Summerabbacat

Thank you @Biff Spork I was aware a vegan would not wear leather, fur and wool for the obvious reasons the animal is murdered or in the case of wool invariably harmed in shearing, but was not aware of silk or sea-shells. I was also aware of all the foods you mentioned, although have had trouble understanding honey as the bee is not harmed (at least I don't think they are). In the case of honey I assume a vegan would not use honey to topically treat a wound for example instead of antibiotics as is done in some parts of the world where antibiotics are not readily available. I have also read there is some debate about whether vegans can eat oysters, but found the argument for a little difficult to understand. I myself am not a vegan as I still eat dairy cheese and honey. Seafood was the latest food I gave up eating about 18 months ago, chicken about 10 years ago and all other meat 37 years ago (the smell of lamb and pork in particular are truly nauseating). For some time I missed eating chicken, but now the smell of it cooking makes my stomach turn. I don't wear any of the aforementioned products, although find it difficult to buy non-leather shoes, likely because Australia is a vast country with a relatively small population and market.

A very educational chapter for me @Biff Spork. Firstly I was unsure what a cowrie shell was and was surprised a shell would be considered "vegan unfriendly" or a "bunch of skeletons" as Marcus indicated when describing a cowrie shell necklace. I searched the 'net and recognised a cowrie shell as something I have seen on many occasions. I was astonished to find cowrie shells were once used as shell money (a currency) in certain parts of the world, such was their worth (a bit like spices). Am I correct in assuming Marcus considers them "vegan unfriendly" as one cannot be sure the sea snail was not killed to obtain the shell? I don't know if the sea snail loses the shell naturally, but assume the shell would likely detach when the sea snail dies. If the sea snail died and the shell detached, would this still be considered "vegan unfriendly" @Biff Spork (I am not sure if "vegan unfriendly" is the correct description to use, but given "vegan friendly" is used on lots of products and food, I assume the opposite is the most logical description to use)? Bumpster? Bumper will have to think of a "cute name" now for Marcus. I was amused by Marcus' response to Bumper's admiration for his home “Yeah, a famous architect designed it a long time ago, somebody named Wright." I assume the "somebody named Wright" is Frank Lloyd Wright whom I have seen referenced in a number of stories over the years, almost always in reverential tones. Marcus' attention to the safety of the racing cart was painstaking. I was astonished at the speed it could achieve, so understand why his attitude is so. A nice leisurely chapter @Biff Spork, showcasing Bumper and Marcus can enjoy each others company even if doing very little.

As a gentile with only a smattering of knowledge of Jewish customs and beliefs, I was very surprised at how little interest Kyle's father and mother take in his physical and mental wellbeing. I have known a number of Jews through my workplace during the 30+ years I have worked there and without exception all have always impressed upon me the importance of family in Jewish life. Admittedly all have been marginally religious at most, but all have been proud of their heritage. I recognise this is fiction, but like all good fiction it has provoked and challenged my preconceptions. Asher's father continues to shine as a beacon not only for his two sons, but now for others as well. Another interesting addition to the 'New York Holidays' series @Altimexis.

What an enterprising group of boys (and Rene). They certainly demonstrated it is possible to have a "family" gathering where most of those gathered are not related by blood. Unlike many traditional family gatherings, there was no backstabbing, no violence, no drunkenness and no one-upmanship. Whist I enjoyed the presence of Kyle, I found his laissez-faire flirtation with veganism annoying; however, I had to remind myself he is only 9 years old. I was very impressed with Asher's attempt to cater to Kyle's whim; he proved himself to be a most charming and amiable host.

I particularly enjoyed the banter between Gary and the two boys. He is certainly NOT the stereotypical father of a gay teen.

I have to disagree with some of my learned fellow readers who were disturbed or offended by Seth's "flagrant" expenditure on hi-fi equipment. He may well have spent a lot of money, but he purchased quality. I have a Marantz turntable, speakers and amplifier (which I now use as a pre-map) which I purchased in 1983 and Marantz CD player I purchased in 1993. All were comparatively expensive when purchased and are still working perfectly, although all have at one time had minor/major repairs. Their sonic quality is vastly superior to any streaming service and any reasonably priced rubbish equipment one may be able to purchase nowadays. If I had purchased cheap equipment at the time I would no doubt have had to replace it, thereby costing me more in the long run and contributing unnecessarily to landfill. And, to play Billie Holiday or Sarah Vaughan on sub-standard equipment is NOT acceptable. Personally, I was far more disturbed Seth's parents thought it acceptable to dine with the Governor without an invitation having been extended to their son. He is not an accessory to be dragged out of storage when it suits them to have him be seen with them. Seth of course made excuses for them that they had no choice but to do so. Bollocks. Asher's mother surprised me, very pleasantly, with her relaxed attitude towards her son spending Thanksgiving evening with Seth. Perhaps she is not as traditional as Seth believes her to be. This second story celebrating the lives of Asher and Seth is off to a very promising start @Altimexis. I look forward to reading it to its conclusion.

