Jack Scribe

I came across this breathtaking writing last night while reading Jitterbug Perfume, a 1984 novel by Tom Robbins: Louisiana in September was like an obscene phone call from nature. The air - moist, sultry, secretive, and far from fresh - felt as if it were being exhaled into one's face. Sometimes it even sounded like heavy breathing. Honeysuckle, swamp flowers, magnolia, and the mystery smell of the river scented the atmosphere, amplifying the intrusion of organic sleaze. It was aphrodisiac and repressive, soft and violent at the same time. In New Orleans, in the French Quarter, miles from the barking lungs of alligators, the air maintained this quality of breath, although here it acquired a tinge of metallic halitosis, due to fumes expelled by tourist buses, trucks delivering Dixie beer, and, on Decatur Street, a mass-transit motor coach named Desire. Don't know too much about this author other than he's considered a creative wordsmith...and somewhat eccentric. I love this quote from an interviewer who spent time with Robbins when he was promoting Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates: Without benefit of a conversation with Robbins it would be tempting to call the book "tightly plotted," because the intricate twists and turns certainly lend it that feel. But, of course, it isn't. Robbins admits he does almost no plotting in advance but, "that's the adventure of it, for me." The thing that keeps him coming back to writing every day. Jack

I, too, have been following the story on Nifty. Thanks to Sharon for offering the invite. Duncan's a gifted writer and these responses will perhaps encourage him to continue with more stories in the future. I look forward to Chapter Nine and how the protagonist handles this impromptu relationship triangle. I've known "David" characters and begrudgingly understood his mind-set of needing to be satisfied - emotionally and sexually - with an available companion. I salute Scott for his basic integrity...but also acknowledge he carries the baggage of being an 18 year old male. Duncan, Welcome to GA! Jack

I stumbled across this - again - and wanted to share. Archer's beefs are humorous and (yikes!) hit home in places. http://archerland.disbelieve.org/nonfiction/jump.htm. Jack

THE TELEGRAPH had a fabulous contest recently. They invited readers to compose prose crammed with as many infuriating phrases and clich

Guys, may I strongly suggest that we calmly veer away from this topic. We're really in an inappropriate area. Jack

Here's a clip (YouTube via Towleroad) of Smith with his friend director Malcolm Ingram. Ingram directed a film that comes out on DVD this coming Tuesday called Small Town Gay Bar which looks at the proprietors and customers at two small bars in Mississippi. Smith served as executive producer on the film. . I love Smith's deadpan glibness. Jack

The obvious reference to this being a Sci Fi story makes me wonder about the significance of the lightening striking more than once at the estate. How does this 16 year old lad manage to get his way with the workers...and as a top? There's no reference to money being paid other than after the fact. Hmmm. I also suspect that the lawyer and the deceased father were more than friends. I also wonder about the cousins back in Arizona. Fallow questions. Worthington is a hand-full of a name. Maybe Dan types in "Wo" and then edits each page by substituting the full name on search? Nice first chapter. Good to understand that the first two volumes are completed. Should mean a nice, even flow of chapters. Jack

Giving CJ what? Oh, I see. The last chapter has ruined my manicure. Between biting nails and holding on the edge of a cliff, what's a poor man to do? "Extremis malis extrema remedia." Jack

Allow me to distill the information. According to a history book called "Holy Blood Holy Grail" the earliest Frankish kings (Clovis I) used both bees and frogs on their royal robes. Both have been found in royal gravesites of Clovis and sons in France. The reference seems to be to the royal line of Frankish kings as frogs. They were the Long Haired Kings who ruled in Gaul/France/Germany before the Christianization of Charles. According to some legends, it is known as that at the time of the baptism of Clovis, king of the Francs, by St-Remi, the frogs on the flag changed into Fleur-de-Lis. It became the emblem of French royalty. It is also reported that certain features of frogs are found in the personalities of the French, that is to say the speciality to be able to be burried, without air, for very long periods and then to be able to live again when released. I like the last paragraph but don't want to get into French politics. Jack

Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite. First thing in the morning, after making coffee, I connect on the Internet to Classic FM from London. Terrific programming. It's now 6:30 a.m. in the desert and the afternoon London traffic reports always wake me up. The M-1 is a mess today. Jack

