W_L

@Dariusz Alexander Best Stephen King Film Adaptation: For me it was Shawshank Redemption which was taken from Stephen King's Anthology of short stories, Different Seasons. This series of short stories also brought two other films Apt Pupil and Stand by Me, it's a testament to the writer and screenwriter adapting the source material that these stories could be expanded into full movies that have a lasting impact on people. Now in terms of the LGBT themes, there's a subtle romance between Red and Andy, along with the notorious issue of prison rape. Additionally, the theme soundtrack for this movie was used in Brokeback Mountain by Ang Lee.

Queer Film studies do exist, I wish I am still in university to take it as an elective, but alas, 2000s only had simple overviews on LGBT films and culture. The Birdcage from 1996 had good actors and, for its time, it was a good movie that explored various themes that were far ahead of the mainstream, i.e. Gay Parents and Normalization issues. However, despite Robin Williams and Nathan Lane (who is openly gay) being superb actors, it feeds into stereotypes about gay/bi males. Nathan Lane being in drag for most of the movie along with the oblivious conservatives being in a gay dance club, but after a few scenes, it went downhill. Robin Williams gained fame for his comedic timing as Mrs. Doubtfire in 1993, but he was very subdued in the movie with few jokes or comedic zingers. In contrast, Nathan Lane being openly gay was overly flamboyant and tried to carry every joke with the idea that he was impersonating a woman. They didn't feel right in their acting or behavior. Now in comparison to another comedy of the same era, In and Out from 1997, which I thought was a better comedy portraying a gay man's discovery of his sexuality, dealing with themes of social acceptance, and at the same time having unbelievable plot twists, comedic moments, and turns. Kevin Kline and Tom Sellick may not be gay, but they played their gay characters very well. It was funny without being stereotypical and dramatic with hard issues like discrimination at the workplace for your sexuality. That's comedy that doesn't rely on "Oh look it's gay". My point to you @Zombie is that there can be really bad issues in gay comedies as well. For every good comedy and dramedy with LGBT themes, there are also some innocuously bad ones too even with great actors who have played LGBT characters or are in our community. ----------- For me, the late 90s was the beginning of mainstreaming for LGBT-films out of the film festivals/small screen and into movie theaters with wide distributions. There are a lot of international films that we can explore beyond US/UK, from Brazil to Taiwan, there's no shortage of LGBT films.

@Zombie Gay comedies or dramedies movies are also poorly casted and acted a lot. Yes I love snark and wit along with overacting characters, but when your joke is a stereotype, it falls flat after a few scenes. Even classics like The Birdcage hasn't aged well due to stereotypes of LGBT people. Love the situational comedy, but cringe at the stilted acting. Even with happy endings, these movies deliver a lot of cringe acting and scenes.

When we reached the outskirts of London, I had Francis and the triplets separate from me to acquire taverns near the four main roads that connected with each of London’s main gates. The money that I acquired from the trove at Robsart estate was unavailable, but I still had the money I brought with me from Somerset and Bristol, which would be equivalent to $4 million in modern money, more than enough to make the purchases I sought. A tavern near a main road in London would provide news and rumors

