Jack Scribe

Although the running time (2+ hours) could have been trimmed a little, I was totally taken with the newest 007 and the story. I'll go further to say that Daniel Craig is the best Bond since Sean....and I liked Pierce a lot. The original series with Connery really seems dated and the situations are so 'over the top.' I liken the new approach the same way they re-charged the Batman franchise; more realistic. And Craig - in my humble, horny opinion - is very sexy. Go see it this week! Jack

Pretty "heavy duty" question, Quazar. This is an excerpt of something I've previously written: The fall of 2004 was a major turning point in my life, although I wasn

Here are the shocking racial slurs that came from a Michael Richards performance. http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp?mo...;pmmsid=1772645 Really revolting. You never know where hate will appear and by whom. Jack

Hmmm, Kitty style? Like doggie style? Or, Kitty as in a terrific editor? Seriously, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Jack

Here is a partial quote from one of ministers of the New Life Church from today's Denver Post. "We are all born with different kinds of tendencies. A person might lean toward homosexuality, adultery, pornography, etc....(these) are what the Bible would call sins." And this guy ministers to college-age people. Scary. Interesting to find out that my sinful, homosexual orientation is a "tendency."

The following thoughtful commentary is from Andrew Sullivan: "There is part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life," - pastor Ted Haggard, referring, I suppose, to his homosexual orientation. For those who still - amazingly - believe that being gay is somehow a "choice," consider Haggard. If he could have chosen not to be gay, don't you think he would have? Even though he apparently believes being gay is "repulsive and dark" (while it is, in fact, just another wonderful way to be human), he still cannot prevail against it. It is integral to him. It has been "all of [his] adult life". One day, he may realize, and I pray he does, that the only dark and repulsive thing is the closet, the betrayal of his wife and children, the destruction of a church, and the demonization of others in the same boat - all as a function of his own inability to face the truth. What is dark and repulsive is dishonesty. There is no commandment not to be gay. There is a commandment not to bear false witness. Haggard bore false witness - to himself, to his wife, to his traumatized kids, to his fellow gay men and women. repeatedly, pathologically, self-destructively. The right response for Christians is compassion and forgiveness. But also hope: hope that this will help spread the truth about what being gay actually is. Face it, Ted. Face the truth. It will set you - and so many others - free. Here is the link to Mr. Sullivan's blog: http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/

Perhaps the questionnaire could be re-formatted to ask people to rank the various ingredients of a story in order of importance? Key is introducing the protagonist to the reader up front. So maybe interesting characters take a lead as we flow into the plot line(s)? I think a good story continues to reveal more about the characters as the plot unfolds. Then the characters react to the situations in which they find themselves with emotions and feelings. This will give the reader deeper, unmasked facets of the character. Hand in hand (no pun) are word pictures that describe the scene. How does the environment set the mood? The surroundings, the aromas, the temperature, the light levels, the sounds, etc. I also find it interesting that "sex" had no votes. I believe that erotic content has its place...but can't be gratuitious. Jack

Here is an email from my Colorado friend. Colorado is voting on both a gay marriage ban and a proposition to give legal rights to same-sex couples. Knowing how fundamentalists think, I suspect the Haggard story will hurt gay rights on both fronts. They will see Haggard's "fall" as just another example of how the "gay agenda" is destroying American society. And they will pray for him

And now this from Towleroad: Mike Jones, the gay escort who claims he had a three-year sexual business relationship with evangelical pastor Ted Haggard, failed to pass a lie detector test administered early this morning, but the test's accuracy is already begin questioned. "The test administrator, John Kresnik, said Jones' score indicated 'deceptions' in his answers. However, Kresnik said he doubted the accuracy of the test he administered because of the recent stress on Jones and his inability to eat or sleep, according to KHOW producer Greg Hollenback. Kresnik suggested that Jones be re-tested early next week after he was rested." Here is Good Morning America's coverage (via AmericaBlog) of the Haggard scandal which was run this morning. Jones claims that a fantasy Haggard told him about was "to have sex with about 6 young college guys ranging from 18 to 22 in age." And the beat goes on. I think Kitty's family will have interesting topics at this year's Thanksgiving table. Jack

My friend and editor lives in Denver. Here is his 'read' on the story: I'm wondering what impact the Haggard story will have on the political scene. One could hope that his exposure as a lying hypocrite will be beneficial to the gay agenda, but the way fundamentalists think, it probably will only enhance their hatred of homosexuals. I expect the scandal will hurt chances for passage of Colorado's proposition to give legal rights to same-sex couples. The anti-gay marriage amendment will pass with an even larger majority. Different strokes for different agendas. Oie Vay. Jack

