methodwriter85

I always loved that line from Man in Motion, where Brad tells J.P. that Jim is J.J.'s father, and J.P. goes, "So J.J.'s a Crampton?" I loved the irony of that line- J.J. is a Crampton but will be raised as a Schluter, while J.P. is a Hendrickson but was raised as a Crampton. It'll be interesting when J.J. finds out the truth, I'm assuming, when he's somewhere around 17. I know it'll be a few stories off, but I really Mark will have a great time writing J.J. He reminds me a lot of what Stefan would have been like had Stefan been given an easier upbringing.

I think that Claremont was once a booming steel town of about 30,000 to 35,000 people during the 1940's and 1950's, but fell into decline. Now it's trying desperately to create some kind of revival to stop the population bleed, so they aggressively market the Claremont Festival as a way to get people from the surrounding area, as well as former residents to come back in for a visit. I wouldn't be surprised if Nick was at the festival to give speeches about plans to try and revive Claremont and get people to move back in or visit. Ironically, Claremont's best hope would be if a bunch of gay guys moved into the old Victorian houses in the Downtown and started charming bed & breakfast inns and coffee shops. I live close to an East Coast town that was once a big factory town, but lost its industry and had to re-invent itself. Luckily, the college in that town decided that it wanted to transfrom itself from a sleepy little college of about 5,000 people to a booming big university with about 20,000 people. That's basically the only reason Newark, Delaware isn't a ghost town.

This is from the Onion: Bunch Of Phonies Mourn J.D. Salinger CORNISH, NH

Alright. Since I'm the one who keeps track of this stuff, here's how the ages in CAP break down as of July 1999: JP- 63 years old Stefan-about 54 years old Brad- 36 years old Robbie- 36 years old Claire- 34 years old Jack- 35 years old (approximately) Marcel- 30 years old Cody- 27 years old Brian- about 26 years old Matt- 19 years old Darius- 17 years old J.J.- 13 years old Marie- 13 years old Will- 12 years old John- 12 years old Courtney- 3 years old *** I gotta aggree with Mark M and Tiger....I'm not really into the idea of watching a 60-something J.P. get it on. 36 year old Brad and 19-year old Matt would be COMPLETELY different, though.

Brad isn't in his forties yet. He's only 36 in this story.

Chapter 2 -When they go through the trunk and find the military uniforms of Stefan's father, as well as his uncle Billy. "Taps" -When the gang encounters Laura, Matt's biological mother, and her two kids. "Coal Miner's Daughter" by Loretta Lynn (early 1970's) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hKrbyNZDcE -At the Claremont Festival, where Matt answers his prejudiced biological grandmother's admonishments by kissing Wade. "Love Train" by The O'Jays (early 1970's) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7MiG2fe8lE -When Matt buys his biological half-brother Caleb a phone. "1999 Sprint" PCS Commercial

Patrick Star, you look JUST like the Gay teen Worried He Might Be Christian.

Thanks, Mark. That really organizes it. You forgot Robbie's two older siblings, but damned if they never really made any appearance in this series. Oh, and don't forget. You need to have Marcel in there for Generation 3 as Jeff Haye's second son. It's kinda funny how complicated the family relations are. Stefan calls Brad his nephew, but they're really cousins. J.P. sees J.J. as like a grandson, but J.P. is really J.J.'s uncle. So on and so forth.

