ReaderPaul

Wow. got to think on this one for a while. Looking forward to seeing what others have to say. Fascinating chapter, @Wombat Bill.

I think Hannah and Julia gave James good advice. Usually, but not always, there are ways to keep out of trouble while looking for a permanent solution. I don't know what Australian federal or state laws say on child labor. In the United States, state and federal laws vary greatly on child labor. And they keep changing. I looked up child labor laws in the state where I live and they are stricter than the state right above where I live -- in most things. For example, to supervise younger children (such as babysitting) a child must be at least twelve in my state. Thirteen and fourteen-year-olds may work in retail, but must have parental permission and a work permit. Ages 13-16 must not work past 7 in the evening if the next day is a school day and not past 9 in the evening if it is a weekend during school. When school is out, they may not work past ten in the evening. If they work in entertainment they may not work past nine in the evening, and there must be a parent present or a designated legal guardian present during the performance. The state above me allows 16 and 17 year olds to work all night if school is not in session, but they must have a work permit. Animal rights vary state by state as well. My state outlawed puppy mills some years ago, but does not allocate the money to police them properly. The state above me has almost no regulations on most animals. I am sure, @Wombat Bill and @Summerabbacat, that we will learn more as the story progresses. The relationship between James and Francesco, and the relationship between Alex and Wanda, both need to be explored more. When will Francesco and Wanda have a chance to meet Justin and Craig and Caleb? Francesco and Wanda, especially Francesco, need to meet a wider variety of persons. James needs to be patient, and work toward a longer-term solution, rather than try to solve all animal treatment questions immediately. Good chapter, Wombat Bill.

All right, @Wombat Bill, a very good chapter. I hope James can re-think his animal rights crusade. I see both sides of the issue, and it is not as simple as James is trying to make it. I have seen well-treated animals in zoos and at a circus, and I have seen some zoos that should not exist. One zoo I saw, in Florida when I was 9 years old, the cages were small, cramped, and not well cleaned. Some zoos are spacious, or have an area where there is considerable roaming room, and visitors can safely watch at a distance. I will be interested in seeing what Hannah and Julia have to say about Francesco's situation. I think James needs to get rid of those posters quickly.

I have to agree about the "I don't care how you try to Morrison it, I'm not buying." When I read about the religious discrimination bill last night, I also was upset, and I am not even from Australia. Also, when I used Bing and Google to try to trace the usage of the phrase nothing came up. So, @Wombat Bill, it is a Wombatism? I am intrigued as to what was concealed in James' yoga mat, or did I miss something. Yes. You did. When James first arrived at the circus in this trip -- Upon arrival at the circus, James said “I’ll find my own way around, you and Wanda do whatever it is you two do” “Ok, I’ll call you later when it’s time to go home” James went out on to the street in front of the circus entrance, unrolled the yoga mat and stuck up his posters on the light poles. When he was finished he went looking for Francesco.

It sounds like Brett is thinking more with his gonads than with his brain. I will be interested in how Caleb reacts to being with Justin and Craig full time. I foresee some proverbial hiccups at first. I think James and Francesco both have some growing up to do. At this point, James seems to have and advantage regarding relationships -- up to a point. Francesco is very goal oriented. That will make it a challenge to realize some of the needs James will have if the relationship lasts past the time when the circus moves from that area. Good work, @Wombat Bill.

Great questions, @ColumbusGuy. What you said about the "classic insularity of small towns" is still true today, in some places. As far as Kiernan goes, is he old enough to become an intern at TPI (Third Planet Inquiries), @Geron Kees? That would give him an opportunity to go some places not in an ordinary internship. So -- a related question. Now that Pacha'Ka can read the elf location guide, can he (Pacha) ADD places to it, as well? Or is that a uniquely elf trait still at this point? If he can add places to it, can he add only the places he has been since he learned to teleport, or can/has he added all the places he has ever been? And from another question of @ColumbusGuy -- Geron, you said probably only those who were really good with time, such as Keerby, Max, and Nicholaas -- would be able to make the trip. But Frit and Pip were there, and so was Charlie. Might that give Frit and Pip the ability to go back to were-world, because they were there? We already know that Charlie's second self can go to other universes, and that Ricky can, at least partly, go after him, or at least pull Charlie back into the transportation corridor (see the Charlie Boone stories where Charlie discovered second presence and where they visited Annie's octagon house). Could one of Charlie's upcoming skwish abilities be "third presence?"

I hope James can keep from focusing on Francesco's contortionist abilities enough to keep the focus on Francesco the person. If so, he could end up with a very good relationship. @Summerabbacat, I have no idea what kind of business Lachlan has proposed to Jonathan and Thomas. You have prodded me to think more about that, and you probably are right. I am curious about the safety lecture James received concerning the animals of the circus. Did it help James' understanding any? Form the next chapter teaser, I'm guessing he didn't learn much. I'm also curious about Pamela's suggestion. That could be a lot of things. Well done again, @Wombat Bill.

