to statistics. You may be #108 in the world. You're even able to say there are European countries with comparable rates. They range from Estonia to Lithuania, while Russia is in a different league. Estonia 3.1 Moldova 3.2 Montenegro 3.2 Belarus 3.6 USA 3.9 Latvia 3.9 Albania 4.0 Ukraine 4.3 Lithuania 5.5 Russia 9.5 If those are the countries you like USA to be compared with, fine by me. I find it sad, but as Graeme says, we cannot apply our rules and ideas to USA. Btw the average rate for Europe: 1.85 (including Russia), 1.54 (excluding Russia). For Scandinavia: 0.7, just so you know how my POV starts. Oh, and I'm pro-hunting and have no problems with shot-guns and rifles meant for that purpose.

You may have overlooked the ' ' around 'assault' meaning to show my ignorance of weapon terms. Tell me the correct word for the weapon used in Orlando, and I shall edit my post accordingly.

Nobody ever at the U.S.A. homicide rate, although the stories of toddlers shooting themselves and others are scary reading. What has Europeans and are the mass shootings not causing a ban on 'assault' type weapons like the one used in Orlando. And this kind of statistics.

Yeah, Lego and Star Wars can create a bond between two boys no matter what. Glad you liked the surprise and I agree about the neighbour. More on her later. Patrick is definitely getting more confident in several aspects of his life, including getting in touch with his cousin. LOL, we know it's worth listening to the A.I. team when they agree. Thanks again for all these lovely reviews.

Thanks, Arazon. You'll find out soon which words Patrick needs to learn first. I'm glad you like the inclusion of a few Danish phrases now and then. You're spot on about the support base, and while Patrick may have been more in need of this, Peter is benefitting too. Their bond is definitely firm and lasting now.

Well, shit, I didn't see that coming. I guess the best we can hope for is that he's only killed his wife and not Ryan too. Doesn't Luke have a cell phone? And why didn't he escape through a window - or don't they open in American homes?

I agree with CG, Deon needs to stay with Clarissa and Warwick should move to Sydney and share a place with Kevin. I'm not surprised Warwick is apprehensive about having casual sex with Kevin, there's a high likelyhood he'll have his heart broken. I look forward to seeing the brat, Jim and Todd's plan to teach Stuart a lesson unfold, that guy needs a huge wake-up call. I don't think he's intentionally evil, just falling into a pattern which will lead him to become an abuser if he's not stopped. In a way, it's not just Ross they are saving from Stuart, but also Stuart from himself. I can understand why you're all aarrhhg at all the football policy drama intruding on your story. But at least it got us some time with Charlie explaining things and so far you've managed to work real life into your plot quite well. Interesting about Laurie's comment on most of the Leopards being noticed late in the season. Poor Ty, I feel so sorry for him about being ignored. I wish Paddy would talk to him and tell him to keep a low profile, because the Blues want him. I think we all want Julie to get the job. Perhaps Henry will make a mistake with Jim and Tony or piss off Ty. On the other hand, I can see Eric's reasoning and perhaps Henry will be a good choice too. Are there any VFL clubs with a female head coach IRL?

Thank you for the feature, Renee. I guess the rest of Nelson and Eric's date will have to be unprompted.

I didn't mean Kye would be Ash's amorato for real, just a pretense while they draw Barret out. Of course, I hope they end up in a relationship later. Although, considering Ash' status as noble, Kye may become a proper amorato.

I managed to post my chapter 1 review as a Story review. But this gives me the chance to say I'm happy to have escaped the horrors of 'levertran' aka cod liver oil. My mother has told gruesome tales of her and her sister being forced to take a spoonful every day during and after the war (WWII). Worse than Marmite apparently.

I agree with Dayne about the room. Plenty of good stuff happening, including Kye being able to help with information. However, I think Ash should take Kye with him as his amorato. I bet he would be very useful.

Ash is probably correct about this being an important breakthrough for Kye. He'll probably revert to his former behavior again and again, but he's taken the first step. Even admitting to himself he needs Ash and could even hope to be happy was a huge improvement. Tareth is also helping as best he can, but it will take a while before they can be comfortable as brothers once more.