Alright, roughly...off the top of my head...I am totally blanking on the Hendricksons, so you've got to add in the blanks. Generation 1- Marie and Mr. Crampton. Had Jim Crampton together. Marie and Bill Hendrickson, had JP Crampton together. Tonto and Mr. Schluter, had Steven and William together. Generation 2- J.P. Crampton, son of Marie and Bill, married to Isidore. J.P. and Isidore, had Claire Hobart together. Isidore and Andre Clerrault, had Ace Clerrault. Isidore and Jeff Hayes, had Billy together. Steven and Whoever, had Stefan together. Brian, son of Bill Hendrickson, J.P.'s half-brother. Jim Crampton, son of Marie and Mr. Crampton. Frank Hayes, married to Brenda Hayes. Brother to Jeff Hayes. Generation 3- Stefan, son of Steven Schluter. Brad Schluter, adopted son of Billy Schluter, and and half-brother to Bitty Schluter and Nicholas Schluter. Ace Clerrault, son of Andre and Isidore. Married to Cass. Robbie Hayes, son of Fred Hayes and Brenda Hayes, committed to Brad Schluter. Billy Crampton, died single, 1980. Claire Hobart, daughter of Isidore and J.P., married 1985 to Jack Hobart. Generation 4- Matt Carrswold, b. 1980 to Robbie Hayes and Laura. Given up for adoption to the Carrswolds. Darius Schluter, b. 1982. Son of Bitty and Random Israeli Guy. J.J. Schluter, B. 1985. Son of Bitty and Jim Crampton. (I wonder if this means J.J. will want a GM.) Darius and J.J. adopted by Brad Schluter and Robbie Hayes. Marie Hobart, b. 1986. Daughter of Jack and Claire Hobart. Will Schluter, b. 1986. Son of Brad and Jeanine. John Hobart, b. 1987. Son of Jack and Claire Hobart. Courtney Clerrault, b. 1995. Daughter of Ace and Cass Clerrault. Generation 5- Does not exist as of 1999. *** It's kinda funny that Brian is about 28 years younger than Stefan, yet Brian belongs in the generation ahead of him, family-wise.

I realized that the only "traditional" nuclear family in CAP are the Hobarts, and the Clerraults. Jack and Claire Hobart had their two biological kids, Marie and John, in 1986 and 1987, respectively. Ace and Cass Clerrault had their only child, Courtney, in 1995. Every other family branch is completely rife with same-sex partners, illegitmate children resulting from affairs, and adoptions.

Mark is revising CAP because grammatical errors, as well as some continuity errors. Anyways, doing a genealogy for CAP would be problematic, since so many of the characters did not come from a traditional nuclear family, and very few were actually raised by their biological family.

Absolutely not. The CAP Timeline is enough.

Chapter 4 -When J.P. ruminates after Peter leaves, feeling lonely after finally discovering what it's like to make love to a man. "Stranger on the Shore" by Acker Bilk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUXmj3Fl7x0 -When J.P. reads the letter from his French mother, who talks about Tonto's efforts to integrate Claremont High School. He then goes on a spiel about the American-made cars that their families are obligated to buy- GM for the Cramptons, Ford for the Hendricksons, and Chryslers for the Schulters. "America" from West Side Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QS7wWzwak4 I'm going to take this moment to note that Andre is supposed to look like the main guy singing here. I can see why J.P. was so hung up on him- George Chakiris was really sexy and charming in that movie. -When J.P. and Andre drive into the Heights portion of Claremont. "Little Boxes" by Pete Seeger -When J.P. goes to Dino's and has a run-in with Frank Hayes, a Tony Dow look-alike with rage issues. "Walk Don't Run" by The Ventures http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysb5QsaFbWg

It's kinda funny when Frank talks about the third kid that he and Brenda are working on having, and knowing that this future baby will become the love of Brad's life, who is currently growing in someone's belly after being the result of an affair.

Okay guys. Since Mark has said this story is going to be different, I've decided to do something different with the music recomendations. Normally, I'd highlight music that is contemporary to the story, with a few exceptions. In this case, I'm going to do something different. It's going to be an any-era goes deal this time around. Hope you guys enjoy it. Chapter 1 -When Stefan learns about a curious box found at the Claremont City Museum, and makes plans to visit there. "The Letter" by The Box Tops (late 60's) -When Stefan and J.P., as well as Robbie, Brad, Matt, and Wade, board the plane, and Robbie talks about his fun experiences in 1985 France. "Dolce Vita" by Ryan Paris (early '80's) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEr8jf5axss -When Stefan muses on the young lovers, Matt and Wade. "Young Love" by Janet Jackson (early '80's) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Znf7gvuydDw -When Wade talks to Stefan about his father, and then they land in Claremont, going towards the museum. "End of the Innocence" by Don Henley (late 80's) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipP3qy-NZKE -When Nick challenges Stefan about what's in the box, and everyone's forced to stay in Claremont for a few months. "Theme" from Dallas You guys KNOW I had to put that in here somewhere. The Cramptons are like a California version of the Ewings.

