methodwriter85

Here's a song that reminds me of the end chapters of Be Rad, when Brad and the guy he had been hooking up with realize that it's not going to work, becasue Brad wants to be with Robbie. "Angel of the Morning" by Juice Newton There'll be no strings to bind your hands not if my love can't bind your heart. And there's no need to take a stand for it was I who chose to start. I see no need to take me home, I'm old enough to face the dawn. Just call me angel of the morning, angel just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby. Just call me angel of the morning, angel then slowly turn away from me. Maybe the sun's light will be dim and it won't matter anyhow. If morning's echo says we ve sinned, well, it was what I wanted now. And if we're the victims of the night, I won't be blinded by light. Just call me angel of the morning, angel just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby. Just call me angel of the morning, angel then slowly turn away, I won't beg you to stay with me through the tears of the day, of the years, baby baby baby. Just call me angel of the morning, angel just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby

If you're up for taking a 7 to 8 hour drive, there's this cool beach town in my state that has a very gay-friendly side. (Of course, you could just take a flight to Philly, and then drive from there...that might be easier, LOL.) It's called Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. http://www.funmaps.com/index.cgi/nextState...icalLocation=27

Chapter 5 -When Stefan's cab driver turns out to be a kidnapper, and his accomplices jump into the car and threaten him as the car ride goes on. "Let Me Ride" by Dr. Dre -When Stefan starts hooking up with one of his captors. "Bitches Ain't Shit" by Dr. Dre http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq7fftrwU8A -When Stefan is taken over to his captor's boss, and shocked to discover that it's Joaquin, the Mexican waif he helped long ago. "Ain't Nothin' But A G-Thang" by Dr. Dre http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoKHE0MWckg -For his second shock, Stefan discovering that Jason has been living down there with Joaquin as one of his "workers". "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxF-ImXaUdE -When Stefan keeps mum about what happened to the authority, J.P. comes down to get him, and they leave to get back to the U.S. "Fantastic Voyage" by Coolio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNWhmkNIIwk

This is the song, and the music video, that jumpstated puberty for me at the age of 11. LOL. "Quit Playing Games With My Heart" by the Backstreet Boys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1KdkQv0FfI

Chapter 25 http://markarbour.gayauthors.org/chronicles/lw25.php -When Brad talks to Stefan about coming to terms with his gay identity, with Stefan offering him guidance. "All the Young Dudes" by Mott the Hopple http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a52Of-tIGpA -When Greg surprises Stefan at Escorial, where they retire to the bedroom and finally exchange "I love you". "I Want to Be With You" by The Raspberries http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNunptK47G0 -In bed, when Greg asks Stefan to move in with him, and become husband and "wife". "Everything I Own" by Bread http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-n5IQ479kM

Nikolai, would you like to elaborate on your ghostly experiences?

I believe in ghosts and all that great stuff. I love ghost stories, and I love ghost hunter shows. I want to go on a ghost hunt at some point. I've never seen a ghost or had a paranormal experience, but I hope it happens someday!!! One of my mentors worked at the haunted museum Fort Delaware in Delaware. He's seen ghosts and such. He's explained that there are two different types of ghosts- the first, and most common, are ghosts that work as "snapshots" of a previous time, like a place memory. Here, you're seeing somebody going about their daily business on some long-ago day, unaware that they are no longer living. They do not interact with the living. The second type are the "smart" hauntings, in which the spirit is able to interact with the living. These are the ones who do the moving about of objects and such. Much less common, but they get told about more, it seems. Here's a clip from the show "Most Haunted", which investigated Fort Delaware. I love the over-the-top campiness of this show, LOL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5gKUsEvsDM Anyway, I'll ask around my friends; see if any of them have some good stories.

Chapter 4 -When Stefan and Lou hook up, and engage in some pillow talk, with Lou assuring Stefan of his still-hot status. "Baby, Baby, Baby" by Brandy -When Lou and Stefan have sex on the plane, and Lou opens up some more about the bad choices he's made in his life. "What's Going On?" by 4 Non Blondes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXcQGsoDkDk -For the cruise, when Stefan has sex with Skip, who turns out to be straight. "Are You Going to Go My Way?" by Lenny Kravitz -When Lou and Stefan have goodbye sex, with Lou ready to go off and find himself. "Return to Innocence" by Enigma

Chapter 3 -When Stefan and Greg are on their new yacht, enjoying life. "Runaway" by Janet Jackson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BTjbjU6FXA -When Greg flips out at Robbie's management style, and dies of a heart attack. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Nikki French http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZNQ2sPmLZk -For Greg's funeral. "Catch the Wind" by The Irish Descendants (1995 Canadian folk cover) -When Lou comes in, trying to make amends for what he's done to the people that care about him. "Joey" by Concrete Blonde Mark wanted me to use "Mr. Vain" for this moment, but I decided that this fit the mood better.