Chapter 14 We're back in London! This time I will give you a little geography and some background. There are a lot of details regarding the manner of the gate that you enter and the type of welcome you get in London as a person with a noble bloodline. It's something I should have mentioned during the first entrance to London, but I didn't as it didn't feel right to add that level of etiquette to the early chapters of the novel. While I do have some working knowledge, limited as it is, of the historical etiquette during this era, I am not a big fan of it. However, as I am showcasing exchanges and discourse between nobility and ranking, I wanted to establish a light touch of that medieval structuralism that still held sway in this era. Also of note, William Paulet, aka the equivalent of the Finance Minister or Accountant of English Government is introduced. In the movie Elizabeth and Elizabeth Golden Age, his role is replaced primarily by William Cecil, but in history, they were both important members of the domestic court of Elizabeth I. Trusted advisors in economic and social policies, they shepherded England through a lot of reforms that helped invigorate and improve England's national strength. The idea of taxing Church lands for revenue and resale was considered, but it was never implemented. One interesting concept here is the potential of foreign intervention through investment, which modern nations like Sri Lanka with China and South American debt with US have seen in recent decades as detrimental to national health and economic productivity. Japanese Isekai manga and anime authors differ in style to me in this regard to economic interests, while I see the merits of foreign investment, I see a major problem with national security. Instead of Colonialism and Mercantilism which were the historical course for England along with the rest of Europe, I am setting my sights higher on a new brand of economic expansionism. One important aspect that I want to end upon the ascension of Eli in the future would be the Sumptuary Laws. Not many people know this as it was not taught in Public Education, but it was part of advanced studies in Early Modern European History, there was a structural forbiddance of commoners or peasants from wearing or purchasing certain materials that nobles could wear and have. Such limitations were economic chokepoints that an Industrial nation like England had to contend with for hundreds of years. It was a backward law that inhibited fabric makers, weavers, and others from maximizing the resources of England. Now as for Edward VI, was he gay or bi? Historical evidence is out on him. Lots of English kings had male favorites and sleeping in the same bed was not out of te ordinary back then. He supposedly had female lovers and mistresses as well in history, but I focused on his male lovers more. Edward VI's personality is actually borrowed from Edward II, who was supposedly a gay bottom. I found the idea of a young emotionally weary gay teenager surrounded by merciless courtiers and finding love with his male servant quaint. Barnaby Fitzpatrick was one of his favorites and he did make elaborate meat carvings and dish presentations for Edward (Barnaby is an early example of a food stylist, Medieval Queer Eye should probably offer I'm a job ). As to Puck, he's not bound by any lover or relationship, so it was natural for him to accept being a third. (I did hint Ambrose Dudley was his type, but let me point out that Ambrose is too committed to his own family to form a deep relationship at the moment, it's one of those background things that I may need to explore in Res Publica Christiana short stories). Jean-Paul Sartre's philosophies on existentialism permeate the story: "Existence precedes Essence" is a concept that one is born with certain parameters, while one develops certain traits. Edward may be a good person at heart, an innocent gay kid, and someone Eli can identify with as a true sibling, but he was born a male heir to the throne. With that Edward inherited schemers and courtiers all vying to use and abuse him for their own power games. This week's law of power is the 24th law of power, "Play the perfect courtier", which is displayed various times in the chapter from making friends with powerful nobles to forming strong bonds with a group of like-minded allies. Eli was courting men like William Paulet and King Edward VI through selective identification of their needs and interests at different times. Notes: 1. There are many gates of entrance in London, Here are all ofthem: Ludgate, Newgate, Aldersgate, Cripplegate, Moorgate, Bishopsgate and Aldgate. 2. Sumptuary Laws began to be removed in the 17th century, but mercantile laws remained for centuries that limited access to certain materials, despite the development of spinning wheels and water mills that could have pushed for an earlier industrial revolution. For instance, Adam Smith, considered one of the fathers of Capitalism, was an opponent of Sumptuary laws and their protectionist descendants in Mercantalist economic model. When you consider why I labeled my story as Libertarian Sci-Fi, you can probably associate that to this political assertions on the principles of freedom. (Note: In the past, my political thought would be considered Consevative, but as modern Conservatives have become protectionist (though still falsely championing freedom to assuage some guilt), my stance no longer has an alignment and as such I'm not a Liberal or Conservative.) 3. Historically, yes, Robert Dudley would have been in Edward's Court and (maybe a potential love interest as Edward was into older boys as his favorites), but I am not going to play that kind of Soap Opera drama yet

It's why I loved my dog. He was manipulative but willing to accept a bitter pill as long as you can give him bacon Plus sleep-wise, dogs are better cuddlers than cats.

I always thought you'd be a tough love sort of pet guy with a bit of denial to balance out the affection. So you do have a soft side?

