Ron

So... your characters have a way with words, do they? Thorn Wilde has a way with words, too! These characters are certainly unlikely lovers, as yet, but you manage to humanize them in such splendid fashion that I buy into them. What more can a reader ask for?

I find it inexplicable that I hadn't hit the like-button on this chapter already, nevertheless it gave me the opportunity to do so this second time around—and to comment, too. Yippie! This beginning chapter is quirky but enjoyable. That you've managed to bring together two fair disparate characters in a semi-vague way and then go on to make their second meeting appear plausible is remarkable.

In 1980, the gay guys I was hanging with were using Aramis and Drakkar Noir for the most part. Those two fragrances seemed quite popular among those that wore perfume. Personally, my go to fragrance was Paco Rabanne, at the time—I avoided guys who wore perfume (cologne is perfume, guys)—but even wearing that was short lived. Don't forget that even amongst the fragrant crowd, there will always be those that refuse to wear fragrances, and more power to them, I say. So what I'm saying, additionally, is that it's okay to have a character that doesn't indulge in perfumery, and mentioning that your character has made that choice is just as revealing, if not more so, than saying your character uses this or that fragrance. It's a bold statement, of a sort, so don't be afraid to use it. I will add that it's nearly impossible to avoid scent in antiperspirants—believe me when I say that I have tried—so it's very likely that your male characters will end up smelling like something, however light that scent may be. In the morning that scent may be strong-ish but later in the day, less so. It's all good though because even this can be used to an author's advantage.

Don't cross your eyes or one day they'll stay like that.

Yes, some people are irresponsible on a frequent basis and are cavalier with their sexual practices, but let's remember, too, that infection can be just one mistake away. Perhaps you drank too much, partied a little too much recreationally or maybe somebody worked very hard to get you that way. Forced rape is also a possible cause. Then there is the path of intravenous drug users sharing needles. The truth of the matter is that we shouldn't play guessing games and people in the field of medicine should definitely not being playing this game.

That's so your lips don't slide off, Drew.

Find out just where your birthday falls in p. Insert your six digit date (monthdateyear) to find out. Mine falls at the 1,940,060 digit mark. Does that make me way out there? Wait, don’t answer that! My p Day Edit to add: I just found that the pi symbol shows with Chrome but not with Safari. That means some of you not using Chrome might just be looking at the letter P.

I used to play that game at a local pizza joint. What brought that up?

The story does raise a question. Ryan is attracted to Brady, that much is clear, but a young gay man is not likely going to be that clear about his intentions with a jock figure unless given some hint of mutual interest. Yes, I've read deeper into the story than is mentioned, but the question remains: What is it about Brady that gives Ryan reason to believe something's there? I like your story, Craftingmom. I think you've captured what it is like to place someone you look up to, in this case a father, so high that you fear to do anything that will disappoint, even if that means not being true to who you are. Being the one looking up puts you in a very difficult position and I'm glad there was no easy answer for Brady in this short tale.

I liked your story, Parker. You've managed to tell a fictional tale of life that is much more complex in reality than most would care to witness, let alone live through, and you delivered in an admirable way.

I can see the numbers but that doesn't mean they have any real significance. Just as with any "unofficial" study, the parameters (if any) aren't stated. What sort of comment is considered anti-gay or -black, by the way? A question that doesn't seem to be given consideration. Also, there could be a certain number of people who consistently (and vehemently) make derisive comments about gays. The same can be said for some bigots who are vociferous about their hate. Are these comments counted as one for each person, or is each tweet counted individually? Drpaladin writes that the study was based on origin, which indicates location only and which is a very good measure for the purpose of this study. Because, I say, overeaching was the study aim, and for that reason, it is spot on in its purpose. I see no good reason here to pass judgment on entire cities, no good reason, at all.

I convinced a good friend to go out and eat at Mario Batali's restaurant Babbo Pizzeria e Enoteca in South Boston for lunch. I said, "Hey, it might not be inexpensive but this day only comes around every four years. Let's go for it." The food was delicious and well worth the expense and the headache of finding a parking space.

Congratulations on your promotion, Cynus.

Nice review, Tim. I think you have captured quite a bit about what makes this story such an interest keeping and entertaining read. I know I looked forward to getting the notification for each new chapter as the story was being written. This story is one of those I would like to have on my Kindle. (Hint-Hint)

From the practical and realistic view, consider your future based on economic demand. If you look at the US infrastructure—falling apart and/or failing—structural engineers may soon be in high demand. That is (though a seemingly slim chance) if our elected government officials can get their collective greed under control, but I digress to some extent. I'm guessing this would also be a rewarding career personally. Imagine looking at the finished product, a bridge say, and think of the sense of accomplishment and pride in having had a hand in building something like that. Wow! I imagine the money isn't bad either. Another way, also practical and realistic, is to look at everything based on financial impact alone. Not as rewarding personally, I think, but you may see it differently. If you can find a way that combines the two, both professional and personal reward, you may find the Holy Grail of careers—at least for you. At the end of the day, though, there has to be demand for what you do, and this brings us back to my original thought. That is my two bits.

In every obituary I've read, those that list Alan Rickman's accomplishments do not mention the movie Galaxy Quest. Mr. Rickman played the character of Sir Alexander Dane playing the character of Dr. Lazarus. By Grabthar's Hammer ... what an actor. Anyone who enjoys a satirical Science Fiction romp will appreciate the acting delivered by each of the cast members but Mr. Rickman's delivery of droll humor and dry wit is exceptional.

Comedy / A kids birthday party / A flying squirrel

I wasn't a big fan of "Yes" but I did like their album covers.

Crap! More to follow after the epilogue.

I loved it! Erotic: yes. Interesting: yes, also. I liked that perameters were set for office and play time expectations, and how well the author blurred those lines—acknowledging that this blurring inherently must exist. Office romance, indeed. Well written. Well done!

I feel so... so... emotionally manipulated. In this case, well done! Dean's office predicament was prevented from becoming trite by a nice infusion of humor. A sad situation was just sappy enough, not overmuch, and what's more, acceptably believable. Characters were nicely conceived and likable. Again, I say, well done.

I'm glad that this didn't turn out to be a poem, no offense to AC Benus or you, Gary. The story I read was a little special something in this anthology. Your ability to create a scene that stuck in the imagination was enjoyable. Particularly striking was the vine pulsing with life's blood—an umbilical cord leading back to Mother Earth, if you will—the protagonist not yet ready to move on toward the great beyond. Was it God in the light, was He the light? Does it matter? "Thank you for coming. Here's your parting gift." This is the tongue in cheek version of how I viewed the protagonists release from pain. Lastly, what was with all that talk about how deeply David loves? Clearly he has competition.

Cheers, Gary! My heartiest congratulations on your achievement.

Happy birthday, Lisa! Enjoy those pancakes.

I just ordered the Target version with the extra songs on the CD. I'm looking forward to listening to the music. Valkyrie, that youtube video was funny. Thanks for sharing the link.