Are you sure Marcus and Bumper are only 13, or just shy of 13 in Bumper’s case, @Biff Spork? Their analysis of love and sex and the impact the latter has on their budding relationship was profound and, frankly nothing short of startling. "It’s like sex can fill that empty hole but only for a few minutes. That’s why I’m a little bit afraid of sex. It feels like a feast but it’s just a snack” from the mouth of Marcus and “You’re right. I never lost anyone I loved, but I think I see what you mean. Jerking off is really great, but when it’s over, sometimes it feels like you’ve lost something” from the mouth of Bumper, remarkable statements from anyone, but even moreso given their youth. Perhaps the most remarkable of all though was the thoughts of Bumper regarding their friendship and Marcus’ extraordinary wealth" When I went to bed, I pondered what I had heard, that Marcus was rich, really rich. I thought that if I had known that before I met him, we would not have become friends. I would have been nervous and acted stupid. But now, knowing that he was rich wasn't important. Everything I loved about Marcus had nothing to do with money. Marcus was just Marcus, and I loved him more every time I saw him.". My admiration and respect for both grows with each passing chapter. Bumper's father sprung a surprise with his open and seemingly genuine admiration of Marcus' grandfather. Perhaps there is hope for his redemption yet. Another interesting and well written chapter @Biff Spork. You are making a habit of this, but unlike many habits this is one which should be cultivated and nourished, much like the relationship of our protagonists.

Similarly to a number of other readers who have commented, the references to Star Wars and Star Trek went completely over my head. I remember as a 14 year old when Star Wars was released at the cinema and its immediate success, but it held no interest for me at all. I attempted to watch it on video many years later as an adult. I managed to watch about 20 minutes of it before giving up. It still held no interest for me. Likewise ET, which I found excruciating to watch. In complete contrast to Star Wars, this story captivated me from the outset and held my attention to the end. The protagonists, Asher and Seth, are both likeable and interesting (even if they are obsessed with sci-fi). I also found myself fascinated with the living "arrangements" apparently common to New Yorkers. The concept of co-op living is completely foreign to me as an Australian living in our largest city of Sydney. Another interesting and well-written story @Altimexis.

Another literary delight from the pen of @Altimexis. The family dynamic is flipped on its head when not only the son comes out, but in doing so, "forces" Dad to come out as well. The plot could have so easily have become farcical or overly melodramatic, but in the capable hands of @Altimexis the characters remained authentic and the story believable and ultimately entertaining until its conclusion.

This story which celebrates the close relationship between a grandfather and grandson is so rarely told, perhaps a reflection of Western society where such intergenerational affection between males is often regarded nowadays with some suspicion. I recall as a child and teenager growing up in the 1970's in rural Australia it was uncommon even then for children/teenagers to have a close relationship with their grandparents. My brothers and I were very close to our maternal grandparents, more particularly our grandmother, and when they passed away in their 90's it was deeply felt by all three of us. A relationship with both my grandparents added immeasurably to my formative years and, although they did not really understand, they accepted it without reservation when I revealed I was gay. A truly delightful and beautifully written story @Altimexis. It moved me so, so much that I am now going to investigate your "back catalogue" for further works which may appeal. I have already found and read one before writing this comment, so will have another to comment upon almost immediately.

You have me very intrigued @Biff Spork with the statement Bumper and Marcus will take their friendship/relationship in an unusual direction. Given they are hardly typical teenage boys, this could mean anything. I wait with keen interest for the revelation(s). I daresay we all, not just teenage boys, exaggerate the inadequacies (or faults as we more often judge them to be) of family members. Bumper's father's comment regarding poisoning the raccoon really rankled me, so I will continue to believe Bumper's assessment of him until he provides evidence to the contrary.

@chris191070's review is spot on. Frothy, humorous, intriguing and occasionally bitchy, a wonderfully woven tale from the pen of @ObicanDecko. If "reality TV" shows were as entertaining as this I may be tempted to watch one. Recommended reading for anyone, even those who like me think "reality TV" shows are the absolute lowest form of "entertainment".

