Jack Scribe

Sex advice columnist Dan Savage was sent by HBO's Bill Maher to South Carolina to report on the primary activities. The locals' reactions when he mentions his partner of several years and their 9 y.o. adopted child are priceless. This 9 minute segment from last Friday's Bill Maher Show is hilarious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiz2XKjThEQ. Jack

Here are some bullet points defining "Literature" in yourDictionary.com. * all writings in prose or verse, esp. those of an imaginative or critical character, without regard to their excellence: often distinguished from scientific writing, news reporting, etc. * all of such writings considered as having permanent value, excellence of form, great emotional effect, etc. * all the writings of a particular time, country, region, etc., specif. those regarded as having lasting value because of their beauty, imagination, etc. * all the writings dealing with a particular subject (in specialized journals/sites). I agree that literature is subjective. To me, it's a level of excellence judged by the readers and peers in a segment of society. As Graeme points out, we are part of a very special sub-group of men and women who appreciate stories and poetry focusing on gay themes. And yes...some of these creations are LITERATURE. Much of what a read in our little world qualifies by following the definition above. Writing that excites, challenges, entertains, questions, stimulates, etc. can appear in printed form or electronically-presented and qualify as literature in the 21st century. It is a given that gramatical, typo-free, and spelling standards should apply. The personal pleasure that comes from developing story lines, creating characters, establishing scenes and monitoring emotions gives me a 'high'. Like others, I value writing as a rewarding hobby. I agree with Steve: it is in the delivery. And that my stories please certain readers is the pay off. I admire a young, talented guy like Nick James. Wow, what he has accomplished at the ripe age of 16. I'm sure he would say he writes because he has to. Colin - a college freshman - constantly contributes to these forums with well-thought out comments on a range of subjects. They are both capable of writing literature. Graeme - prolific Graeme - is able to polish his views with the wisdom of age and experience. I certainly think his stories could be slotted in the literature category. In eFiction, Duncan Ryder's Everybody's Wounded is a remarkable story that should be considered literature - regardless of category. What an accomplishment for a first story submission! I salute the GA site. What a terrific venue to present our stories and exchange ideas. Jack

I echo these sentiments! Whew - 2,000 posts in two years. Quite an accomplishment. Watch out, CJ. Jack

I found this amusing short re-mix of the famous (or infamous) recent interview: :wacko: http://gawker.com/5002368/tom-cruise-on-to...e-homoeroticist. Have a few laughs and enjoy. Jack

HAPPY 34! In the parlance of new age-speak, 44 years of age is the new 34. Whoops...if that's the case, then Hylas is only 12 and shouldn't be on this site. Good luck on the triathon. Jack

Spike will be very relieved when the final appointment is completed. I'm sure Spike is conflicted about this because he's entering into a partnership with Lou. However, there is a loyalty factor to his almost-former boss and he wanted to leave Mario on a positive note. There may be another shoe dropping, but from an unsuspecting foot. This story, Yap, is a fictional fantasy. the Las Vegas casino industry is controlled by very large corporations, many publically-traded. However, like any large international city, there is an underbelly of crime that slithers around. In the early days in Vegas, the mob from Detroit was very powerful. Jack

One place to be alert is the gym. I noticed that my 24 Hour Fitness gym recently installed anti-bacterial wipe dispensers in areas close to hand weights and the machines. Statistically, over 50% of the male population don't wash hands after using a toilet! Any many who do just pass their hands under the water. Here's a great rule of thumb: lather up with soap and wash you hands while singing (to yourself ) the Happy Birthday song. It's approximately 20 seconds long. This is the time health services people recommend you take to wash hands. Jack

Happy 30th, LB! How's the writing going? Jack

From today's NYT: In recent years, Mr. Renfro was known as much for his legal troubles as for his acting career. He was charged with marijuana and cocaine possession in 1998, avoiding jail because of a plea bargain, according to The Associated Press. Mr. Renfro was an admitted heroin and methadone user... The Bully was a terrific indie film that provided the actor a broad canvas to show his acting ability. The guy had great potential. Like River Phoenix, Renfro's death is such a sad waste.

Agree, completely. Ya gotta wonder if Lump is part of this conspiracy? Is Jerry's good-for-nothing son actually Dimitri? Jack

Welcome to the GA family of Hosted Writers. I did a fast read of the opening lines of Shameful and enjoyed your style of writing. I'll be back for more, later. While I would humbly suggest you check out my stories , there's a virtual smorgasbord of different types of material to ring your chimes. One story by Duncan Ryder blew me away. His first story in eFiction, Everybody's Wounded, is very special. https://www.gayauthors.org/efiction/viewstory.php?sid=407. Such talent! Have a great time. Jack P.S. What do we call you? Melina or Mellicat? I assume that you are female?

