centexhairysub

Ugh, PrivateTim has two post back to back that I actually liked... My day just keeps getting worse... I have to really agree with his statement about Rudy Galindo. I think that he actually suffered more backlash against his skating career then Johnny Weir did in an undeserved way. I have always believed that Rudy Galindo worked harder and deserved much more recognition then he got during his skating career. I think in some ways his teaming early in his career with Kristi Yamaguchi to win the double titles actually hurt him later when he concentrated more on the singles side. While I believe that Johnny Weir was born with a great deal of talent; his behaviour and tempermental personality was as much to blame for his never reaching the top or being able to stay there. Talent can only carry you so far and Weir never had the work ethic or the self control to match Galindo, at least in my humble opinion... I also view the CAP family in a very personal way. I feel almost tied to them which is why I get so prickly sometimes I think when it comes to what is said or the reaction others have to them. I really would like to see JP as the narrator for the storyline dealing with 9/11. I don't know what Mark's thinking on this is but as PrivateTim said this is arguably one of the biggest days in the history of the US and except for the Kennedy assasination maybe the biggest since December 7th. It just seems to me that JP is the one person in the family with the gravitas to approach this most effectively. I do have one suggestion for those that are wanting a story before we tackle 9/11; if Mark feels it would be something that we could go back and look at, Tonto's death and maybe the months leading up to it... Tonto's departure from the story is one of the few incidents that never was covered in the manner I thought it should have been. She meant to much to so many but never got the send off she deserved. Mark, in the end, we are all going to go along with the ride that you take us on and will all be happy and thrilled with each twist and turn...

Well, as usual Granger carries the day with his skill and improvinisation. He handled the situation perfectly and without to much loss of life on any side. I was suprised that Granger was so sure that he would see de Arana again but then I guess his intuition has usually been right. I have to wonder what Humphreys and FitzWilliams were doing so far out of the Atlantic that landed them in a Chillean jail. I am sure this is going to be a good story. Glad to have them both back with Granger. Calvert actually had an idea of his own and it worked out... I am in shock. I know so many seem to like him and believe he fits Granger but he is just boring to me... I am trying to like him more though, so we will see... I realize Granger isn't back aboard but I have to believe that he will be shortly but have to wonder if that other French privateer isn't close by, I sense another battle coming up... Great job as usual with the writing and storyline. Can't wait for the next chapter.

After reading the latest chapter posted just a while ago; I have to say those moments of joy just makes the loss of innocence that much worse... This was a really sad chapter for me even though there were a lot little moments of happiness and repairs have started to more than one relationship... I am not sure how the Christmas day meeting with Jeanine is going to go but I have to believe that no matter where the story goes from here; everything will get better even if not everyone realizes it at the same time. Mark, I cannot say how deeply this storyline has touched me and how deftly you have pulled all the threads of the story together; this is just some truly remarkable writing...

I just loved the latest chapter... The sex, the drama, the chivalry... The three way with Granger, Calvert, and Somers was hot hot hot. I was really suprised that Calvert was so amiable to the idea. Somers is so freaking hot and in charge... You just knew the gate was going to be closed and there would be more to getting the fort. Having to climb the cliff was that one extra step that made it just that much more exciting. Granger had to think fast and improvise, two things he does almost as well as sex. The first step is taken care of and now we find out where the plan goes from here. I love the fact that Granger and the Spanish officer were willing to fight each other directly to both spare their men from more fighting. Granger was able to overcome a more skilled opponent by using his head. Now, just as you know he will, he will honor the fallen officer by taking care of his men as best he can. Chivalry lives... I really liked how Granger made sure that all of his officers understood the dangers and what would be expected of them if Granger and Calvert fell in this latest adventure. Even while planning this audacious move, Granger understands that the voyage is no where near the end and that those that could be left understand their responsibility. I don't suppose Granger can take the fort and Calvert take the ship but Calvert fall in the process??? I know, I know, Calvert is gonna live forever...