I actually think that had Jeff lived, him, J.P., and Stefan would have had a three-way relationship. Back to Wade and Matt, I think Matt is a great protagonist. He really is. It's just that Wade kinda grabs at you in the sense that, given his background, he's amazing for what he's managed to overcome. Matt had a relatively easy life growing up, while Wade had to grow up very fast and very early, both because of where he grew up and what his father did to him while his mother was busy drinking like a fish. I think that makes him just come off as a much stronger and mature person than Matt.

Damn. There goes my "Butterfly effect" theory. You know, Mark, I was actually, in a roundabout way, defending your decision to kill off Jeff, because to take out Jeff's death really would have changed a lot of things about the story, and not necessarily for the better. One thing's for sure- Jeff's death, then Billy's death, really was the impetus for J.P. to become a better person. It took him 44 years, but he finally grew a soul by 1980, and I think that was partially to due with Jeff's death, and the fact that he finally dealt with it.

If Jeff had never died, it really would have changed everything. Robbie and Brad wouldn't have happened, because JP wouldn't have felt obligated to have Robbie live at his house in California. J.J. and Darius probably would have been sent to live with Nick instead of a single Brad when Maman died. There's a chance that, because Brad was single throughout the 80's instead of settled with Robbie, Brad could have easily contracted AIDS, and/or Will would have never been born. Robbie most likely would have married Laura as a cover for what happened with the team, and they most likely would have ended up pretty dirty poor raising Matt. Matt probably wouldn't have ended up at Stanford being so dirt poor, and he never would have met Wade. Wade wouldn't have gathered the courage to come out without Matt's support, and he likely would have stayed in the closet both about being gay, and being a victim of incest. So on, so forth.

Chapter 3 -When J.P. and Peter get down to the Delaware Coast, and remark on the wreckage caused by the Good Friday Nor'Easter of '62. "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin -When the boys have dinner at a black barbeque joint, and Peter recounts the failure of his relationship to J.P. "Runaround Sue" by Dion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq6_4qKnOJA -When Peter shaves his beard, and he and J.P. finally get down to business at the motel. "Do You Wanna Dance?' by Cliff Richard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQYdxd7CXb8 -When J.P. talks to Andre on the phone, learning that the policeman is okay. "The Telephone Hour" from Bye-Bye Birdie -When J.P. and Peter make plans for where he's going to go, which includes a shopping spree Philadelphia. (It's a shame King of Prussia Mall hasn't been built yet...J.P. would have LOVED it.) "Traveling Man" by Ricky Nelson

