Jack Scribe

I draw your attention to a very thoughtful article - rather scholarly with some tongue-in-cheek humor - that is must reading. The author, who is gay, explores and magnifies the facts behind the biological causes for sexual orientation. Here is provocative sentence from this lengthy piece: Politically, there is something very powerful about the notion that sexual orientation is a matter of biology, not choice. In poll after poll, of the one third of Americans who believe homosexuality is socially influenced, in other words

Welcome on your return! Saw the show Wicked yesterday in LA/Hollywood. The best line, when one of the characters - a goat - disappears, is said by a guard in the Wizard's court: "A goat is on the lamb". Jack

'Bondwriter' writes on an obvious caffeine high: "Otherwise, the story goes on rather nicely. Jeremy's NY trip and the various private parties are really nice episodes. Are we reaching the end of Life's a Grind?" The train is slowly coming into the station. The next two chapters will tidy things up...a few lose ends to handle. Thanks, F, for your creative comments. Jack

Chapter 17 has been posted.

Your support is important. Don't feel lame...it's a problem with which I need to adjust. I think my style of writing appeals to a more mature reader. That's it in a nutshell. Weekly postings wrap up with the final Chapter 19 on June 30th. I'll be taking some vacation trips this summer and plan on rolling out Desert Fantasies - a sequel to the Vegas story - just after Labor Day. I also have an entry for the Summer Anthology - 2007. If the BDSM theme is considered too raunchy, :wacko: , I'll have it slipped, very quietly, into my Short Story listings. Look for (somewhere) It Doesn't Rain in Hell. Jack

If it's appropriate, track down the 'old man' this weekend and wish him a Happy Father's Day. I look back and regret I didn't try a little harder to let my father know I loved him. To those dads who have successfully dealt (are dealing) with GBLT issues, on both sides of the fence, a special salute. Jack

Oh, come on. Leo loses his baby fat and gets ugly? Jeez, he's turning a ripe 33 in November. The Departed was the first grown up role where he had an adult presence. I wouldn't mind being in a sandwich with Leo and his buddy, Tobby. While were on the subject of celebrity crushes, can I cast a BIG one vote for Mario Lopez?

Update? I won't even say, "I told you so." Here he is, out in the wilderness, checking out his forum and making another post (number 7,000?). BTW, be wary of bears. Don't do it with honey. Enjoy the rest of your vacation. Jack

A disturbing trend has caused me to give this personal dilemma much thought. I really appreciate the support from the few loyal readers (Bondwriter, CJames, Connor) who post comments. However, from the low amount of "hits' on my chapters, I've come to the conclusion that this story doesn't resonate for whatever reason with many of the GA readers. I guess I'll just 'hang in there' and hope the story is read later in its completed form. Thanks again. Jack

The 61st Annual Broadway Tony Awards last night was not only a superb production (I know...like all award shows, a little long) with awesome talent, but I lost track of how many winners publicly kissed their partners and expressed a vocal thanks in acceptance speeches. The unexpected winner of Best Actor in a musical, David Hyde Pierce, publicly acknowledged his partner of 24 years. Cool!

Happy 78th, Bob! Here's to many more healthy birthdays! Fonduely, Jack

The 24/7 news coverage of these social freaks is a national embarrassment. Nicole (Smith, Ritchey...take your pick), Brittany (and the beaver-wink), Lindsey...blah, blah. We are fascinated with these PR ploys and these stories sell. Just to straighten out the facts about her status as "heiress". First, the grandfather, Barron, has the major bucks. He has a very private brother (Eric) who has retired and is a philanthropist. There is the first split in the Conrad Hilton fortune. Barron's share is around 1 billion. Rick, Paris' dad, is one of eight children of Barron's. However, Rick is independently wealthy due to his successful real estate company. So, with Paris being one of four children, her share is probably around 30 million. Not too shabby but why would she would allow herself to be videotaped in amateur porn is beyond rationality. Crazy, isn't it? This most recent five-day episodic television "news" coverage is probably Ms. Hilton's undoing. She really comes off as the spoiled, self-centered brat she is.