Hey guys, here's an article from Yahoo News that lists the 10 best places to live in the United States, and why. Thought it was interesting, especially for those of us interested in finding good places to start our careers. Check it out! Best Places to Live 2009 I definitely think a lot about living in Austin...seems like my kind of town. Durham, Albuquerque and Upper St. Clair seem like good fits for me as well. Any of you come from great areas you'd like to recomend as well?

True about the analogy, but there are a good number of blacks( and white people who fought for civil rights), who don't in any way want to associate with the gay civil rights movement. They claim it's completely different.

Chapter 24 http://markarbour.gayauthors.org/chronicles/lw24.php -When it's announced that Israel is being invaded, causing chaos. "Life on Mars" by David Bowie -When Greg and Stefan fly back to the U.S., having to change planes several times and staying overnight in a hotel, while falling in love. "Catch the Wind" by Donovan (1969 version) -When they get back to California, and Greg informs Stefan informs him that he's seeing his old college love for the weekend. "I Don't Know How to Love Him" by Helen Reddy -When Stefan gets to wine country, finds Roger, makes some amends, and sleeps with him. "Angie" by the Rolling Stones http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEQ-OQwhofY

You have burst my bubble, Mark. Here I was, picturing 'Brian Wilson' as this incredibly obscure song that only college kids from that era would know, that my genius was able to dig up, and you go ahead and tell me that you'd already heard of it. Damn.

Were you familiar with it before? I like introducing people to songs they never heard before. Brian Wilson wasn't a particularly well-known song at the time..

I found this pretty hysterical Christian Bale parody. This guy pretty much nailed it. He got all the mannerisms and vocal inflections right.

Chapter 2 -When Stefan gets called up by Greg, hangs up two times, and then ruminates over their failing marriage. "Brian Wilson" by Barenaked Ladies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCyfs_GfqPY -When Stefan gets back to Malibu, talks to Greg, and tries one last time to save their relationship. "Back for Good" by Take That http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMSUnEOPY5I -When Greg decides to step down as head of the company, the Schluters celebrate, and Stefan makes love to Greg for the first time in awhile. "Hook" by Blues Traveler http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjukZs6R6LI

I'm liking Stefan's point-of-view. It's interesting following a middle-aged guy this time.

First off, I gotta say. I'm SHOCKED beyond shocked that Mark got to this sequel already. I really thought it'd be about late summer. I mean, now the Cramptons are only 14 years behind us. They'll be at present day with just a few more stories. Secondly, I consider the mid-1990's to be my "era", so to speak, so it'll be fun doing this music. Chapter 1 -When Greg and Stefan argue, and then Stefan bolts for Brad's house. "Come Undone" by Duran Duran http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo6iwTRLy94 -At Brad's house, when Stefan discusses what has happened with him and Greg, and how their relationship has deteriotated. "Just Another Day Without You" by Jon Secada -When Stefan teases JP''s new, extremely boring love. "Everything About You" by Ugly Kid Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDfIOr1ByIc -When Stefan and JP make love, and Stefan wonders if maybe there's something more there. "Bump n Grind" by R. Kelly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvimAwIuq-Q

And eh, I guess with this, my cold, cynical heart melted just a little bit. Mark...I'm so swept up with emotions....I think we should retire to your office for some counsel.

Go for it, dude!

Chapter 23 http://markarbour.gayauthors.org/chronicles/lw23.php -When Stefan mopes around J.P.'s house, feeling bad about the break-up with Roger and wondering when Greg will call him. "It Never Rains in Southern California" by Albert Hammond -When Stefan and Greg go out to dinner, and Greg explains his own personal baggage. "One Bad Apple" by The Osmonds I'm going to take a moment and comment here. Whippersnappers? The Osmonds were to the 70's what the Jonas Brothers are to this decade. It's amazing how the more things change, the more they stay the same... -When Greg and Stefan make love, and Stefan promises to never hurt him. "Will You Still Love Me Tommorrow?" by Carole King http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRJG0IOY_p8 -At the Hollywood party, where John Bartlett hits on Stefan, but Stefan turns him down to stay true to Greg. "Let's Spend the Night Together" by David Bowie -When Greg has to leave for Israel, and Stefan decides to go with him. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" by John Denver

One time I was walking with my friend. Two guys, who were walking with this girl, drunkenly slurred, "Hey, would you guys [explicit slang for sex] this girl?" I looked at them, and replied, "No, man. Because I only [explicit slang for sex] other dudes." The look on their faces? Priceless.

