centexhairysub

Okay, I have spend the day thinking about this and am back for more observations and questions. As I have stated before, I don't think anyone in the CAP universe really has to die. This was an event that even those that did not lose someone close were affected by this event. Plus, there are so many not listed that are in the CAP universe since Mark could only list fifteen people. I was one of those that when Hank was introduced had a knee jerk reaction that she was only here to die; but I doubt that she will be killed because really, when has Mark ever taken the easy and obvious way out. Plus, what are the odds that out of the 23 New York Police Officers killed, out of more than 35,000, that the one we know is one of those that is killed. I also think that you might as well just kill Jeanine because after everything she has gone through, I don't think she would survive Hank's death. I just can't see Mark selecting someone this obvious. I thought about Ella, her death would really affect Darius and Gathan. I could see both of them making moves to the military if Ella was killed. She is in New York for school and there could be any number of reasons she was in the WTC area. I have to say her selection would also be a little obvious so I am not sure she is in that much danger. I could see Elizabeth Danfield being in New York after her divorce and being in the WTC and being killed. Her death would give that sense of being touched by tragedy without really affecting even her own family. I mean really who would miss her? John Carullo is from the area and could be back there and working or visiting friends that worked in the WTC. He would have a very plausible reason to be in the area but I am going to just hate it if he is killed. I have always really liked him and sort of want to see him maybe end up with Gathan. I had to answer on who would die in order to say that JP could not be killed, so I picked JJ and Tiffany. I still think it would be really easy for them to be coming back from Europe, JJ has an injury, and be on one of the plans that were used. JJ's death would really impact his immediate family while Tiffany's death would hit Wade and Matt both hard. JJ's death could act as an unifying event much as Billy's death did. With Tiffany's death, Wade would become sole parent of their child and her death could eliminate some issues in the future. A really good article on nymag.com estimated that a full twenty percent of the country knew someone that was killed or injured in the attacks on 9/11. There were a total of 2977 killed on that day, I am not going to include the 19 fools that caused this in my total, and another 6000 injured. Even if no one for the CAP universe that we have ever heard of isn't killed; the odds are that someone will know someone that died or was injured. I am still going to say that the only person that just cannot be killed in JP. Everyone else is fair game, I guess. This doesn't mean I would be happy with there deaths it just means that the saga could continue without them....

I love "What Would You Do?", it was a great song and really fits the mood here... p.s. I am unsure about how my post above ended up in here, I know this was not where I posted it...

I voted but not sure how I feel about who doesn't make it yet; I went with JJ and Tiffany. Maybe something happens and for whatever reason they head back early because JJ has to pull out of the competition in Bulgaria. I am going to have to think more about if they or any of the others on the list should perish... The only person that cannot die is JP. I think for me and a lot of the others that have followed this from the start; JP's death will end the saga. There are several listed that I would hate to lose but the only one that cannot die is JP.

Well, I do hope that Granger eventually gets to that gathering at Stonehenge to give us a few more names...

The latest chapter was great. It showed that some can forget their past and others can understand that even those that make bad choices sometimes do them for the right reasons. I love that Will so understands how what makes both Brad and to a lesser extent Stef tick. What makes it even better is that Will seems to understand when to use this to his advantage and when to let it go. The fact that even after everything that happened Will trust JP to see what is happening with a balanced view says so much about both of them and their relationship. I don't think we can ever really have another JP; Wade does come close but I am not sure that he has the ability to do some of what JP has done. That being said, I do think that JP sees a side of Will that makes him believe that he maybe the future of the family in some ways. I have to wonder what the backstory with Kai is going to turn out to be. I think that how Will and maybe the others handle that information is going to say a great deal about them. Now, as to some of the recent post; I could totally see Will as a professor especially in something like marine biology or enviromental studies. However, how many people really know at fourteen what they truly want to do, my god, at fourteen I thought I wanted to be a lawyer... Will is going to need time to come into what he is meant to be, that and the support of those around him. When family business get to a certain size; it often isn't possible to have them run just by family members. Often, the following generations just don't have the passion or drive needed to keep them growing. What is important is that enough members of each generation understands the business in a way to make sure the tenor of the company doesn't change in ways that it shouldn't and that the family is able to still benefit from the work of the earlier generations. Great work as always Mark, know you have given me something new to worry about; Kai's background...