I received the following email from a reader. This was in response to a scene in a recent chapter of Life's a Grind. I thought the message was topical and relevant. To think that this memory has been carried around for years. Wow! It is shared with his permission. I feel compelled to comment on the attempted rape in chapter 15. It is both graphic and portrays what really happens when hatred is allowed to run unchecked. I am 63 years young. This episode brought back memories of a similar incident in 1961. In 1963 I was a junior in high school and worked at the local Newberry

You've found me out. I have cases of Starbucks beans delivered to my home each time I mention their merchandise...not. I will now admit that all the coffee drinking was a little running author's joke in a spoof on the title. F, you can do both. However, certain physical attributes are necessary to become a really popular dancer. Jack

Very astute observations, Colinian. Some lost attachments return at the darnest times. My best friend from high school found me through a Google search last year and now I'm re-plugged into classmates from several years ago. We'll all get together at our ____th class reunion. I used the name of an old, lost friend in one of my stories. It's a rather unusual name and I got an email from him to my pen name account. He was curious about who would be using his name in a gay-themed novella. When he discovered who I was, we had a good laugh and will see each other this summer sometime. I've found that you have to work hard to maintain attachments. Most - not some - aren't willing to take the time or effort to initiate this. Guess that's the reason that so many people feel lonely and withdrawn. Mark, I can't imagine losing your "future". It certainly tests a parent's strength. Jack

Rewarding chapter, fun pool time with Speedos and more curious danglers to munch on while CJ in communing in the wilderness. What's behind the brick wall in the tunnel? Hmmm. I can't believe that CJ won't be lurking around with a laptop in his tent.

My God, this thread is more fun than "Young and Restless" and "Days of Our Lives" with a little Corbin Fisher thrown in. I'm in Joe's camp...kind of. I like "looking good" as part of the package. Not runway model material, but someone who is trim and cleans up well. How about a movie and sex every day? Jack

ROFLMAO and drinking my morning coffee is difficult. Actually, I am curious what all this coffee is about in my story other than just a convenient way for the characters to get together. Probably just mirrors the wild success of Starbuck's. Speaking of that Seattle caffeine behemoth; in Chapter 16, Garin and Jer get together for a chat at a Starbuck's! Yikes...the beans strike again. Jack

To quote Wikipedia: Even though the producers seemed confident of a second season,[3] the series was cancelled by CBS in May 2007,[4] confirmed by a May 15, 2007 report in Variety[5] and the following day by The Wall Street Journal.[6] The ratings were down 25% following the nearly three-month hiatus and subsequent return opposite American Idol.[7] During its one season run, it ranked 48th, with an average of 9.5 million viewers in the United States.[8] Edit: Wiki has updated their posting: On June 5, 2007, Jericho creator Carol Barbee announced that CBS is discussing the possibility of the show's return for an eight-episode mid-season run.[25] Let's hope they yield to the public outcry.

I want to think my stories are worth reading. Okay, my movie runs 1:48 minutes but I'm invested in every frame. I've also struck out a few times...but who's counting. I still hold to my premise that we can grab only so many minutes of the reader's time. Jack

Hate comes in strange packages for the damnedest reasons. Someone in an email was puzzled how a male homophobe could contemplate a sexual attack on another male. I've read is not uncommon for a confused, deeply-closeted (or someone in complete denial) person who has homosexual feelings to lash out at GLBT persons. I chose for the leader of this confused and troubled duo, Max, to have no problem justifying attacking Jer in a sexual way. It was acceptable in his twisted mind. Billy is weak follower and reluctantly was carrying out his leader's wishes. In his mind, he rationalized this as a "hole is a hole" situation. There is also a possibility that latent homosexual feelings were stirred up. Like roller coasters at theme parks, this was the final big dip in the story. Glad you stayed along for the ride. There are a few surprises ahead but you can unbuckle your seat restraint. Jack

Justin could smell fresh coffee and hear the sizzle of food being prepared beyond the open window between the diner and the kitchen. Once he adjusted his eyesight for the dim light, he could make out forms sitting at the counter. But upon closer inspection, the sight was unsettling. "Oh, my god," he gasped as he stopped dead in his tracks. "What's happened here?" The forms were skeletons that were draped in decaying clothes.

Me, too (well - almost. Love the story, love sleep, too.). What a thoroughly well-written, ADULT-themed story. I was finally able to catch up on new reading. Jake's Hand was on the top of my list. Just finished Chapter 10 and will probably squeeze in a few more before bedtime. A new episode of The Sopranos and a terrific story. What more could I ask for? (Yeah, I know... ) The first couple of chapters had me curious because it appeared, from Robbie's observations and commentary, any relationship with Jake/Sawyer was only going one way. Back to the story. Bye. Jack

Happy 28th Birthday Luc! Look forward to many more stories. Jack

WELCOME TO THE HOSTED CREW! Look forward to your continued contributions, neighbor. Jack