Jack Scribe

Hi Old Bob, Absolutely the best blog that gives the curious reader current views/news (and links) affecting the GLBT community is the following: http://towleroad.typepad.com/towleroad/. I strongly urge you to bookmark this site. Towleroad is something I check daily, along with a few others. Merry Christmas, Jack

Here's a hilarious Blog originated by Dan Savage, noted advice columnist (who is also gay), concerning the most recent problems in the Colorado Springs church and the review of church leaders' conduct. Be warned that the premise of the blog and some words fall into the area of ADULT CONTENT and should only be read by those who have reached the age of consent. Viewing of this blog may cause irreparable damage to developing, underage minds and cause permanent intellectual atrophy: http://www.thestranger.com/blog/ and scroll down to Monday, December 18. Savage's post was around 4:18 p.m. Jack

I'm not sure if you're allowing any replies to this important topic...but here goes. You're really being very forgiving. Maybe it's in the spirit of the holidays? I, for one, think that this "ring" should take a hike with your banning them from GA. That such a hard, talented worked like Kitty is resigning is most unfortunate. Although not an expert of the workings of these sites, I do find GA unique and the best in this genre. The broad range of members, representing so many locations in the world, is amazing. The forums available are used with an incredible volume and offer very diverse points of view. This site and your peace of mind is too important to allow a stage for a few demented flakes to create chaos. Jack

Yep, a real winner! You have a marvelous way of creating just enough tension to bring the reader along with you. The data stick is a terrific hook. I also am curious about the hostile attitude of the Piedmont police. Aside from possible homophobia, perhaps there is a side story about tension and bad blood between the adults from something that occured in the past? At the rate these guys are going, a prescription for the little blue bills may be necessary. Good job. Jack

Hi Hopeless and Steve, A big welcome to both of you. GA is a diverse, crazy, wonderful place to explore the world through the eyes and opinions of an enlightened group...of which you are now a part. I hope that both of you will be active in posting your thoughts in our forums and making your voice heard. If I had had a resource like this site when I was a teen, I would have been a wiser guy in my younger years and better for it. Jack

What exactly this preacher has done is unclear. Is it the water in Colorado? New Life director admits misconduct Rocky Mountain News December 19, 2006 Sexual misconduct has driven a senior staff member at New Life Church out the door, six weeks after scandal enveloped his former boss, evangelical leader Ted Haggard. Christopher Beard, director of a ministry for Christian leaders between ages 18 and 24, resigned Friday from the Colorado Springs mega-church after admitting to sexual misconduct with an adult, as well as other, unspecified mistakes, said associate pastor Rob Brendle. The matters came to light during a recent personnel review conducted by the church's board of overseers. It was prompted by the Haggard scandal. "It became apparent that he had made a number of bad decisions over the years of leading the program that reflected poor judgment," Brendle said. "One of those incidents was sexual misconduct with an adult." He wouldn't comment on whether the conduct was with a male or female but said it did not involve Haggard. In the wake of Haggard's downfall, the church's board of overseers launched a review of New Life staff members' past and present conduct, Brendle said. His own review took a couple of hours, he said. "They're trying to make sure I'm honorable and that I've been doing what the congregation and God expect me to do in my role, so the church knows with confidence that the staff is trustworthy." There are about 200 staff members, from music ministers to accountants, who potentially may be called in for a review. The first to undergo the process are the 50 members of the pastoral staff who have direct responsibilities with the 14,000-member congregation. _______________ Say "Hallelujah" and pass the plate. Jack