Frankly, you cannot know if I am wrong or not; you can believe I am and use your statements to support that belief but that doesn't make what you believe factual. In the last seven years I have resigned from administrative boards of one national organization and one state organization that dealt primarily with children exactly because they moved to do just what I said. In both cases, they were presented with what was in my opinion pretty clear evidence of systematic abuse at a summer camp in one case and a group home in another. When it became clear very quickly, that neither organization was going to do the right thing but instead was willing to spend significant amounts of money, time, and influence to fight the charges; I did the only thing I could do which was resign. In neither case was I the only one that left the boards nor did the matters resolve themselves quickly or painlessly for anyone involved. In addition, I was personally involved in my professional capacity as a United States sporting national association did just what I suggested the USFSA would do when a case of sexual abuse occured at one of their training facilities. I came in after the fact when the organization decided to establish new procedures and set up a board to come up with plans to address the issue and find a better way of reporting, dealing with, and resolving everything the next time it came up. The problem is that while the organization adopted almost every recommendation that the board made; the same people still run the organization and I personally have trouble believing that they wouldn't do the same thing again. In this case, the victim left the sport not so much because of the sexual abuse but because of the actions of the association when it defended the accused and the fact that many of the victims peers found out about the accusations and ended up turning on the victim because the accused ended up being forced out of the position the accused held. The victim clearly indicated that their life became a living hell more because of the aftermath rather then because of the sexual abuse itself. Even though everything was sealed, everyone at the training facility knew who was involved. Now, I will fully grant that the shield laws are more your area than mine; plus, I am sure that they are more comprehensive and effective in California than Texas. That being said, my experience is that the more insulated a group or organization is that something like this occurs in; the more likely that most of information ends up being known to those belonging to or involved in said organization or group. I am not trying to invalidate your experiences at all but the idea that your experience is the norm rather than the exception can be argued. You may also be right about how the USFSA would have reacted that close to the 2002 games; but neither of our positions is a given just a best guess. Your point of view is colored by your experience and legal backgroud but my experience as a therapist that deals primarily with teenagers has given me a considerable background in sexual abuse and the aftermaths over the last twenty or so years. After reading my original post, I agree it is a rather blanket statement based on my past experiences and I should have prefaced by saying so; but that doesn't make anything I said incorrect.

I have to start by saying that in my professional experience; no child sex abuser ever has had only one victim and none can be cured of the compulsion. Chemical or physical castration can significantly lower the urges but even then they can turn to violence rather than sex. Organizations such as the USFSA will always circle the wagons and move to protect themselves and the adults within the organization. It is so rare that any organization moves to actually protect the children involved because of the fear of lawsuits and negative publicity. Even today organizations especially those that deal with children are more interested in covering their asses than protecting the kids. Now, because there is photographic evidence, it will be harder to just sweep this under the rug but that is what the USFSA first reaction is going to be to do. I have never seen any organization man up and do the right thing even when significant proof is offered up; just look at Penn State, the Boy Scouts of American, the Catholic Church, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, etc... They may eventually come around but it usually takes years and significant legal prodding for that to happen. They always start by blaming the victim or calling them liars... JJ's whole world is wrapped up in skating and no matter how it is handled; he is going to have significant issues to overcome. If his coach just disappears, there is a good chance that neither JJ nor the other children involved will ever have any real sense of closure. Because of how tightly wound up these children are with their skating personas; it is going to be equally hard for them to deal with anything that causes any disruptions in their skating lives. In many ways it is harder on children that have had some kind of gay feelings developing before the abuse; they always have to deal with that self doubt that they did something that spurred the abuse on. Going to the police and the USFSA will make the case public and then the kids will have to deal with the media, their peers, blowback from the USFSA, legal issues, and coming to terms with what happened to them. If you don't go to the police and the USFSA, then the other parents may never be made aware of what happened or even worse they may find out and choose to do nothing for fear that their child will be stigmatized or they may even blame their child. If the coach just up and disappears, the victims may never find closure and you may never find out how many victims were involved and where there any other adults involved... If you turn the evidence over to the police and the USFSA, there will be blowback on the victims in some form from the USFSA and the coach may have additional pictures, etc... that he will try and use to make the victims look equally culpable or even just the fear of what will come out at a trial may haunt the victims. There is a clear right answer to this situation legally; the problem is that both morally and ethically, the answer isn't always as clear cut. In other issues, Robbie has a little more reason to be upset about Brad having sex with Wade then Brad does about the actor and Jeff. Neither of the two that Robbie had sex with were family while Wade clearly is; this makes a big distinction. I am not saying this absolves Robbie because it doesn't, it just make the issue more complicated. What Brad and Robbie both need to realize is that they have more important issues to deal with in their relationship than who cheated first, with who, or most... In the story, JP, Stef, Will and maybe Brad were suprised that Robbie was trying to deal with his problems with Brad first instead of Will. I think this makes perfect sense. I think Robbie's inital issues with Will were in reaction to the problems that Will and Brad were having. I think the fact that Brad was able to work out his issues with Will but wasn't able to convince Robbie or communicate with him the reasons caused Robbie's problems with Will to grow. Robbie needs to deal with his issues with Brad before tackling the issues he has with Will. That isn't to say the issues with Will are less important, but some of those issues arose because of issues Brad and Robbie didn't address. I really think that Will and maybe to a lesser extent Matt maybe the best ones to help JJ deal with some of his issues. JJ will definitely need counseling but in the short term, Will and Matt may be able to reach JJ in ways that no one else in the family will be able to. What do you think will happen to Michael now??? Mark, this latest chapter just goes to show how truly gifted you are, the writing is pulling everyone into the story in so many personal ways... Bravo...