Loved this chapter, I am always amazed at how some people forget their past.... Stef is the last person to say that just because you do a little hustling that you are dangerous or can't be trusted. JP is just a God... The fact that Will understands that JP will always look at everything from a balanced place even after everything that has happened says a lot about both of them and their relationship. I find it so funny that Will is turning out to be so much more mature than Brad was at or near the same age. Will doesn't always make the best decisions, but then what fourteen year old does. That being said, he really does seem to learn from his mistakes and has some growth from each one. Plus, Will really understands what makes Brad and to a lesser extent Stef tick and understands when he should and should not use that understanding. Kai maybe a hustler but there maybe a story and reason behind it that if not making it okay at least validates the decision. How Will and the others deal with that and what decisions they make off that information will reveal quite a bit.

This latest chapter truly is a work of a great artist. The writing was touched by magic. I have read this several times and seem to find that each reading makes me feel in a somewhat different way. I have to say that this maybe one of the finest chapters in either the CAP or Bridgemont series. I found the way that the Captain of the vessel they are traveling in took stock of who he fears more, Granger or God to be quite amusing and very telling. I have to wonder how many others go through the same type of mental acrobates when they come up against Granger in any situation. Mark had been giving hints of what Jardines went through all along. I have to believe that Granger will end up forgiving Jardines for what he did to Travers. I am not sure how this is going to work out, although I suspect that sex will be involved in some way. I just have to wonder if there is any ropes, chains, or cuffs; one can only hope... I can't wait to see where Mark takes this story and hope that it is as good as what he did on this chapter....

I thought the interplay between Will and Robbie was so well done. Will seemed to understand by the end of the chapter that his actions have consequences even when he isn't aware of them at the time he is involved in whatever activity he is involved in. I found his interaction with his therapist very believable. The way he was there for Robbie was also so like him. Will has balls of steel. I find the interaction between Will and his family so intriguing and based with a core of reality that makes it so real and true to life. Bravo...

I can't even begin to explain how much I loved this chapter... There was so many layers and such emotion and power imbued within. I had to read this four times since I opened it this morning. There was so much about this chapter that really touched my heart. The skill involved in this writing was truly second to none. I had long suspected most of what Jardines revealed to Granger. Mark had given hints about most of this all along. I found Grangers reactions to what was revealed to be so spot on. I have to believe that Granger will truly forgive Jardines and will do what he can to help him and Teasdale both. I don't know what that will involve but I am sure Mark will make it completely believable. I also really liked the musing from the ship's Captain and how he views Granger and the influence he can bring to bear. I wonder if that is how most others at the same level or even above him view Granger... Great job, Mark; I can't wait to see where you take this saga.

It is always interesting to see how someone processes their actions whey they look back at what they have been doing. It is so important to take a moment and look back to see what your mistakes have been and what you could have done to make better decisions. I really enjoyed Will and Robbie's interaction and the way they both made their points to each other. Great chapter and thanks for the gift on the 4th...

Granger Granger Granger :joe: Calvert Maidstone

Well, I really actually like this chapter of Odyssey even if it did primarily feature Calvert. I am happy that Calvert and Gatling have found each other and truly hope and with them all the best. They can find true love and we can be rid of Calvert without even having to kill him off. I am so excited, Thank You, Mark... Plus, it was actually good to see what Somers had been up to, plus it was nice to know that he had done what he could to slow Maidstone's return to England, even if he didn't know why he was doing it... I am not sure that even with him slowing the other ship that the Santa Clarita can make up two months worth of time but it will be interesting to see them try. I hope we get back to Granger and his journey into danger soon, I can't wait to see how he and Jardines deal with each other... I just know there is going to be a scene with ropes involved somewhere...

I don't know what these other whiny crybabies are complaining about; thank you god... Calvert and Gatling can fall deeply and totally in love with each other and then we can be rid of Calvert for the most part and he won't even have to die... Great chapter explaining what is happening since George, Bertie, and Chartley left and Somers took over. Can't wait until we are back with Granger...