I am a little disappointed Samson did not win, but as I have previously commented, Marcus "grew" on me so I am pleased he won. His nominated charity was a most worthy one and he was magnanimous in victory, unlike Eric who was anything but gracious in defeat. Tiffany's surprisingly dry sense of humour was to the fore again, with “I’m sober, so why not,” my nomination for funniest line spoken by any of the remaining contestants in this chapter. She was such a genuinely likeable and unaffected character. Perhaps you could include her in a future story featuring some of the same "cast" @ObicanDecko (hint hint). Samson and Troy met up again and Troy gave Samson his number. Even if you never write another story with these two featured I am going to imagine they became lovers, not on the down low, and Troy's career did not suffer once they came out as a couple. They become political power-breakers (not Log Cabin Republicans though) and use their celebrity for many good and just causes e.g. the Trevor Project, animal rights and environmental issues. @ObicanDecko I am sad to see the end of this delightfully frothy, quirky and amusing little romp. I shall miss the sneak peak into the lives of Samson, Troy, Marcus and Tiffany, and miss making bitchy comments about Kelly K, even though I am contemptuous of "reality TV" shows. Now that I have read all your stories (apart from the sci-fi ones, only because it is a genre which holds no interest for me), I shall look forward to the next "Decko-esque" masterpiece.

A mutual respect and compassion for non-human animals and concern for Planet Earth and the damage being done by humans appears to this reader to be a very solid basis for the friendship developing between Bumper and Marcus, two boys whom many other children their own age would likely consider odd or nerdy. Bumper’s father redeemed himself somewhat with his apparent acceptance of Bumper’s vegan diet and delight he has a friend coming to dinner. I have to wonder though how he and Bumper’s mother will accept a possible relationship between Bumper and Marcus which goes beyond mere friendship? Perhaps Bumper's father's "reactionary and retrogressive ideas" will result in him not recognising the possibility of such a relationship between the two boys, although if such a relationship is to develop Bumper's mother may well recognise it. @Biff Spork a beautifully written chapter, with both Bumper and Marcus exposing their respective vulnerabilities, due in no small part I believe to their inherent goodness and tender-heartedness. I think you struck the "right balance" in this chapter by revealing the lighter or playful side of Bumper and Marcus with their enjoyment of the water games played and amusement regarding boners and the kotekas. I am enjoying the leisurely pacing of this story, the progression of their friendship akin to the progression of many things which occur in their beloved “natural” world. A story such as this is a pleasure to read, particularly as it is so well written too. I look forward to reading more of the lives of Bumper and Marcus.

@ObicanDecko's imagination was working overtime for this chapter @chris191070. The games, apart from the mini-golf, were unusual, and even the mini-golf stretched the "mini" beyond it's usual boundaries. Loved Marcus' sneaky behaviour which enabled him to lower the limbo pole to confound Eric. I had a marvellous tune, "Let The Little Girl Limbo" by the late, great Doris Day, spinning in my head when Marcus undertook this challenge. He is one of the few characters who has grown positively on me since the commencement of this frothy little tale. I did not dislike him at the beginning, I was merely ambivalent. I now like him and enjoy his "sparring" with Samson, which if I recall correctly, they also did in 'Charttoppers'. My favourite line in this chapter is again courtesy of Tiffany, “A wool scarf with a bomber jacket? Who would wear that?” she made a disgusted face as she turned to the racks overflowing with clothes. With Kelly K gone I have no one to troll with any degree of ferocity in this chapter @ObicanDecko. I shall just have to trash Eric given his behaviour which resulted in the elimination of Troy, and for continuing to call Samson, Sammy. He is an annoying smug arsehole. He probably receives an obscene amount of money for his sporting prowess, not to mention endorsements, freebies and groupies. Argh, so undeserved! Team Samson all the way @ObicanDecko, although I would not be sad if he were to lose to Tiffany. I am liking her more and more as the story progresses. I suspect she is far smarter than she has portrayed herself to be as evidenced by her observation that Samson was the only remaining contestant who had not been up for elimination at any stage.