Okay, first the newest chapter of Paternity is up and Mark was right, DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA.... I have been saying for months now that there was something behind JJ's actions and his complete change in behaviour. There was so many little things that JJ did or said that indicated some type of abuse. The fact that JJ was being abuse and even that it was his coach wasn't the shock to me in this chapter it was that Will was the one that found out. Was this file on Will's computer the one that came to light when Michael took the pictures of Will in Oslo? I am pretty sure that Will went through all of those pictures so was there another set that he did not see? If so, why did no one go through all the pictures? If it wasn't that file, then how did it get on Will's computer? Did JJ place it there hoping that Will would find it and save him? It seems that there are still several unanswered questions... If I was the coach and even to a lesser extent the whole skating federation leadership, I would be afraid, very afraid... Nothing unites a family, especially this family, in the same way as someone threatening or harming one of the kids. JP, Brad, Stef, Claire, Robbie et al are going to be on the warpath. This is a family that because of their wealth and position and influence over a variety of areas are going to be a nightmare for all those involved. The one thing that everyone needs to remember is that JJ is going to try and blame himself when this all hits the fan. Skating has become his life and he is going to do and say anything to protect it at least in the short term. Robbie may also blame himself for not seeing the signs but he is no more to blame than JJ is in regards to this. Even with everything that has happened, Will is going to be so pissed and upset that someone is probably going to have to sit on him to keep him from killing the coach. JJ maybe older than Will but Will has always tried to look out for and protect JJ and even with all the recent acrimony between Will and JJ; Will is going to be out for blood. I think that Robbie may have started to come to his senses. It was a small moment but when he came back and apologized to Will and then did not let JJ goad him into blowing up again, that was huge... I know it happened off scene but when Robbie left the house and obviously started for the airport and realized that Brad was secure enough in throwing him out of the house that had to make Robbie stop and think. Robbie had to realize that Brad would never have taken that step if he did not think the rest of the family would back him up. I don't think that Robbie is ready to give up the only family that is really important to him over this. He is going to have to crawl over some broken glass and beg to repair some of the damages but this may have beent he moment he realized he was heading in the wrong direction. I thought the scene with Will and Tiffany with the babies was really important as well. Will still doesn't get the fact that not everyone views family and life the way he does. Will has been really dissapointed in how not only Cody but others have acted because he views family as something that is so important it cannot be ignored. Will has grown and matured greatly but is going to have to learn that not everyone is on the same wavelength that he is on... Okay, I am going to step lightly into the discussion over soft versus hard science. Most of the hard science has been around for hundreds if not thousands of years in some cases. In the last fifty years much of the the so called hard sciences have been completely turned on their ears by new knowledge or finding out that long held beliefs were wrong. Even now there are some that are finding that " truths " held just a few decades ago as absolutes may not be true at all. The so called soft sciences have really only been around for the last one hundred and fifty years or so and while the advances in the last twenty years or so have been grand; we are still finding our footing and developing our level of competence. But, I would argue that the learning curve for the so called soft sciences have been much shorter and without as many out right idiocies as some of the hard sciences have been.

I have been saying for months that there was something behind JJ's reversal of behaviour and even suggested that this was it but for Will to be the one to find it and OMG.... I can only imagine the reprisals that will come from this.... Nothing will unite the family like an attack on one of the children. You can't really include Will among the children to some extent but JJ clearly is.... Not only the coach but the whole skating federation might want to go into hiding; JP, Stef, Brad, Claire, Will, and I guess everyone else will be on the warpath... I thought that when the chapter opened Will once again showed his growing level of maturity and at the family supper when he came back; Robbie may have started to realize how far he has fallen... Robbie will blame himself for the situation with JJ and his coach; but this is no more his fault than it it JJ's. Robbie is going to have to do some crawling but I do believe that he and Brad will survive... I am really suprised at how obsessed Wade is becoming with Brad, really did not see this reaction to their sleeping together as the end result...

Well I have to wonder how Jason will take it being back in that tower during another seige. What kind of memories will this bring up and how will it effect him? The bravery of the men that are staying on the front line is what makes those that protect others so remarkable. That idea that their own lives are given freely to protect others...