Well, I am probably misusing the term Van then; the ships I am speaking about where in the south end of the French fleet. They would have included the Guillaume Tell, Tonnant, Genereux, and the Timoleon. I have read at least two books by authors considered to be fairly well versed in not just this battle but naval history; C.S. Forester and William Laird Clowes, they both wrote that if those French ships had engaged instead of staying out of the intial encounters that the tide of the battle could have been turned. Now, that doesn't mean that the British would not have won in the end but the chance of a different outcome would have been increased significantly. Those ships did nothing to support the French fleet that were intially attacked and did not really come under attack until the next morning. Now, it has been awhile since I read either of the books that I am refering to but I am sure that both indicated that the lack of involvment from those ships severally damaged the chances of the French in the overall engagement. I am so excited about more regular chapter of Bridgemont saga... This really is my favorite series online...

I really liked this chapter for many reasons but especially because of the JP narration. He is like the eye of a hurricane and Will is the the storm swirling around. I think the dual narration between Will and JP really works because they are so polar opposites from each other but have the same core of strength running through each of them. I don't quite understand everyone acting like the issue between John and Will is so precarious. I think they are in much better shape now then they were after John slept with Zach. The issue with Marie and John talking about Will's relationship in front of outsiders was a fissure opening but not one that should keep them apart. I don't think the physical side is that big of a deal to either of them. The fact that for most of their lives they have been best friends/cousins/and sort of lovers means they are going to have their ups and downs. Upson Downs...HaHaHa..., if you don't get the reference; then you should all turn in your gay cards immediately... Will understands how to wind Brad up but he also understands how to bring him back to get him centered again. This is going to cause Brad years of aggravations and Will years of enjoyment. I am also not quite understanding everyone freaking out about Scott/Lark... He really hasn't changed in all the years since he was introduced. Did anyone think that facing a life and death situation was going to turn him into Father Tim???

Had never heard of that song by Enigma but went and listened to it and it really does work... Nice job...

Well, this was another great chapter. I really enjoy having the interplay of JP and Will doing dual narrations. They set each other off perfectly. You go from the calm of JP to the hurricane of Will and it just works... I love how Will understood what he had to do to get each of those important to him, Brad, Stef, and JP to find something about the house that they each liked. It was nice to see Will being in control of his tilt-a-world existence even if for just a moment. I love how JP looks at everything and seems to understand what the undercurrents are and how to deal with them. I hope he does more to take matters with Isidore and Claire in hand when he returns. I think that John isn't so much afraid to be with Will; althought I do think he is primarily straight and isn't as much into the physical as he was for a while; I think it is more about not upsetting Will and blowing what is left of their relationship up. It was just a story or two ago that they were best friends, sort of lovers, as well as cousins. They seemed to just be getting back to a good place when the issue with Marie and John spilling the beans came up and created another fissure. I think Will and John are important to each other in more ways than anyone else really understands and they are both trying to keep their equilibrium with each other. I don't know why Scott's behaviour shocks anyone, he really hasn't changed since he was sixteen or so and introduced to the story....

Great chapter, I think this really move the story along. I can't wait to see what happens with Granger and Jardines after they get along on their voyage and Jardines lets loose with whatever he wants to tell Granger. I have to wonder how much of a change it will make in their relationship. Of course, also have to wonder if Jardines will survive the trip... Once Granger reaches Egypt, I just know he will get there in time to play an important role in the Battle of the Nile. Maybe he will be responsible for doing whatever cause the second French van from coming to the aid of the first ships that were attacked; no one has ever really explained that. Most historians believe that if the second French van had counter-attacked immediately, the outcome would have been vastly changed. I thought that the conversation between Bertie and George was just so honest and telling. Bertie is acknowledging that he will more than likely never return home to see either of his parents again. This must be a terrible thing to contemplate and acknowledge. It is very obvious that Bertie doesn't care about who George sleeps with but just wants him to be happy. This maybe the best gift he could have ever given George; the true blessing of a member of his family who knows the truth and loves and cares for him anyway. I also think it is pretty obvious that Bertie trying to explain Chartley's decision that he hopes that Chartley and George remain close friends or even more. I still like Chartley as George's ultimate partner better than anyone we have meet yet... This is truly a great saga and wonderful piece of literature of the highest order...