Well, well! Craig is softening toward Caleb. Gran and Justin are being good influences toward Caleb, and Craig will gradually help Caleb with basic kitchen hygeine. I like Gran! @Wombat Bill, I would be happy to see her featured more. Brett is a character! I have mixed feelings about him. Good chapter.

I think this chapter is setting up many possibilities. I agree with @quttzik that Andy should be cautious about a partnership with Brett. But there are possibilities. The conversation between Edward and Jonathan was enlightening. So was the Lachlan/Edward conversation. When talking acronym and abbreviations, always make SURE that you and the other person or persons are meaning the same thing. The AA mix-up reminded me of some scenes in movies where there are verbal mix-ups. The shower-grower discussion in the restroom made me chuckle. I am surprised that Brett did not know those two terms. Rani seems to be even more bossy and attempting to be controlling than before. I am not surprised. A very interesting gathering. Thanks, @Wombat Bill.

I was also way off on my guesses for this chapter, but I'm glad I was. This is much better than anything I was thinking. Gran and Caleb got along great, and Caleb seems gradually to be improving his attitude. I think Lachlan, Thomas, and Jonathan will be able to work together on whatever Lachlan has come up with. Lachlan and Thomas will do most of the proverbial legwork, and Jonathan will make the final decision. I see Brett is back in the next chapter. Cool! At times he can be a bit exuberant, but he is a neat character, partly for that. I have to agree with @quttzik and his summary of the chapter and analysis. @Wombat Bill, you've done it again. The chapter went so quickly I thought it might be twelve hundred words. When I saw it was over three thousand, I was amazed. Thanks!

I read the first three of the Wheel of time series, then lost interest. I tried to read book 4, but ended up giving it away. I have read passages from the Sanderson books written after the death of Robert Jordan, and I have thought again about reading the series. The series might be easier to follow than the books. I will watch this topic to see reactions of others before deciding whether to watch the series and/or starting the series again. When I read it the first time, I was working 55+ hours a week at a quite physical job, and might have been too tired to properly appreciate it.

From the teaser, @Wombat Bill, it sounds like you've been taking courses in applicable, applied, and able alliteration, alloyed with joking jocularity and jesting, with added caprice, contrariety, changeableness, coyness, and a touch of capriciousness of capable word wizardry, wisdom, whimsy, and wildness -- but not yet any sign of a walrus. Warily, we watch you and our fellow CWB commentators, as we are entertained and more. Good chapter. I agree with @quttzikand @chris191070. In talking with those who sometimes take in foster kids, they can be scared, unpredictable, cooperative, withdrawn, and many more possibilities. It depends on the kid and the background. PLUS, in the US, a lot depends on the state in which the fostering is done. Some states help foster parents much more than others. I also know two couples who worked with kids in group homes, and that is often a very challenging task, no matter how capable and caring the group home supervisors are. One couple lasted eight years; the other couple about ten. All kids should have a loving and caring home. However, many kids are not so fortunate, and that is sad.

Interesting. I think I like Candy's offbeat sense of humor. I think bringing James along on a date, even if for a few minutes, is a mistake. Maybe Wanda has a younger gay brother he could date? Probably not, but I thought I would ask. The teaser for the next chapter indicates to me that Dante will be back as a featured character in the next chapter. @Wombat Bill, another chapter that seemed shorter than it really was. Well done indeed! I look forward to any analysis and comments regarding the chapter from @chris191070, @quttzik, @Summerabbacat, and any other person who might comment.

Bisexual erasure is real. I have been told to "pick a side already." Many bi men take a long time to admit it to themselves, if ever. I have seen other stories in which sudden wealth makes the story less believable. Once in a while, I have read a story where a family seems to be just a bit above middle class, income wise, and gradually things happen such that the boyfriend realizes gradually that the other's family is almost as rich as his family is. @W_L, this is a well written review.

I foresee problems for Alex and Wanda if James starts preaching to the circus about animal rights. James needs to learn discretion and not always speaking his thoughts aloud. He needs to learn how to mask his feelings at times, so he can learn more and accomplish more with fewer initial (and proverbial) waves made. When do we learn more about Andy and Dean as sperm donors?

A very interesting visit. Good to see Virginia and Desmond again.

Wow, what a chapter! I so look forward to the dinner with Virginia and Desmond. I doubt that the girls would have stimulated them to ejaculation after they fell asleep, but it is possible in theory, IF they were not too drunk. I am sure our own @Wombat Bill, author of resourceful renowned reasoning and superlative surprises will enlighten, elucidate, educate, edify, and illuminate us soon.