Your cat sounds like tsundere, he probably will get lonely if your lap isn't there to settle his claw on or your face isn't beaming when you cuddle him. If this were any BL/MM gay romance, you just need to give him a few days of the cold shoulder and visit a few friends with other cats to get their scent on you, he'll get jealous and possessive We've seen temp dip below 27F/-2C, I wish I had my old dog, who loved to cuddle. However, he also had an angry and destructive streak, when he didn't get his way. He was timid around other dogs but seemed rather fond of a neighborhood male cat.

Thanks, I can write sexy times just as well as any other author Sex between 3 people is complicated, Isekai genre is renowned for poly heterosexual relationships, so taking inspiration from that genre to create this story, I had to find a way to functionally translate the concept.

Chapter 13 After a chapter of down and dirty trench warfare (a taste of what I want to do for the big battles in the future Maybe ). I wanted to address our favorite star-crossed lovers/partners. Robert and Eli have this interesting sexual roleplay thing in their relationship, beyond just the BDSM stuff they experimented with. Here's the thing with sex, it's not just about the penis and an human orifice, there's a deeper connection and meaning. Pleasure is what everyone feels, if you're doing it right, but the connection that people feel with really good sex is beyond words. As for the silent presence of Francis Walsingham, let's just be honest, it's complex relationship when you have 3 lovers. I was thinking along the lines of Mary Renault's treatment of Alexander the Great with Hephaestion and Bagoas, sure they might bicker and want the attention of their mutual love, but in the novels, I think they found a compromise between bedroom, war room, and living. I don't know if real life poly couples can be as understanding as those 3 or are secretly trying to kill the others to be the only one, but I'm using her concept as my template. Of course, this is an open relationship, especially with Eli being an Omega Eli doesn't cheat, but I am playing with Isekai rules and gender is not an issue with partners. As for the historical stuff, yes I do know that historical Robert Dudley died 15 years before Elizabeth I. Interestingly he died about a month after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. You can expect Eli will not let that happen to him, but you never know where the winds of fate might blow for these two. History doesn't repeat, but it does rhyme. They have 38 years to figure out how to deal with that and they're still teenagers. This week law of power is the 7th law of power, “Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit.” Consider the actions taken by Eli to secure Norwich first, while John Dudley went off to fight the rebels in a hard fought battle outside the city. While he was sure to win, the drain on his resources were severe, losing 1/3rd of his army in death and limiting 1/3rd by injuries, so his power is down to 1/3rd of his original historic strength. Eli gained the credit for the victory in the eye of those civilians in Norwich rather than the John Dudley, which is far more important. Also, administratively cleaning the cities numerous issues such as the various land disputes that spawned the conflict, holding trials for rebel leaders and sympathizers, and re-establishing trade as a major agricultural hub for Eastern England improves Eli's reputation as a good leader and judge of character. ------------------------------- Notes: 1. Robert Dudley died on September 4th 1588 in history 2. The quote attributed to Kublai Khan's adviser is "I have heard that one can conquer the empire on horseback, but one cannot govern it on horseback." It's a famous adage for conquerors, who want to built nations.

In the week that followed the battle, the remaining troops of William Parr withdrew back to Northampton along a circuitous route heading northwest before turning south. I had Cordelia and the three companies of medics follow them, along with all the rescued boys from Robsart estate. The mortar companies provided daily barrages on Mousehold Heath and the city of Norwich’s gates, to give the illusion that we were planning a renewed assault on either of their strongpoints as we withdrew. I told the

Question will anyone read this book that was just released today (and found itself in my recommended list on Amazon)? The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life: Lessons Learned About Love and Death, Sex and Sin, and Saving the Best for Last I am 30 years younger than the youngest guy among these gay guys, but I am interested in history and culture. Seems like a book some of our older members might be interested in.

Well, I don't know, it's not like I reviewed that book 😛 (Call Me By Your Name is poetic, but after re-reads, it grows more melancholic after reflecting at the transitory nature of affections.) As for the movie, it made Timothee Chalamet the guy you wanted to fall in love with @Dariusz AlexanderGood choices for films, I don't review as many LGBT films as I do books, but I did enjoy God's Own Country.