Great start...looking forward to more. I think a human bomb (Gabe) will go off in Ch 3 when he finds out about the promotion. Perhaps we'll find out why he has it in for Brandon. Jack

The authors have painted Vadim into a curious corner. The man appears to be "damaged goods", permanently. Any clues as to where Dan is being re-assigned? Hmmm. I'm sure we won't know the answers until September with Vash and Marquesate on personal business. Continue to be amazed at the brutal angst and raw emotion that fly from the screen in this story. Jack

A rather odd but fun way to ratchet down this forum. Here is a link that gives the reader several choices as to why our French friends have this nickname. You can read this in either English or French. How cosmopolitan (pass the Absolut and cranberry, please). http://allaboutfrogs.org/weird/general/frenchfrogs.html. Thanks to all for your support and notes. Francois, I certainly didn't mind the forum being hi-jacked while I was vacationing. Be on the lookout for Desert Fantasies in September. Jack

Jeez, two CJ posts to recognize your birthday. Steve, you either have the negatives or the Arizona desert rat is just milking his numbers. A BIG HAPPY 29TH! You realize it's all down hill from here...and I'm in the valley. Enjoy your birthday and too many, many more. Jack

Thanks, CJ, for sending the residuals of the AZ monsoon season my way. Friggin' humidity that would curl a ________ (you fill in the rest). Lost my cable/Internet signal for most of yesterday. :wacko: It worries me when the terms, "slam dunk" and "we won" end a chapter. The cauldron's still bubbling in the background. I also want to point out a tiny flaw. With all the flames, gasses and explosions, it occurs to me that Betty didn't have time to seal her bookstore off from the tunnel. Hmmm? Since Eric is beyond salvaging, let's kill off the little pecker. Action-packed chapter with a satisfying conclusion...especially the drunk losing his lunch on the Rev. Jack

In addition to S T E V E N , I'm surprised that no one mentioned James Marsden. I first became aware of this stud when he was cast as "Cyclops" the the X-MEN series. The guy sings well and is one of the leads in the newest version of HAIRSPRAY. This movie, BTW, is a fantastic entertainment - 107 minutes of unadulterated fun. I also like the edginess of Ryan Gosling from Canada. A superb actor and sexy in an offbeat way. Jack

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMES! Here's to another 42...at least...with good health. Jack

Here's something to make the dog days of summer a little more tolerable: http://www.afterelton.com/people/2007/7/hot100?page=0%2C0. Fun eye candy from AfterElton. Who are your favorites? Jack

Finally getting back into the swing of things after a terrific trip to Chicago and a chance to read the last chapter. Am I the only one who scrolled down to the bottom of the story page to find: The End...Maybe? CJ, what's that all about? Is the next chapter going to be it? Goodness, you've got more story marketing ploys than J.K. Rowling. BTW, congrats on the 4,000 posts. Look like I missed the time guess by 24 hours. Jack

CJ's done a pretty good job so far. Okay, we need to have some sort of a pool. When will CJ hit 4,000 posts? I'm off to Chicago for some R & R...so I may not be around when that milestone is reached. However, my guess is sometime early evening (PDT) on Tuesday, July 17, 2007. The problem is I can't think of a good way to collect and reward the winner. Jack

'Goodness,' I thought, 'If this is what Blackheart looks like, I'm going to my local Harley dealer tomorrow morning. Yum.' Fun, action chapter. Thank God that the FBI may get in the picture very soon. Stay tuned. Jack

Just heard about this on the morning KTLA news. Since many GA members are Harry Potter fans, I thought I'd pass on the info about this verified virus. Here's a link for more details. http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0...5006301,00.html.

I'm sure you say that to all the guys! (Sorry...couldn't resist) Just think, Graeme, only 2,000 more posts to come close to CJ (If he stopped posting today). Seriously, you really help stimulate the thought/thinking process by your probing comments. WELL DONE. Jack

Oh, no! I didn't see this coming. Blackheart isn't a "he". The boys go to the shoe store and meet up with...Hillary holding court in a muumuu.

I'm just impressed that the guys were on a flight that served airline food. Do airlines really do that anymore? Whenever I fly, all that's offered are peanuts and beverages. Blackheart? Here's hoping Chris and Steve don't do the Hardy Boys thing again. Give the tip to the F.B.I., please. Who will find the boys in the buff at daybreak? I don't think it'll be a dolfin. Stay tuned. Jack