@Summerabbacat and @quttzik and @chris191070 have wonderful commentary on this chapter. What I noticed and has not yet been specifically mentioned, Carol and Jonathan had the least satisfaction of the evening. I think Cook had the best evening of any of them. Jonathan is becoming a better person in many ways. Lachlan has been very good for him. But Jonathan still has some -- understanding -- to gain. But he is definitely headed in a better direction than he used to be. He needs to show more appreciation to Carol. There is a saying in the USA among some teachers that -- "It is never a good idea to get a maintenance person or librarian upset with you. You never know when you might need their help, and suddenly, it is not available when you need it." I don't know who said that first. It seems to me that Carol is very versatile and capable at what she does. Will we every learn Carol's last name? (Though I have met persons with the last name of Carol or Carroll.) Loving the story and each chapter, @Wombat Bill. This chapter especially shows so much, and opens even more possibilities than you already had! Thanks for bringing Andy and Dean into this one.

On this particular thing, I tend to agree with @James K, up to a point. There is quality control on GA, but much of it is seeming to be more of a committee structure than a one-person-rule. The site guidelines are stated in various places; some of your dissatisfaction probably comes from the fact that your tastes (and mine) often differ from that author. That does not mean that, if you or if I dislike a story, that it is a bad story. But it may not be to our personal taste or tastes. There have been times I disliked a story and did not finish it. Then things in my life and thinking changed, and I was able to start the story again and enjoy it and finish it. The story was the same; my understanding of some things had changed. At least two of the sites which publish gay and/or erotic stories have to pass "the taste of the website owner" test. At least two of the sites I frequent, the owners have said, almost in these exact words, "If I don't like a story, or it does not meet the stated guidelines, sometimes both, it will not be published on my site." In addition, it can be very easy for an author to be too argumentative with and too disrespectful toward other readers of that site, and leave a foul taste in the proverbial mouth and throat of those who run, manage, or own the sites, or those who have great influence on the owner or owners of the site. So, @Cris L, I think if you do not like a particular story, do not comment -- and do not post negative stuff on a public board, unless of a minor nature -- and also do not push for types of stories which are banned by the stated guidelines of the site. Any criticism which might be considered major should be in private to the author, and in as diplomatic a form as you can possibly make it. If the story violates the stated guidelines of the site, then report it to the webmaster, site owner, or oversight committee in private. I have found these methods to be most effective in dealing with such situations.

@quttzikhas done a good analysis of the chapter. I think Lachlan and Jonathan will have to have more discussions from time to time. Jonathan is learning, but has more to learn. There are times when things other than money are important, both in a relationship and sometimes in business dealings. @Wombat Bill -- you always give us interesting chapters. Very few authors manage to do that. I look forward to seeing any analysis @chris191070 and @Summerabbacat have. I also miss seeing @NimirRaj weigh in on the chapters.

Interesting chapter, @Wombat Bill. I wonder if the error of which Romel speaks is that the story is too much like the real life happening. I read a story by another author (not on GA) in which he admitted taking a real life incident and drastically changing to a different plotline after about the tenth paragraph. Edward is not doing that enough. If enough persons keep reading the story, someone will recognize that Edward to describing a life incident with names changed. Once again, the chapter seemed much shorter than the word count would indicate. Good writing, Wombat Bill.

As usual, Geron Kees has presented us with a great story with an interesting plot. There are some twists and turns which surprised me at first. But it is great to see Rick showing more confidence in several things, even if he could at times use more tongue control in his speaking. We also learn what jobs the guys -- Charlie, Kippy, Adrian, and Ricky -- are doing, and how it fits in with their adventures. In addition, we learn more of the growth of the abilities of Frit, Pip, and Keerby, and how Horace has assisted the guys in understanding more of the world around them. I look forward to seeing of Kiernan Willman in future stories, as well as Professor Dithering and Costel. Overall, a very good story. It opens a plethora of potential plotline possibilities. Well done, Geron.

Edward still is not disguising the story enough, at this time. I hope he can wise up and change more details than a slight spelling difference the the name. It was a good chapter.

Interesting, @Wombat Bill. This has opened up all sorts of additional possibilities in this story. I'm sure, as the author, you are aware of even more than I am. I was trying to remember if Jonathan is aware that Dante is Bernard's nephew. My memory is giving trouble this week. While most of the chapter was serious, the last two lines caused me to give it a laugh. Good chapter.

@Wombat Bill, I just figured out how I missed this chapter. My spouse was very ill the day this came out and the day after, and we were occupied with medical issues. I'm glad to catch up now. @Summerabbacat, @quttzik, @chris191070, and @Howzat, great comments. I also liked this chapter, and some things were explained. I have never been interested in sounding, but had a friend who liked it. To each their own. Rosemary seems to be a good sort. I hope we see her at least be mentioned once in a while, should Craig decided to get away from nursing again. Good chapter.