A friend forwarded to me a very thoughtful article. An openly-gay pastor analyzes the problems of two closeted fundamentalists being outed. Preachers found logic in denial Article Last Updated:12/16/2006 11:29:00 PM MST - Denver Post The Rev. Paul Barnes and the Rev. Ted Haggard have asked their legions of devout followers to pray for them. The preachers have admitted to homosexual behavior, something that for years they railed quite lucratively against by calling it a sin and an abomination. "I have struggled with homosexuality since I was a 5-year-old boy. ... I can't tell you the number of nights I have cried myself to sleep, begging God to take this away," Barnes said in a videotaped statement to the Grace Chapel congregation in Douglas County last week. "There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life," Haggard wrote in a letter to the 14,000 members of his New Life Church in Colorado Springs last month. In the wake of their reluctant public confessions, the impulse to ridicule these guys as venal hypocrites is irresistible. In fact, Haggard's massage buddy, Mike Jones, and his publisher already are taking that impulse to the bank. But as with former Rep. Mark Foley, who sponsored legislation to crack down on child predators on the Internet while he allegedly was sending salacious e-mails to Capitol Hill pages, there's more to the story of the outright duplicity of the pious ministers than just lurid material for book deals. What we have here, according to the Rev. Kevin Maly, the openly gay pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denver, is a rare opportunity to see how some people try to cope with being gay and how they hurt so many people along the way. He calls it "a teachable moment." Homosexual ministers preaching that homosexuality is evil is not evidence of their rank opportunism or some kind of vacuous self-loathing, he said. It's a desperate attempt at self-control. "It really is a gestalt," he said. "One of the functions of human language is regulation and control. There are people - and it may not be conscious for them - who are trying to control something within themselves by speaking out against it." Ultimately, despite heterosexual marriages and preaching the message that homosexuality is wrong, they lost control. "Sexuality is irrepressible," Maly said. No amount of denial or pretending can change things. Sure, these guys were living a lie, but in their tortured psyches, becoming prominent anti-gay preachers made perfect sense. It was a way to remind themselves not to act gay. While evangelicals may differ about whether being a homosexual is a choice or a biological imperative, they generally subscribe to the belief that it's homosexual acts that are evil. So the solution is to act straight and to condemn those who don't. It's also no surprise to Maly that Haggard and Barnes chose the religious life instead of, say, law or business. Churches are safe havens for the exiled, he said, at least theoretically. "Religious traditions are at their best when they are about bringing in those who have been shoved to the edges of society," he said. All that implies that churches are inherently compassionate, welcoming places. So it seems like two beloved evangelical leaders coming out of the closet would be such a dramatic turning point that reconsideration of the whole abomination thing logically would follow. "One could only hope," Maly said. He's not optimistic. "If you look at the language used by Haggard and Barnes, they still view their same-sex attractions as evil," he said. "There's still this mistaken belief that one can change his sexuality if only one prays hard enough. I think what both of these guys are saying is, 'We were right all along, we just didn't believe hard enough."' So the teachable moment may be lost, at least on the evangelical community. Because while the two preachers have admitted to homosexual behavior, they're still dissembling as fast as they can. They still can't embrace who they are. Jack

And to save energy, allow me to add birthday greetings to all - KITTY, ROB and JAN(TalonRider) Jack

I thought the attached was an interesting, positive interview with the cast member who is out on this popular MTV show: http://www.afterelton.com/people/2006/12/davis.html Seems to be a level-headed guy. Jack

Go, CJ! And Graeme's not too far behind. The stats have aroused my curiosity. Who is/was Frankfurter? I have always wondered by you, Myr, are #3? Jack

Might as well slip in on this U.K./U.S.A.-dominated thread. The GA forums are the "funnest" on the net, the stories offer a marvelous choice of material and the people are pretty nice, too. Several of the members and authors are at the start of their adult journey. Others, like me, see that 'door' down at the end of the hallway...hopefully, far away. Most of us - 99% - relish the ideas that a broad range of age and intellect hatch and develop. That we have this showcase to exhibit our talents and encourage debate is unique. The volume of the over 3,000 members boggles the mind. And whether it be Sci Fi, Fantasy, and good old mushy romance (my department)...there's something for everyone. A new member has even introduced us to leather. Not my cup of tea - Jacksons, please - but it's there for those who are curious. I respect the legal aspects of Myr's responsibilities and applaud the admin troops like Joe, Kitty, Kevin who make this site work. And it does work! Funny, as I sit here in California at 7:45 p.m., Monday evening, while listening to London's Classic FM where it's now 3:45 a.m., the next morning. I know that the guys "down under" will be getting home from work soon - it's only 2:45 p.m. in the afternoon on Tuesday. We are a real international group of men and women who appreciate the challenges of being diverse and different. Jack

Here are excerpts from this morning's Denver Post: Hidden life again claims a pastor In a tearful videotaped message Sunday to his congregation, the senior pastor of a thriving evangelical mega church in south metro Denver confessed to sexual relations with other men and announced he had voluntarily resigned his pulpit. A month ago, the Rev. Paul Barnes of Grace Chapel in Douglas County preached to his 2,100-member congregation about integrity and grace in the aftermath of the Ted Haggard drugs-and-gay-sex scandal. Now, the 54-year-old Barnes joins Haggard as a fallen evangelical minister who preached that homosexuality was a sin but grappled with a hidden life. "I have struggled with homosexuality since I was a 5-year-old boy," Barnes said in the 32-minute video, which church leaders permitted The Denver Post to view. "... I can't tell you the number of nights I have cried myself to sleep, begging God to take this away."