While I found the issue with Will needling his father and to a lesser extent Stef by buying the house, sort of, without talking to them; the real meat of the chapter was at the dinner table. It is obvious that Brad has never really gotten over the rupture with Isidore back when she backed Billy over him. While I don't know nor didn't then agree with how she handled the situation; I completely understood it. Billy was her biological child and had been beaten pretty badly. She reacted as a mother cub. I really thought that after Billy's death and Brad doing the painting and handling so much of the funeral that they had repaired their relationship. Isidore really stood by Brad and Robbie during Robbie's trial in Paris and used all her family connections to help. She has gone out of the way over the years to support all the kids. That is why I am having such a hard time as to why she is digging her heels in on this. I sort of understand Claire, she is supporting her daughter, even if the daughter did lie; but is Isidore just backing Claire up because they have a tighter relationship? I know being from France that Isidore would consider manners and behaviour really important and neither Brad or Will are immaculate with either but is that enough to cause another rupture? Well, once again, Mark has sucked me into a story to the point that I spend hours every week reading and re-reading and then analyzing every little nuance to each chapter... Bad Mark, Bad Mark....

I just loved Tears for Fears... Great picks all around...

Another outstanding chapter in this saga, I do love Granger and the Bridgemont series... I can't wait to see what happens with Jardines and Granger on the way to Egypt. I am quite sure they will arrive before the Battle of the Nile and that Granger will get to play some part in that victory. I have to wonder when Jardines is going to discuss with Granger the events leading up to his incident with Travers. I don't know for sure what he is going to say but I can't wait to see Grangers reaction to it. I have to think that Granger and Jardines will reach some sort of accomodation but can't see yet what it will be. I am glad that Bertie and Granger were able to speak honestly about each other, the past, and the future. I still believe that Chartley is better for Granger than anyone else in his life right now but that could always change. Bertie obviously wants Granger to be happy in his life both professionally and personally. Bertie's announcement that he would probably never return to England and therefore never see his parents again was heartbreaking but with that perfect dose of reality that Mark puts in so many of his stories. Can't wait to see where the next chapter of this takes us...

Great chapter, I do love having JP involved. He is still the heart and soul of the story for me. I enjoy is point of view better than anyone else. I love how he has choosen Wade and Will as those he bonds with the most from that generation but for such alternative reasons. I love how Brad went from being furious with Will to his defender. I do think that Brad and Stef will both see the wisdom in what Will has done but we shall see. I am glad that Darius and John are both going to Hawaii with the rest. This will give them a chance to spend some time with Will without anyone else around. I can see this being important down the road. I think that Claire is having some movement but I really don't understand Isidore at all. I keep thinking there is something going on that we haven't been made aware of yet. This is just in such total contrast to her behaviour in the past. Even with Billy, while I did not agree, she was defending her child. She has taken a stand that even Claire will come to see is wrong but Isidore seems to be willing to rupture the family over something that really doesn't seem that big of a deal...

Okay, I can tell you from my experience with counseling that this actually happens more than most people would suspect. Not always the act itself, althought that happens more than you would suspect; but the desire or feeling that by doing this they are fullfilling a desire from the past. Often the kids are simply surrogates for the parents; but that isn't always the case either. I think Sharon is right that in five or six years it wouldn't be quite as creepy as it would be now... No matter what Will looks like and acts like he is still only fourteen. It would not be the age difference that I would object to so much as Will's current age; well that and the fact that Brad and Scott were best friends and lovers when they were just a little older than Will is now... I think that both Sharon and Tim are right in that Brad's reaction would be violent. So like Tim said, unless you are using this to move the story forward in some important way; why destroy Brad and Will's relationship, that has just gotten back on an even keel; much less Brad and Scott's, which would never recover. Plus, their will they or won't they flirting is actually kind of hot; but the real thing is rarely as good...

Hmmm, oh well, I will have to go back and see; I just remember thinking the name was wrong at the time... Of course, it wouldn't be the first time I confused to men... Okay, went back to HMS Belvidera and well damn, you were right... I just hate it when my memory goes on something...

Truly good tequila is as smooth and fine as any good scotch or bourbon....