Well, Granger is set for another grand adventure and battle. I can't wait to see what all happens when they take the fort and the second ship. I don't know that even with all three ships that they could battle and win against a ship of the line but it would make a more interesting fight. I am not sure that Granger will endanger his men to that extent however. I find the most interesting question is how did the Spanish find out that Granger was headed that way two months ago??? If Maidstone provided this information, Granger could have him charged with treason. I think finding out how this information was leaked will be an important part of the story. Senor de Arana may prove to be a significant help to Granger even after he leaves the crew to go back to his own people. If he can cause enough of a problem, the Spanish might have to focus more on problems on land rather than at sea.

Where to start with the latest chapter..... Well, I have personally always believed that an open relationship can work as long as both people are completely secure with themselves and the situation; the problem is that no one is that secure.... I really believe that what Matt and Wade have would work as long as neither gets emotionally involved with another person; the problem is Wade is fast becoming totally infatuated with Brad. Not sure if it is looking for a Father figure that he can really trust or if he just really wants to be able to give up control to someone that he fully trust; but he has found something in Brad that is lacking in his relationship with Matt. I have a feeling that these encounters mean a lot more to Wade than they do Brad; don't get me wrong I think Brad cares deeply for Wade but I don't believe the sex means the same to him as it does to Wade. I think that no matter what happens Matt and Wade have more to work on in their relationship than anyone realized. Wade keeps setting up situations to test Matt's loyalty and trust in him and Matt keeps seeing how far he can go before Wade pulls him back; sooner or later one of them is going to set something in motion that they may not be able to keep in check. Brad and Robbie have issues and more than I have time to list. The question is do either or both of them want to still be together? I have to believe that both Brad and Robbie as well as Matt and Wade will end up staying together but how much of the family dynamic will be altered by the actions in this story??? Is anyone else having trouble getting into the chapter reviews at the end of the stories? It seems like one chapter I can get into them and then the next I can't. I would say it is my computer but I tried to access the chapter review at the end of the latest chapter on both my laptop and desktop at home today and couldn't get in on either one??? Anyone have an idea???

Great chapter and nice to see they are now on the Pacific side of South America, I think the voyage will now start to get more interesting... LOL... Granger has a good reason to put in and get the fresh water and firewood but I have to hope that he doesn't get any unplesant suprise in the land of the spirits... There are some places that you just really should stay out of; but Granger is pure of heart so maybe the spirits will be forgiving...

Well this was an interesting chapter, glad to see the rescue worked but Warren should have been secured and killed, he is going to keep causing problems... I am not sure how they are going to resolve the issue with the war on Domus but I don't think it is going to end up happily for anyone.

Tim is right, you have to have major grades or scores to get into any of the service academies. I had a kid that I was counseling get into one either eight or nine years ago and he had a 3.7+ gpa and really worried that it wouldn't be enough. I don't care how much pull your family has, you aren't getting into any of them without the grades... I really think that Will maybe the one to save JJ; I think a major crisis is coming with him and I am not sure anyone else is going to be able to help him in the end. From personal experience, you may hate your siblings but in the end you will always try and protect them from the outside world. I thought is was really telling that Will viewed Alistair as the one person from H/W that he was really going to miss. Great job setting up the last few chapters Mark... Can't wait to see what happens.

I am glad that a couple of the people in the story are finally getting wise to JJ change in behaviour. I still think that there is something really major going on behind JJ's change in attitude and his obsession with skating. Will handled all of the situations really well and showed his maturity level has just grown tremendously over the last few months... Brad and Robbie are going to have some major work to do if they are to survive this latest crisis. Brad is going to have to decide if he is willing to do the heavy lifting that is going to be required, if and when Robbie comes to his senses. I can't wait til we get to the bottom of the JJ situation, which I believe Mark is leading us to. If what I suspect is the problem is revealed, damn, watch out for the fallout....

Thank God... I can stop self medicating and start to reduce my lithium intact... I was so excited to see a new chapter in the Bridgemont saga up and posted when I arose this morning. Well, I am sure that Granger and the crew will battle through the waves and wind and arrive safetly on the Pacific side of the Cape. When they get there the adventure can really begin. Granger has picked up an ally that can arrange problems for the Spanish on shore while Granger goes after their ships. I can't see Granger having a problem with mutiny; he treats his crew so much better than the average seaman in the British navy was treated at the time. That being said, his solution to the Spaniard that attacked the native did show the true power of the Captain. I am happy to see a chapter and think you made the right decision, we can all learn a little patience... Okay, maybe not but we can try...