I agree @Jjeffalch. I loved how @Biff Spork flipped the usual "twist" of boy meets girl and is disappointed/emasculated/angry when he discovers girl is a boy in drag or retains at least some sex characteristics of male birth gender; to boy meets girl who he thought was a boy and is disappointed when boy appears to be a girl, but is much relieved/delighted/ecstatic when he discovers girl is in fact a boy (at least for the most part). So many highlights in this chapter @Biff Spork, but I must draw your attention to a soupçon: spunkfestic - what a superb neologism, so descriptive. Bumper's shock and disappointment, "Was I, perhaps, unconsciously hetero?". You flipped the usual maxim, with a touch of implied facetiousness. Very clever and humorous. "Okay, so now my brain was like a bomb crater full of porridge in the midst of a tsunami, but I felt much better." The perfect metaphorical statement to illustrate "fried". “Granddad died last year. I always told him everything.” He looked up at me with a bleak expression and repeated, “Everything.” This brought tears to my eyes and delighted me so as such cross-generational familial love and adoration is so rare in Western societies at least. When a hurricane smashes you against a wall, it doesn’t matter whether you’re gay or straight or boy or girl. Okay?”I nodded. “And you know,” he said, grinning, “those dresses we picked out today are for you. Are you ready to be Shurleen’s Best Friend Forever, Maybelle?”“Okay,” I said. “But, Maybelle?” “How about Begonia?” he offered. “Or Velma?” “I think I’m more of a Veronica,” I said.“Great! And I could call you Ronnie for short because we’re gal-pals.” Hilarious, and the female names, just gorgeous, like the female names in the song '52 Girls' by the fabulous B-52's. Marcus and Bumper, what fantastical creations. Immense enjoyment derived from this chapter @Biff Spork. Humour, a touch of sadness, some irony and a surprise or two. What more could one ask for.

I find the idea of "culling" humans such as Bumper's father far more palatable than poisoning an innocent animal. Such creatures are invariably far more harmful to Planet Earth than a raccoon.

More fun and unusual games in this most quirky of tales. Eric is much smarter, or perhaps more calculating, than he has led his fellow contestants to believe. His apparent bisexuality is seemingly on the down low. He is not to be trusted as his life, or at least part of it, is one of deception. His smugness may however be short-lived. He would do well not to underestimate either Marcus or Tiffany. I have a suspicion Tiffany is not the “air-head” she sometimes appears to be, and Marcus is very determined. As for Samson (my favourite), I believe Eric’s boastful revelation was very personal for Samson and he will want and hopefully seek revenge. I was very pleased to see Kelly eliminated and ecstatic Samson got the opportunity to “kick the ho to the kerb”. She is a spiteful nasty bitch, whose only redeeming feature was her dislike of watermelon. The games! How do you come up with these games @ObicanDecko? What a vivid imagination. I was trying to recall from childhood (back in the palaeolithic period) making a paper aeroplane and could not remember ever having done so. Regardless of the material provided, I would have failed the first game miserably. My favourite line in this chapter, possibly the whole story to date,"Tiffany, on the other hand, was less enthusiastic. She seemed unimpressed, looking at the host as if he had just told her she had to do everyone’s laundry". I had a huge chuckle reading this and imagining the look on Tiffany’s face at such a prospect. I am definitely team Samson. To quote Madeleine Peyroux "Shout Sister Shout".

Admire the kids (and I don't normally like children much, if at all); loathe the father. Poison the raccoon, what the fuck for? Poison the father instead.

Go Eco-Ninja. I have the greatest admiration for your vegan credentials and animal rights activism.

“Hmm, let’s see. Troy would be the family doctor,” Kelly replied without hesitation. “Eric would be the wealthy distant relative. Samson would be the help. The maid or someone irrelevant. And Tiffany would be the comic relief character.” “Wow, rude!” Tiffany glared daggers at her. “At least I have a sense of humor.” “Yeah, I guess I wouldn’t help the competition, but I also wouldn’t sabotage them,” she finally said. “It just seems nasty.” @ObicanDecko ho has to go. Tiffany accurately assessed Kelly very early on in the story and her opinion of her has been continuously proven by Kelly's less than pleasant behaviour for the entirety of her stay in 'The Playground'. I was pleasantly surprised to learn there is one thing she and I can agree on though, watermelon is revolting. Other than this, she is repugnant. Conversely, Tiffany continues to delight. I am concerned she may not be getting properly fed though. She has expressed on a number of occasions "I hope there’s something vegan,” as she did again in this chapter, so I am assuming she is a vegan. I noted though when the main course was served "everyone was busy stuffing their plates with various types of meat and side dishes on display". I hope for Tiffany's sake the side dishes included something other than just a salad to satisfy her vegan requirements. “Kelly herself told me after Troy left. She had to brag to someone, I guess,” Eric replied. “What a bitch,” the singer spat out. He already had a dislike for Kelly, but now he found her even more obnoxious. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how annoying she had been over the last few days. Samson was the only one who hadn’t spoken yet. He knew what Marcus and Eric said was right, but that didn’t mean he found Kelly’s actions any less acceptable. How dare that bitch try and trick Troy on purpose? All because she couldn’t have him. Samson is also a very good judge of character, and he has the "benefit" of historical experience with Kelly. He knows she is a spiteful ho. Although he would not lower himself to Kelly's level, I hope he does something to her to avenge her treatment of Troy, something that only she will know it was he who has done it. I cannot think of what for now, I can only hope you have something planned for her @ObicanDecko. Perhaps a visit from Carrie, although for the sake of Tiffany (and this reader), please don't let it be pig's blood she tips on Kelly. I admired the contestants for their choice of charities to receive the prize money if they win. I note the only contestant whose nominated charity we do not know is Kelly's. I hope it is written in each contestant's contract that the prize money has to be donated to a charity of their choice as I can envisage her keeping the prize money if she wins as she is such a bitch. I hope Troy's departure is not the end of a possible romance between Samson and he. If it is not to be in this story, perhaps a stand-alone story @ObicanDecko (hint, hint). I must say again @ObicanDecko your imagination is a wonder to witness. The missions to be completed by the contestants in this chapter were so varied and entertaining. I particularly loved the "duet" between Eric and Tiffany on 'My Heart Will Go On', a song which I personally thought was wonderful, although over-exposed, unlike the movie which was even more over-exposed.