Happy 21st, Robbie! Here's to an exceptional year - personally and scholastically - for you. Jack

This is a six minute WOW experience. I've seen several Cirque du Soleil featuring with two men going through incredible routines of balance and strength. This presentation, however, is exceptional. Hope they have a good chiropractor on call. Jack

Happy 22nd Birthday! You've now entered the official countdown to 30. Trust me, the years only get better. Yeah...and the check is in the mail (you know the rest). Jack

As a matter of fact, I do a know a hot guy in Austin. I'm 90% sure I'll come to Dallas for the GA gathering and then head down to see the cowpoke. (Or is it have a cowpoke?). Go Longhorns! Thank God for grandfathered AAdvantage miles. Jack

Hi Mattie. Welcome to this diverse world of Gay Authors and your exploratory writing experiences. All of us who author stories are led by the characters as they develop little quirks, attitudes and more dimension. Then the story line takes an unexpected turn and a new character appears. A sub-plot idea enters the arena and you're off. I suggest that you find a friend or seek assistance in the Writer's Forums and identify an editor to help proof your initial efforts. A second or third eye will help cull typos, spelling errors, grammar boo-boos, etc. All of us have missed things because we're too close to the material. You will also find some excellent discussion threads about writing in general. I've been helped from reading helpful points posted by other writers. Once you have a text that has been edited, run a portion in "Sneak Peaks" and solicate reaction. Then, as Graeme suggested, post it in eFiction. Good luck! Jack

I must admit I thought about Julia and Richard when I wrote the scene. BTW, a friend of mine was working at Disney when they (the Touchstone division)were filming Pretty Woman. The original working title was "3,000" - a play on the woman's fee. TLWT, you dog. How do you think the guys should pay Cray back? I'll let the reader continue that fantasy on their own. Spike isn't exactly out of the business yet, CJ. He still has a few "loose ends" to handle. But Cray is happy his friend is getting out of the biz. BTW, in my research, I found a data sheet on a rent boi that's for real. Even with the magnifier, however, you'll have to increase the size (of the type) more to read this.

Absolutely. Loved the line, after they withdrew from an embrace, about watching the cheerleaders with their "Short shorts and jiggling hooters," to assert their masculinity. I have seen this before but it's great satire about some males' confusion and denial concerning homosexuality. Jack

I'm really jazzed by the film project, Milk, that Gus Van Sant will direct. Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Sean Penn and James Franco are quite a cast. http://www.towleroad.com/2007/12/emile-hirsch-jo.html. This will be a February, 2009, release. For younger and international GA members who might not be familiar with 70's San Francisco gay activist Harvey Milk, here's some info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Milk. Jack

I also use a dictionary, YaP. And English is my first language. I salute GA members throughout the world who navigate my stories and participate in the forums. Thanks, Connor, for highlighting Spike's need to stand up to Lou. A M/M partnership, IMHO, will only survive if there is some sort of equal footing and understanding. Jack

Wow, Kevin. What a well-thought out response. We're mostly an unrecognized minority - citizens experiencing life's challenges, rewards and disappointments on a daily basis. The "Millenniums" are dealing with our minority status differently than the "Y" and "X" generations. And certainly on a whole other plane than my "Boomer" group. Here's an short collage of photographs that was sent to me recently that's worth a reflective look. The male couples shown couldn't even begin to imagine where our/their sub-culture would progress over the past century. http://www.musicmisfit.com/affectionatemen/affectionate.html. Jack

Here's a little more of Heath Ledger's Joker character interpretation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaIR9dAZRR0 Should be a hot summer 2008 release. I love this gritty, less over-the-top version of Batman. And Christian Bale ain't bad to look at.

Cracked me up! As far as entertainers, I'm surprised no one mentioned Rufus Wainwright. He's a rising star and gay. I'm more mellow - it's a generational thing - and listen to MOR entertainers like Josh Grobin (who, if you read the Bulge Report, has a lot going for him besides music), Michael Buble and Harry Connick, Jr. In jazz, Diane Schuur and and Diana Krall ring my chimes. But my real passion is classical symphony music. I usually listen to FM stations - KUSC in LA, and Classic FM in London - while I'm reading or writing. And I'm very fortunate to live in a small community that offers a live concert series during the winter season. This year, the orchestras include the Royal Phil, LA Phil, and the Czech Phil among others. I don't have the gay opera gene, however. Been there; tried that. Jack

I think it's literary license. I loved the travels around Rome. Brought back memories. There is a marvelous hotel - The Hasler - at the top of the Spanish steps. http://www.hotelhasslerroma.com/. Per a Google search: The Bellini was first invented in 1948 at Harry's Bar in Venice Italy. Giuseppe Cipriani was the head bartender at the time, and had a strong fondness for for the Italian White Peaches. He worked long and hard trying to develop a perfect cocktail which would use them as a base, then he tried the simple combination of pureed white peaches and prosecco (Italian Sparkling Wine), and he knew he had something. I'm not sure if Harry's Bar in Rome is part of the Venice original. http://www.harrysbar.it/ Guess we'll have to wait on the latest status of Steve and Wilde's understanding. But I do smell something curious with Jerry's re-entry into the story. Fun chapter.

Via Towleroad, this is quite a contemporary concept for college study. The University of Michigan offers this credited course: http://www.towleroad.com/2008/01/university-of-m.html. Pour a glass of chardonnay, turn on your favorite Broadway musical score and read this. The latest Room and Board catalog can wait. Jack