He is kinda cute, however. I was amused that Jerry Falwell held a press conference denying that he was a member of that association. I'm surprised that he didn't allege that the purple Tele-Tubbie was part of a plot to subvert the evangalist and Christianity. What ever happend to the good old fashioned days with Jimmie Swaggart and Tammy Fay's husband banging the female brethern? Amen...say hallelujah! Seriously, I'm offended that ABC News Radio is using this story as the morning lead. This wouldn't be politically-motivated on their part, would it? Hmmm. Nothing like a good queer story to get the juices going with the public. Jack

Hi Jensen, Welcome to our growing family. You've got a broad choice of authors and stories. The forums are quite versatile and can be a lot of fun! Enjoy, Jack

I was very saddened with John Tucker's passing. I was first a fan and then a friend. John, along with a his editor and a close friend, visited Palm Springs last month. I hosted a weekend gathering for the guys, plus authors Greg Bowden, Jack Smith and Desert Mac. Greg and Mac live in PS; Jack lives in LA. We had a great time and had planned on visiting John Tucker in Las Vegas next year. Just highlights the importance of living each day to its fullest. Jack

As darkness falls on the U.K., thought this would create a timely smile. CLICK TO ENLARGE.

And I'll provide some Grand Marnier and a blend of lime/lemon juice...with just a splash of OJ...and crushed ice in a shaker. Maybe someone will provide a salt-rimmed grande cocktail glass? Take it from there, Miss Kitty. Seriously, you are part of the glue at GA. Thanks much. Jack

As a reader and a writer, I think that it doesn't matter what day it is...if the story is interesting. "Build it and they will come." Just look at the posting traffic at stories by DomLuka. He has a very loyal, strong following. I suspect that Dom could post a story at 3:00 a.m. on a Tuesday and get fantastic hits by daybreak. On the other hand, I've got a story running right now that I love (along with 3 others, I think) that can't draw flies.

So, to paraphrase Sophie - 23 goes into 69 a helluva lot easier than 69 goes into 23! HBD, Dom! Jack

One final shot into the barrel. BTW, I hope your pacifier is battery-operated? It is a real crap-roll to get your stories noticed. I'm going to make a point of reading your story this week. As others have mentioned, there is so much material out there...and so little time. Authors like DomLuka or DK have a loyal following based on a long following. I'm the newest Hostest Author at GA and it's a bitch to get your stories read. IT JUST TAKES TIME. Nick is the master at promotion. My god, just the font size alone makes him a champ...not to acknowledge I'm a size queen. Beat the drums, flash the lights, roll out the headlines and be earnest in developing a forum. Above all, answer the emails or PM's. If you're a good writer with interesting stories, a following (albeit slowly) will develop. Best wishes, Jack

I think our mate from Melbourne has a good suggestion. (Although I suggest that we start the hunt when the Fall Anthology rolls out. Could be a great promotional feature for both projects.) If the deadline for the Fall Anthalogy is 10/15, will the stories be ready for posting around 10/20? Of the 15 or so submissions, if there are 6 - 8 authors agreeable to being part of a scavenger hunt, we could have 2 - 3 questions from each and have enough writer power to supply the super custom prize. I'd be willing to give it a go again. A reasonable deadline could be mid-November. Whaddya think, CJ? Jack

I'm veering away from the specific show but I wanted to share with you a fantastic blog that is written daily by a seasoned, Emmy Award-winning writer. He provides a fascinating, unvarnished look inside Hollywood and his perspective on new shows and some humorous rememberances. http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/ Jack

Great clip! And I agree with your assessment concerning his orientation. Check out another clip on the same site. Two cute guys who are roommate cadets at the AF Academy. One roommate 'secretly' cams the other dancing in their room. http://www.glumbert.com/media/dancewhiteboy. Jack

Hi Juss11, You've had some good comments concerning your topic. First, can we be a little more specific on the "topic?" I'm sure you are thinking about prejudice of sexual orientation (orientation, not preference)? To piggyback onto Krista's suggestion, look in the macro-world of sexual prejudice - men vs. women. This would include cultures such as the Muslim practices of treating women differently to the subtle issues in the modern business world. Then, examine other prejudices. Sub-groupings should include M/M and F/F relationships. A very interesting side-bar would be how society more readily accepts F/F relationships. Graeme is not only a fellow Aussie, but a thoughtful man who is a father...and also happens to be gay. Listen to his advice. You're examining a very volatile subject for a 14 y.o. guy. Best wishes on your project. Bottom line; cover your ass. Jack

Or, pray for Byrd. But that's a vintage Boston Celtics thought. Jack P.S. A bird (not Byrd) told me that tomorrow's clues will feather some stuff of mine.

Ewww, how yucky. Of whose grilled meat are we referencing? :wacko: No need to hyde when we kin jekyll. :2hands: On with the hunt...scavengers! Jack

I've got a great idea for the next scavenger hunt. How about structuring it along the lines of Jeopardy. CJ gives the answer and the player guesses the question? Seriously, I hope everyone is enjoying the scavenger hunt. The prize is stupendous, awesome and outrageous. Jack