Thanks, Joe, I appreciate your immediate reply. I wish Krista well. Jack

Could someone explain what has happened. All I now see above the avatar is "Former Member." Jack

Wow! I'm blown away by this story of generosity and caring. And my biggest problem is a friggin' willow palm tree in the living room that seems to be fading because I'm such a dolt about watering plants too much. Linzi, here's a big salute for being there when a young man was in need. Welcome to both of you. Also a big welcome to our new friend, Bondwriter, from Northern France. I will definitely check out your story link. Say hello to Dusk; he just joined and has an interesting site. His posting is back a page. Jack

Interruptus...but certainly not coitus. Hey, CJ. Another cliffhanger. I'm enjoying the pace of the story...it is indeed taking shape as a thriller. Kee-rist, are these guys ever going to get laid? Good job! Look forward to daybreak. Jack

I'll dispense with the jokes about what was worn under the kilts. Many years of happiness! Perhaps a union like this will be part of the American cultural fabric in the not too distant future. It's a little early in the morning, but I raise a snifter of Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Archive 21 year and toast you two. Jack

Julien (with an 'e') is out in the cornfields of Iowa and can now legally buy Grain Belt Beer! From a fellow Iowan, a Happy Birthday! Jack ...but now in Palm Springs

Here's some good advice from Wine Spectator for those who need to buy a bottle of sparkling wine during the holidays and may not be sure what's out there in decent quality. This label is pretty consistant and will be a pleaser around the table...or in the Jacuzzi. If you're in the Jacuzzi, strawberries are optional. DOMAINE CHANDON Brut California Classic NV (88 points, $18) Rich and intense, with complex pear, ginger and spicy apple scents. Turns rich and fruity on the palate, too. Drink now. 190,000 cases made. From California. Wine Spectator's editors have selected this wine as the best buy of the week. Enjoy! Jack

Here are portions of an email I received this morning from a reader concerning his reactions to Professional Courtesy. It is shared with his permission: Hi, ... I ran across your story about a month ago and really really enjoyed it. I've got a little boy of my own and my wife died a little over a year ago so I kind of know what your characters were going thru...I think that you captured the characters perfectly, especially the boy. You pretty much inspired me to start my blog, which is helping me work thru some of this stuff by putting it down in writing. It's here if you want to check it out http://diaryofagaydad.blogspot.com/ It isn't much...writing about it helps. I was very touched by his blog and pleased that I played a small part in the resolution of his personal grief. Jack

Now that I know that it's lighter fare, I'm really enjoying the guys and their travails. What's the old saying about stripes and zebras or tigers? Eric is still, and always be, a conniving little shit. From another thread, I assume that Chapter 5 will have the passage, "Chris turned, and locked the door." God knows what two young, horny males, in lust for each other, can find to do behind a locked door? Good going, CJ. Jack

Interesting no one included a pack of Trojans (reminds me to turn on the football game) or Magnums (wishful thinking). I'm fascinated that our esteemed author of Druid carries two fragrances with him. And James is so organized - my god, a photo shoot for a forum? I'm impressed. Put me in the CJ camp. Add loose change if I'm going to the store, plus sunglasses...a must in the desert. Jack

Another recipe to consider. STEP 1: Go buy a Butterball turkey and a bottle of Cuervo Gold. Thaw out 48 hours before roasting. STEP 2: On thanksgiving morning, pre-warm the oven at 375 degrees and call the Butterball Hot Line if you have questions. While you're waiting for an operator to answer, pour a generous portion of tequila into a brandy snifter. STEP 3: Enjoy a couple of shots of tequila while you're preparing the rest of the food. STEP 4: Put the turkey in the pre-warmed oven. Be sure and take out the package inside the turkey cavity. STEP5: To hell with the shot glass. Enjoy a few swigs of tequila from the bottle. STEP 6: Turk the bastey. STEP 7: Tequila another bottle of get. STEP 8: Stick a turkey in the thermometer. STEP 9: Bake the tequila for 4 hours. Have another large gulp of turkey. STEP10: Take the oven out of the turkey. STEP11: Floor the turkey up off of the pick. STEP12: Turk the carvey. STEP13: Tet the sable, pour a glass of turkey, bless the saying, pass and eat out. Just joking. Have a safe and sane ______________________ (fill in the holiday). Jack

Hey Dusk, GA needs more diversity...and after reviewing the True Tales website, I think your ideas will certainly broaden the scope of gay, erotic-themed writing for anyone who is intersted in knowing more about the BDSM/Leather culture. Welcome from a basic vanilla guy! Jack