Bill W

There are four classifications of oxides: base, acidic, amphoteric, and neutral. Amphoteric refers to a compound that is capable of reacting both as a base or an acid.

If you hear someone use the word oxide, it's not a Brit with a cockney accent referring to the hide of an animal.

The question is, could a large meteoroid one day strike earth and lead to the destruction of most or all life as we know it?

I'm glad you enjoyed this story and that your company does something similar. I do have a question, though. Since it's done by and through the company, is it done anonymously? I hope the company didn't use the generousity of their employees merely as an advertisement for the company. I think the generosity is even more special when its not just a chance to blow their own horn or show how wonderful they are.

I guess we were raised in different environments. Our family, and those close by, didn't have a lot of money. Therefore, when they were able to do something special they didn't feel that keeping it a secret and not telling their children everything in advance was rude. Since we didn't have much to begin with, there was always something about being able to spring a surprise when we were able to do something and that made it even more special, especially if it was something good or fun. It was also a way to keep the kids from bailing, because they wanted to know what it was. They didn't want to stay home and risk missing out on something good. And as far as speaking our minds, trust me, we did that as well.

I guess that's always a possibility, but you'll have to wait to find out. The truth will be slowly revealed.

Thank you for this wonderful feedback, drs. And don't feel badly about neededing tissues, because I think I used half a box as I was writing the ending of this story. I'm glad this touched you and caused you to reach for your checkbook so you can help those in need. Bless you!

I'm glad to hear that your community and family take this idea to heart and share their good fortune with others. I commend all of you.

Thank you, and they've made other friends as well, some you've heard about, like Barry - the RA from their freshman year, and we'll see how this turns out as well.

Terry, I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Yes, some straight people are comfortable being affectionate, and possibly more, with gay friends, so we'll see what happens. As far as where Mac's parents are taking them, you'll find that out next Tuesday. 😉

From the Old English unbeden, not asked or invited. Middle Dutch ongebeden. German ungebeten.

If only more good people would do things like this, rather than ignored the situation or pretending it doesn't exist. Yes, Jeff was reacting to somelthing that happened in his past, but that shouldn't be a requirement to do something to help your fellow man that has not been as fortunate as you are. With that said, I'd like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a charge to do something nice for at least one other person that's down on their luck or suffering in this economy. To show you that I'm all talk and no action, I'm using a lot of my emergency money to help others. I've contributed to the Atlanta Mission and Salvation Army to provide meals, Boys Town to help youth lacking a nuclear family, and St. Jude Children's Hospital and Shriner's Children's Hospital for children dealing with medical issues.

I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Yes, Devin and Mac did cheat, but the chance of Mac's parent's noticing what they were doing were very slim. First of all, the were far away from Mac's parents and the boys spent most of their time hiding behind one item or another. Also, Mac's parents would be looking for someone to attack their base and not watching what Devin and Mac were doing. Yes, you may see Rory and Jaxon again, but it's all I'll say about that.

It wasn't suppose to happen until he reached puberty, and since he was only going into fifth grade, his father didn't think he was ready yet and didn't explain it to him. It seemed the situation caused it to happen, whether he'd reached puberty or not.

It was all explained to Devin after he'd transitioned into a bear that first time to save Mickey. After Mickey went home after his two weeks were up, Devin's family moved away shortly thereafter. As far as their relationship with Rory and Jaxon, the boys might surprise you.

Maybe it was just my family or in the area I grew up, but everyone seemed to love keeping secrets so they could surprise us. That could be because we didn't have a lot of material things in our lives so surprises were a big deal.

Thanks, Al. I'm glad you like this laid back day, and tomorrow will soon be made clear.

Thank you, Anton, and my editor said this story moved him to tears as well. I was even tearing up a bit when writing that last section. Yes, for many this world is not a place of joy. There is just too much pain and suffering in the world, whether it's caused by natural disease, poverty, physical disasters, wars, or terrorism. Sometimes it's the little that to bring some joy to others that makes a huge difference. Yes, billions of dollars could fix a lot of things, rather than funding the luxurious lifestyles, financial accounts, or spending sprees of the world's top .1 of 1%. Thank you for the feedback.

Yes, not every day calls for them to shift into something else, and they wouldn't want to do it and scare off Rory and Jaxon or divulge Mac's secret to his parents. The secrecy is just something his father likes to do. It is a common trait of older generations.

Yes, there's a lot of things happening in this chapter, and it was good that the boys got along well. And yes, they will be going treasure hunting sometime in the futre, but since this summer was already booked up with Mac's training and the vacation plans with his parents, they'll do it another time.

Chapter 40 – Making New Friends The next morning, my dad made a quick trip to pick up a couple of bags of ice and added it on top of the drinks in the cooler. He then placed the meat and dishes my mom had prepared for the cookout on top of the ice and we were ready to go. Devin and I then placed our swimsuits and towels on top of the cooler and carried it out to our SUV. As soon as my mom and dad were ready, we headed over to his co-worker’s house to spend the day. When we

That definitely explains it and I wasn't so far off after all.

With your username, I didn't expect you to say you were in the Twin Cities area. I was thinking more like Maryland or near Chesapeake Bay. Thanks for the feedback and I'm glad your church is doing those things.

Yes, the are definitely two groups that need help and Christmas is the perfect time to do this, although they shouldn't be forgotten during the rest of the year.

Thanks, Danilo. I thought it might be good to get people in the Christmas Spirit and let them know about this fantastic program. Maybe to motivate them to start this, if their community doesn't already have it.