Great to be back with Granger and our grand adventure into the Pacific with him, I am so ready... Much like being in a position to help Spanish nobles or the Dutch head of state, the recovery of the native may prove very lucky for Granger. He will now have someone that can give him some information and cause problems for the Spanish on land while he goes after them at sea. Granger did what he had to do with the Spaniard that tried to kill the native was just the right move to make in that situation. Granger treats his men so much better than the average sailor in the British navy during that time; but even so, sometimes it isn't bad to have everyone remember the power of the Captain. Can't wait for more adventures once the Granger and the crew reaches the Pacific side of the trip... Great job, Mark, and thanks for giving us all a treat today...

Okay, I have had more time to think but still have to start out with what I said in the reviews, Magnificent... I really like how Will is handling the situation with Tony. Will has taken time to really analyze the situation and seems to understand where Tony is right now. Will may not fully understand why but he is willing to so along and not rock the boat with Tony and let him deal with the issues at his own pace. Will has grown so much even from just the last story to this one. I thought Will handled both the situation with Dana and Gathan perfectly. He let Dana make all the moves and just countered what she did but by staying cool, he comes out on top while she looks bitchy... Will read the situation with Gathan and realized he was about to blow up about Darius and Ella and got him out just in time. He also gave Gathan a great ego boost, which led to some good sex... OMG... I just did not see the hook up with Brad and Wade coming at all. I loved it though. It wasn't a trashy tawdry exercise in sex but a really cementing of true friendship between them. Wade realized that Brad needed someone and was there for him when he really needed someone to be, plus he can let Matt live vicariously through his encounter with Brad... Now, we just have to see where the encounter in the hallway leads...... Bravo....

Great chapter, nice to see what is going on from so many different perspectives. I can't wait for the angels and demons to meet up. It was a nice touch having a woman turn into one of the angels...

I am in such a state of shock that I don't even know where to start so for the moment I am just going to say, Magnificent....

Okay, my turn to whine..... I don't want Brad and Robbie to break up.... I want them to stay together.... I want them to work things out......

As someone that deals with those suffering emotional abuse, as well as physical and sexual; I can tell you that teasing can often be perceived to be a form of emotional abuse. I have stated several times in this forum that both Brad and to a lesser extent Stef have both been guilty of abusing Robbie. Someone being teased for years about their weight/being fat, sexual practices, and other issues can be beat down and really suffer significant emotional damage from the teasing. Often the person doing the teasing does not understand the damage they are causing, but this isn't always true; some people use teasing as a weapon that can be just as damaging as a fist. It is how the person being teased perceives the teasing not the meaning of the person doing the teasing that determines if it reaches the level of abuse.

Well, what can I say but drama drama drama... I do think that sometimes to keep a wound from festering you have to rip the scab off and let all the pus and bad blood drain out before you can get it to heal... I sort of think this might be the same process except instead of a wound it was the actions of those in the story. I would think that Frank and Matt's words and behaviour would be the hardest for Robbie to ignore. I can't and won't try to defend Robbie's actions during this story because I can't. They just don't make sense to me, that being said, I still like Robbie and don't think the story would be as interesting with him gone. I have always felt that Brad and to a lesser extent Stef has always bullied and emotionally abused Robbie; this has been going on for years. It is often done under guise of jokes about his weight, emotionalism, etc.... Those comments have been going on for years and they do take a toll. Part of Robbie's reaction to Will's behaviour maybe to fight the issues he has with Brad out with Will using him as a proxy for Brad. I do think it is important to get JJ to see someone. I still think there is something going on with him besides the obvious. Brad is going to have to make sure that JJ can't hide behind Robbie or skatting or something else to keep from confronting the issues in his life. Wade and Nana have such an interesting dynamic. I can't wait to see how it continues to develop. I have to say I think a trip back to Washington by Wade/Matt and Nana could prove eventful. JP has made is clear that Nana is part of the family and I for one believe it is a great addition...

Really enjoyed the latest chapter, I miss Alex as well. I can see a rescue mission coming on, at least I hope... I can't seem to figure out where this story is going, I usually have at least a feeling but can't seem to get a grip on this story after the last couple of chapters. I can't decide how war is going to come to Jason, but I am sure it is coming. I am really glad to see that the transformation has restored Gideon back to wholeness. I had to think it would, angels usually have very few imperfections...

Mark, you have blessed us with arguably the two best fiction series on the internet... You have earned the right to get the chapters out as you need, I will just up my dosage of lithium until the Bridgemont series returns...