Today I attended the first funeral I've ever gone to. It was for my sister's father-in-law, who died after a two-year battle with liver cancer at the age of 55. It was a pretty surreal experience, seeing someone I'd talk to lying in a casket, dressed up like he was in life, and made to look like he was just sleeping. That's the first time I've ever gotten that close to a dead body, and man...something about that was just really strange. The memorial service was pretty beautiful, and the slideshow they showed of his life pretty much had me bailing, as well as when his brother and sister went up to talk, especially when the sister, "I'd never thought I'd be standing here so soon." It killed me when they talked about my sister Christine, and how her father-in-law loved her, and treated her as if she were her own. My sister started dating their son about seven years ago, and I just remember how easily and readily they have accepted her into their family, and for many years, my sister finally had the father figure that she didn't get to have growing up. I was grateful to him for proving my sister that. He and his wife were together for a total of 38 years- ever since meeting at University of Delaware party way back when, and you could just feel the tight bond he and his wife had together whenever we met with them. The whole day was long and sad, but I also felt privilieged to be there, celebrating the life of a genial, simple man who led a life full of love, which will be carried within their hearts of his wife, his children, and his grand-children. The best part of the speech was when the speaker joked about how my sister and her husband will have a baby boy someday, and name him after the father. (My sister does plan on giving her future son the middle name of her father-in-law.) Funerals, I've heard, are a day for reflection upon the life of those who have passed, and a day of reflection for your own life. It made me think about how and what I want to remembered for, when it comes for my time to go. I don't think I want to be buried, because I don't think I want my body six feet under, waxed up and made to resemble what I looked like alive. I want to be cremated, and I want my ashes to be spread over the Atlantic, because I think there's nothing that ever made me happier than laughing and dancing around the waves on a warm summer day. (And one cold fall day, back when I was 16.) Instead of a burial, I want a tree to be planted in my memory at a state park, with a plaque stating, "Jeremy Richard Smith. 1985- (Year of Death). Historian, Party Kid, Family Guy, Basketcase, and Good Friend, all rolled into one. We wouldn't have had him any other way." I want lots of laughing and dancing when people remember me. I don't want any crying- I want people to boogying down on the dance floor to songs I'd always loved to dance to, like "(Apache) Jump On It' and "Flashlight" by Parliament. I want silly, crazy stories told by family about the crazy, precocious toddler I was. And I want my high school and college budies to tell the funny, crazy stuff I did as a teenager and a twentysomething, always with a goofy grin on his face. I want to be remembered as a good guy, who was nice and had a big heart. Maybe a bit of an annoying pain-in-the-ass sometimes, but someone you knew had your back if and when you needed it. I want to be remembered as a guy who loved to laugh, who loved to do the Molly Ringwald Breakfast Club dance to 80's music, and who loved the color of the fall leaves and the way the sunset looked over the beach and Atlantic Ocean. Most of all, I just want to be remembered as someone that had a positive impact on you, and someone you were better for having known. I think that's the most any of us can ask for, and that's something I try and work on by doing what I can to treat people how I want to be treated, and just...caring. So those are my thoughts after a funeral. Anyone wanna share theirs?

Chapter 2 -When J.P. 'tends' to a passed-out drunk Andre. "I Only Have Eyes For You" by the Flamingoes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BudszBq0iyc -When J.P. rescues Peter Gordon from the policeman, and plans an escape from town, down to the Delaware coast. "Town Without Pity" by Gene Charles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5BfjNdItBw

As Mark is re-hauling CAP, so is the music for the story. Alright, here we go.... Chapter 1 -When J.P. Crampton goes over his post-doctorate possibilities with Professor Rosenberg. "Teacher's Pet" by Doris Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svc36HxxKZU -When J.P. cruises a young redhead in the bathroom. "Pillow Talk" by Doris Day -When J.P. meets with his roomate Andre, and muses on his hopeless crush on Andre. "Dream Lover" by Bobby Darin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBn1KgE8xCU -When J.P. and Andre go out, and dance with Barbara and Peggy. "Mashed Potato Time" by Dee Dee Sharp http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwEOg-Dynxw

Opening Credits: Waking Up: First Day Of School: We've Got the Beat by the Go-Go's Falling In Love: First Kiss: Fight Song: One Step Closer by Linkin Park Breaking Up: Prom: Graduation: Here's to the Night by Eve 6 Mental Breakdown: Last Resort by Papa Roach Driving: Flashback: Getting Back Together: Wedding: First Child: Final Battle: Invincible by Pat Benatar Death Scene: Funeral: End Credits:

Chapter 53 -On Father's Day, when Matt and his father wholly and completely mend their relationship. "God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You" by N'Sync -When Wade comes to his room to find Matt, naked and ready for him. "Crazy" by Britney Spears -When Wade talks to his father on Father's Day, wishing him well. "Standing Outside The Fire" by Garth Brooks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM9Ifh5WXXM -When the family gets the news that Matt doesn't need a transplant, and Matt is free to celebrate Father's Day with his two fathers. "Across the Universe" by Fiona Apple http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gLWTtlMwo4 *** Arlight, it was great covering the mid/late 90's for you guys. See ya next time!

I'm backing you up. And hey, look at Wade, he's smiling: http://www.topnews.in/files/images/Nico-Tortorella_0.jpg He definitely approves.