My weekend was nice. Thursday night, I decided to hit up Skid Row to shoot the breeze with some of my buddies. One let me take a shot of Absolut vodka, which was nice. I walked over to my best buddy Steve's dorm, where he is an RA. Along with his residents, we sat around and talked about life and took shots of cheapo Smirnoff vodka. He gave me a Negro beer to chase, which made me think of Adam's advertisments for Negro Modelo in Cross-Currents and Brushfire. I had about four shots of vodka in total, along with two beers. If this had been spread out over a course of at least three hours, I would have been fine, but because I did this within an hour-and-a-half time frame, I was very, very, very drunk. Hanging out with my friend Steve and James in Jame's dorm, I apparently put on someone's hat that I called a "Castro hat", and went on a spiel about communism. LOL. Allegedly, I also fell asleep mid-sentence while talking to someone, and fell flat on my back while trying to walk in the hallway. Laughs were had all around. Later I went back to Steve's room, and passed out on his floor for about three hours. Friday, I went to an outdoor concert called Bennyfest, held at a house on- you guessed it- Benny Street. They had bands playing, with a pretty sound system considering it was just one house. The fest wasn't big, but it was nice and lively. The cops were tipped off, so they weren't allowed to sell jello shots as planned, so I didn't really drink there because I didn't feel like it while still nursing my hangover from Thursday. They had a slip-n-slide set up in the backyard. The object was to play a game called "slip cup", which was supposed to be a hybrid game combining a slip-n-slide and the game flip-cup. We played it a little, but in the end, the mud created by the constantly running garden hose was too tempting. Myself, along with what grew to be about 15 or so people, decided to roll around and play in the mud. We had mud fights, and mud wrestling, and generally got covered head to toe in mud. I mudwrestled three times with two different guys- losing once, winning twice. It was freeing experience- walking around covered in mud and not caring what people thought. And a cute shirtless college guy in mud? Can be damn nice to look at. Especially when you turn the hose on them to get the mud off. It was quite possibly one of the happiest moments in my life- slinging mud around and rolling in mud while on a beautiful late spring day, as sweet tunes drifted across the air in a celebration of our end-of-school-year. Saturday, I wound up a frat party to hang out with my friends Ian and James. It was fun- I saw a lot of my freshmen friends there. I showed someone how to properly work a keg so as to minimalize foam- it felt great to impart some wisdom on the younger generation. And with this girl Juls, who was from Ian and Jame's dorm, I decided to throw down and work this stripper pole that had been set up in the basement. Dancing seductively around the pole with Juls, I felt very sexually freed. Afterwards, I watched as Ian and James lost their beer pong game. Knowing that there weren't anymore parties to go to, we walked over to Little Caesars to fufill our late-night alcohol-induced munchies. They wanted to stay outside and eat, but I decided to get back to Steve's dorm, because he was going to pay me back for a pizza that I bought for him. I wound up taking the bus, where hungry college kids tried to tempt me into giving up free pizza. I resisted, though one cute freshman boy bought a slice off of me for a dollar. I got back to Steve's residence hall, and hung out with him and a few of his residents until five a.m. in the morning. Nothing majorly significant happened, although we did tease James about this guy Eric- who we are POSITIVE is a closetcase, and we're also positive has a total crush on him. Sunday, I did some studying. Then took off to Deer Park for a nightcap of double vodka cranberry. You should try them, guys...they're good. Then hung out some more with my friends at their dorm. My little shitstirrer side came out, as Eric actually hung out with us that night, and I keep making these little innuendos about Eric and James that increasing pissed James off, LOL. We also made plans for the summer, as a few of the guys are going to be around here this summer. Should be fun. And then Monday, we had a casual barbeque at my sister's house in the boonies. It was fun- we celebrated my oldest sister's 32nd birthday, and all four of us siblings were able to catch up a little on our lives. And that was my weekend. I liked it, a lot. This week? Finals. Did my first, got another one on Thursday, and it's goodbye junior year!

Well, you're from New Jersey. It doesn't allow gay marriage, at the moment, but it's a pretty decent state to live in for its civil union status. I'm also pretty sure you could kiss another boy in public and have it not be a big deal- you can do that in Delaware, which is more conservative than Jersey is. If I wasn't scared of the taxes, I'd think of NJ. Seems like a nice, versatile state to live in.

You wanna elaborate on those long-ago, single "lonely" days you had back in your twenties, Mark? As for me, never had a boyfriend. For a long time, it was all I could think about, trying to find a boyfriend. But now...it's just...eh. I'm happy with my friends, and exploring who I am. If I get a boyfriend somewhere along the line- great- but if it doesn't happen, that's okay, too.