Some of the cast from the 'Catering With Benefits' series are back in a stand-alone saga full of intrigue, humour, love, life and death. The primary characters in this spin-off from CWB are Thomas, Dante, Jonathan and Lachlan, ably supported by Patrick, Carol and Cook. New characters abound for a short or lengthy duration; some charm (Fraser and Giles) whilst others are less appealing (particularly Yashuki). With a murder (or two) to solve and relationships formed, broken and occasionally repaired, this riotous romp is told in the usual delightfully quirky and humorous manner the reader has come to expect from GA's resident marsupial, @Wombat Bill. Highly recommended even if you have not had the pleasure of reading 'Catering With Benefits'. If you have not, do yourself a favour, and do so.

A very promising debut from a writer whose first language is apparently not English, not that this is apparent given the literary skills displayed by @ObicanDecko. The characters are mostly likeable, even Jared, but not so Richard; and the storyline believable. The story progresses at a leisurely pace, for which this reader was eternally grateful. There is some drama, but nothing so melodramatic that it detracts from the story or becomes the focus of the story, rather than the characters themselves. I have to make special mention of the delightful Bo. I am always drawn to stories where a non-human character, in this case a dog, has a "starring" role rather than a "guest starring" role. His presence added immeasurably to the story and for this reader at least, made the characters of Sam and Brian and their relationship, that much more attractive. A terrific read.

Initially Trick appears smart, endearing and overwhelmingly insecure; whilst Cody appears confident, aloof and superficial. The story follows the life of both as their relationship progresses from one of mutual attraction, torment and despair, to one of mutual attraction, love and respect. The growth of their relationship is wholly believable; their journey from victim and bully to lovers, a joy to witness. Full of beauty and melancholy (to which I am always drawn), I read this story in one evening, unable to stop until my appetite was fully sated. @ObicanDecko's confidence as a writer has soared. If a reader is drawn to stories where justice prevails and the “good guy wins”, this story will satisfy in abundance. With beautifully drawn characters, this little gem is truly wondrous and uplifting. Riveting from beginning to end.

The gloves are off! Kelly, what a bitch. I would not trust her as far as I could throw her (now there is a thought for another game @ObicanDecko, who can throw Kelly the furthest). It would not surprise me to learn she voted Clementine off as she acknowledged Clementine was taking the game seriously, just like she is. It appears her strategy is to get rid of her completion as she is clearly desperate to win. And who is the secret guest in her boudoir? It would not surprise me to learn it is the show host, Nicholas Stone, although one would hope he would have something in his contract about not sleeping with the contestants. Tiffany once again showed herself to be a kind and caring person. Or is it an act? I imagine being on such a program one would become suspicious of the motives of the other contestants and wonder whom one could trust, perhaps even becoming a little paranoid. @ObicanDecko what an extraordinary imagination you have. The latest games were, with one exception, startling. I guessed the outcome of game where Clementine snatched the ball from Tiffany, particularly given the first game with the ball was one where the last person with the ball was awarded the points. I am torn between the trio of Tiffany, Samson and Troy as to who I would like to see win. Marcus is OK. Eric I don't have any opinion of at all as he seems to be almost one-dimensional, or perhaps I am biased against him because of his profession. I think he might be the next contestant to be eliminated. Part of me would like to see Kelly make it the last two, only to lose at the end. Call me nasty, but I really dislike Kelly intensely, so if she is voted off at any time, I will rejoice.