Mark Arbour

You all made some really good points, and I think there's a lot of things going on in JJ's little psyche. Certainly the middle child thing could be a factor. I quoted Tim's response because I think he's got the right approach here. I think that Brad and Robbie aren't neglectful, but they are very busy. We would like to think of them in terms of the typical family, where they work 9-5 and are home every night. That's not going to be the case. They're both in high-powered and demanding jobs, and they're going to have limited time to spend, whether it's no themselves, their kids, or each other. Brad has been able to build a stronger (emphasis on the 'er') bond with Will because of their similar personality styles and because they share a passion for surfing (and men). That doesn't mean that he's neglected JJ or Darius, it just means his bond with Will is stronger. Will wasn't calling them on being bad parents, he was pointing out to both of them that they have to step it up more on JJ's account now that Jeanine is down for a bit. I'm not sure that the meet in LA would have been vital for them to attend before, but the event in France would have been, and so is the upcoming gig in Norway.

Think of the personality differences between JJ and Billy. JJ has an internal drive that keeps him focused. Billy didn't have that at all.

You bring up a good issue on ECT. That is the same therapy that JP refused for Jeff, but there is a big difference. The amount of electricity used nowadays is minuscule compared to what they used in the '60s.

Will is such a teenager. He's actually fun to write these days. Kind of like Tonto, only young and cheeky instead of old and crusty.

Nothing like a hot young midshipman to warm your bunk. :-)

I don't think he's got the seniority for a ship of the line. Those captains generally had their 3 years in. Granger won't hit that mark until 1798.

Danny, those appear to be the only two options. I think you're right. :-)

You want it to end? So I should scrap chapters 34 and 35?

March 4, 1797 Granger was in a particularly foul mood. No sooner had they deposited their passengers at Spithead and made their way back into the Channel than the wind had shifted, shifted to be directly foul for their path to London. They had labored to make progress, any progress, but any hope of that faded when the wind had risen in strength, and a full-blown gale had hit them. It had increased in force, turning into one of the worst storms Granger had ever encountered in t

That's awfully brief. ;-)

Yes they are. You summed that up so well.

LOL. So I'm like heroin? I think that Matt and Wade are just working to define their relationship, and I think they're doing pretty well, all things considered.

Or screw them up. In any event, they're working it out.

Will is acting as Brad's conscience, a thankless job, to be sure. ;-) I think that there's been so much drama among the players that it's sapped their motivation.

September 30, 2000 Redwood City, CA Will “Nice car,” I said to Tiffany as we got out of the Volvo. There was no way to miss the sarcasm in my voice. “Bite me,” she snarled. I laughed. “You’re such a mom now.” “You planning to walk home?” Ryan looked disturbed by our banter, probably because in his house, this wasn’t banter. “Come on,” I said, putting my arm around her. We walked into the rink and snagged some seats. JJ joined us there. “Aren’t

I don't see JJ renouncing his heritage, especially when his family is as powerful and well known as that. The USFSA may dick around with millionaires, but they won't get away with doing that to billionaires.

When did "bro" become popular? Anyone?

Yep.

That was well said. I think that Matt's doing that thing that a lot of us go through from time to time: he's having his priorities rearranged by uncomfortable jolts. By the way, I'm not sure if you all caught this, but I wrote a short piece for the news blog. You can find it here.

Thanks for the nice comments everyone! It was more of a stream of consciousness thing, but cleaned up considerably by Sharon.

Very good. I understand your points, but I think it's almost impossible to generalize about this. Men are unique beasts. I think that any one of those events could have a profound maturing effect on a man, or no effect at all.

Not quite, on the taxes part. There's AMT to worry about. I think Carl was asking for it. He played with the big boys, and got smacked down.

Don't worry. He won't be lonely for long. Still, it sucks to end up as the third wheel at your own menage a trois.

True words...you have to grow in the relationship.

I think that's right, but I'm not sure if the attraction to Granger was subliminal. I think it was real, and strong, but I can see where Kerry would let the emotions you describe rule him. I think I'd be tempted to do the same thing.