You'd be surprised at how few people of that persuasion like to cuddle To me good cuddling should not have any pajamas, but maybe I am just too free for certain folks

@PrivateTim inspired this thread with his question on promiscuity, it made me think about the nature of attachments and relationships. Interesting thing I've noticed over the years, despite the romance novels I read and write, there's a noticeable lack of cuddling among gay/bi guys that I've dated. I haven't had any long-term relationships greater than 6-months, but I wonder if it's a lack of partners or a lack of physical interaction when I think deeper. (Sexual interaction aside, cuddling is a separate pre and post-sexual ritual of intimate embrace.) There was an interesting entry in Psychology Today relating to the efficacy of Cuddling as beneficial to human bonding that relates to this effect: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-communication/202204/4-reasons-couples-should-cuddle-more There's no study on the subject of the various kinds of cuddling among various kinds of partners, but the human touch is known to promote chemicals related to pleasure and elation within the body. I am wondering if this actually ties in with cuddling based on personal experience.

@Zombie That makes me want to binge The Great British Bake Off Thanks for the reminder !

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (Who watches the watcher?) comes to mind. People will have a problem discerning human creativity and AI creativity at some point if all restrictions are lifted. (moral and ethical content qualms aside, we are afraid of AI's self-awareness as well.) Creativity from graphical and virtual landscapes will be enhanced to the point of near-realistic mimicry at some point. I can foresee a Black Mirror-like future for AI technologies, creating something new.

I love offering gay book reviews for folks on here. I might not be the New York Times or a famous literary critic, but reading so many gay books has helped me understand the various specialties within gay fiction. I know other folks do book reviews on their blogs or one-off reviews, but I sincerely hope someone else will join me in this venture and open their opinions on reading materials for wide consumption as reference material.

Thanks, I enjoy defensive battles a lot. It probably has something to do with my hours of playing Tower Defense games on my phone, defensive battle tactics are fun.

Illustrations are fun in stories, I wish more authors try to do this too

Chapter 12 Surprise! An Early Chapter before US Thanksgiving Holiday! You did not expect me to go full battle-oriented chapter I appreciate several GA authors for their understanding of history and military tactics. I enjoy writers who create scenarios for sea battles and squad-based combat scenarios, but I seldom read anyone explore the gritty battles of defense and tactics that I displayed here. Outnumbered 3:1 on the battlefield with inferior firepower, most modern folks would consider this a lost cause, but it all depends on what opportunities you can generate. Troop morale is important, including giving a few teenagers some ale 😮 (If the youngest age of soldiers in medieval European battles was 12, let's not be prudish and deny these brave lads a drink). Also, medieval people were not stupid about their alcohol consumption as some authors and TV shows depict wanton drunken disorder among troops, you want your army to be well-fed with bread and fatty foods. Skillet bread and lard (pork fat) cooked mutton (lamb meat) would be common. Eli has a lot of knowledge in his head and understands the way to an army's loyalty is through the stomach. The battle I cited as inspiration did occur in history, several of GA's Authors with historical backgrounds know the Siege of Vienna in 1529 was a major turning point in the 16th century. It showed the limits of gunpowder technology against a dedicated siege defense, the impressive durability of trench lines and traps (which would play roles up to World War I stalemate on the Western Front), and the forces were outnumbered 10:1 with the Ottoman Empire having won many battles and Europe's Christian forces on the brink of collapse. The victory at Vienna was implausible to outsiders, but the military tacticians learned many valuable lessons about defensive warfare in the age of gunpowder. As for the trenches, if the opponents were armed with Blunderbusses aka primitive shotguns, then you want to limit their range and slow their advance. A direct charge against arrows could be countered with Mantlet, a mobile wooden wall carried by infantry to protect against arrows, but firing arrows and incendiary traps like gunpowder and combustible would cause your enemy's forces to fracture. Of course, the best way to counter people with trenches is to soften them up with artillery before an infantry assault. On the other side, Eli developed the Stokes mortar, the famous British-designed mortar that we know as the first modern mortar during World War I. The fair folk technology level is equivalent to late 19th to early 20th century weaponry. Mortars are by nature cheaper than heavy artillery pieces like Howitzers and field artillery pieces, plus they're lightweight makes them a good support fire control weapon. Tactically, Eli is forming his future army under the principles of an agile fighting force to counter the more bulky mechanized units. This is why squad warfare became paramount in modern wars, rather than large scale collective group breakthrough tactics. Additionally, he is championing the early development of a dedicated medical corp. These kinds of specialized troops would not see the battlefield until the 19th century in history. By introducing them so early, he wants to keep his more experienced troops alive and have an officer corps from the veterans. It's also useful to have medics to assist allied troops and civilians, with whom you are trying to gain favor. The law of power from Robert Green is the 9th law “Win through actions, not through arguments”. One of the things that many writers including me do a lot is play the "Socrates" card of trying to convince people with arguments. The concept is best illustrated by Henry V's famous St. Crispin Day speech can best be compared to this rule. However, if your army was demoralized and unhappy, no pithy speech would be enough to get them to your side. The actual action of getting food and wine would lift the soldiers' spirits, while a sound tactical plan would improve the officers' hopes for victory. My point here is to show a different way of dealing with problems. -------------- Notes: 1. Battlefield-wise, no one knows in history why Robert Kett gave up Mousehold Heath high ground for lower terrain in his final fight with John Dudley's army outside Norwich. 2. The longest effective range of Blunderbusses is 30 feet, based on the 19th-century model before the advent of breach-loaded shotguns. 3. Rockets were used to illuminate nighttime battlefields to allow artillery to properly target at night, along with continuing night ground assaults. 4. "Over the top" is a famous idiom that is synonymous with World War I. Since I wrote a battle in the trenches, it was my tip of the hat to folks in that bloody conflict. As a Bonus for this chapter, I'm going to add some illustrations: Here is John and his teenage friends going "Over the Top" Here's a scene of the Earl's army being bombarded:

Two days at the Robsart’s country estate was more than I could afford with everything that was happening in Norfolk. It would only take a day for Ambrose to reach London. John Dudley would send someone to discreetly verify the caravans of wagons were indeed going to a supposed abandoned abbey, which would cost two days at least. At the earliest, it would be the fifth day for Princess Mary’s agents to receive word that a royal army was being formed near London to quell her rebel army in Wymondham

Aye, the other aspect of the show that works out is that the characters were very likable in their reactions to one another. Sasaki was flirting better than most real gay and bi guys, while Miyano's insecurities about his sexuality were done well and allowed both boys to be platonic at first before romantic. Give the movie a try if you are okay with English Sub, if not wait for the voice actors to do the English Dub. Another key point to this BL anime was VCs were chosen well (Sasaki VC, Kellen Goff, voiced characters from Attack on Titan, Porco Gallard)

@Mikiesboy Found footage horror is fine, but I agree it can be a bit unsettling. People honestly don't really get scared of movie like Paranormal Activity unless you are in the right head space. @ComicalityJohn Carpenter's Halloween franchise is considered the first modern horror slasher movie with a lot of themes that play as a morality tale on teenage sexuality, female vulnerability, and Michael Myers psychopathy with stalking/predatory POV. Fans of horror and psychological horror especially enjoy perspective scares in films. --------------- As a fan of gay/queer horror as well, which as a subgenre explores different things like social isolation, individual awareness, and subtle or overt desires. For instance, Kevin Williamson, who is gay screenwriter, was the writer of Scream. While most people did not notice it at the outset, but later have with further viewing and Film School Youtubers 😛 , Stu Macher was written with homosexual subtext. There were lines in the movie that were cut out along with edits to reduce his interest in both Billy Loomis and Randy Meeks (90s still kept characters in the closet). However, subtle hints like his hesitation to kill Randy on the couch made more sense in that context. He's still psychotic, but he is a romantic psychopath 😛 Clive Barker in contrast was not subtle with his horror and gay references, but he dealt with the erotic and developing subcultures within our community far more as a former male escort than most gay writers or filmmakers of modern times. I have a special place in my heart for Clive Barker's brutal honesty and sexuality. His style is surreal and real at the same time at the depths of human desires.

😊 Chris thx