Daddydavek

I'm hoping that Peyton can put together another great game and that the game conditions are NOT adversely effected by the weather. (Mother Nature has been a real bitch this winter so far!) On the other hand, I did see him lose against the Colts earlier this year in another big emotional game..... Sherman is a Stanford grad and as such makes a great case for Mark Arbour to move the post-graduate focus of his saga away from that school for Wade, et al. And Sherman made me hope the Bronco's shut him down so that we won't have the distinct displeasure of having to listen to him saying "I told you so...."

Isn't weird better than bored out of your mind? Like JoAnn I think you should go with the flow and while you worry about your friends, ultimately they have to take personal responsibility for their own work. Cold here this morning--I imagine it's worse up in Iowa. Stay warm!

I mentioned in my review I thought that Brad's decision to spend the weekend at the condo was surprising and Mark replied that perhaps Brad thought it would be good for Will. As it seemed to work out I guess it was ok as Zach sure seemed to provide more than enough distractions. But Will is still processing and dealing with his grief and I'm sure he has some survivor's guilt associated with the loss of his mother, Hank and Robbie. That isn't something that resolves easily or ever really goes away. While Will hasn't mentioned it, his sudden crying jags and other emotional outburst are surely consistent with it. It was a good catch about the team bus and our honorable author took full responsibility. Kitt's observation above was spot on and true to life as well.... Zach is being shown as a private person who doesn't open up very much and if he plans to live his life in the closet while pursuing a football career it is a skill he will need to hone.

My youngest brother who was working for Boeing at the time was out there on a business trip when it hit and I remember he was really shaken up by it. He wasn't in any immediate danger but he was amazed at how long it seemed to go on and was worried it was going to get much worse as in the "Big One" that is in the back of the mind of most people out there. Every time there is any news about a temblor his experience comes to his mind and he has to comment on it so it left a pretty lasting impression.

Most of the others have mentioned it but here is the quote: “So, you’re the one who talked my son into quitting the Army.” Now we have no idea whether dad likes or hates that idea. However, after his son is deployed and he has to worry about if he comes back, he may either like the idea more or at least understand where our hero is coming from. Good job and you do know how to end a chapter on a good line.....

Nice job letting Zach spell it out for Will. Loved the "bro-code" reference. I was surprised to see Brad suggest that they spend the weekend in the condo. Loved the chapter! More please.

The timeline doesn't have to be continuous. The story could be taken up after a year or so of desk jobs when George gets another and larger ship....

I like both teams but the Sherman interview made me turn the TV off. I refuse to look at or listen to such spiteful BS. And he is a Stanford graduate so I can't cut him any slack for being a dumb jock. While it would be great for Seattle to win a Superbowl, I am going for age over beauty and backing Peyton and the Broncos. I just hope it is a good game and not just a spectacle. Hopefully, the weather that weekend will cooperate like it did for the Broncos-Pats game.

I don't like Mondays! Bon Jovi and Geldoff

I too thought that Wade's entire behavior at the party was out of character and suspect it was a product of just how out of sorts he is in his grief and the prospect of losing Matt entirely. I am beginning to think more and more that the trajectory of their relationship is headed for a final crash. While I used to worry about Brad and Robbie breaking up, as I said in my review, I somehow don't get the feeling that Wade and Matt's relationship is as central to them as Brad and Robbie's was to them. Tony is history. Whether Zach is just taking Will for a ride or not is a chance Will is willing to take and it is clear he thinks the others should just let him enjoy the ride while he can for as long as he can. Which is not so unusual for him.

My take from this chapter is that the guys are having ongoing major problems dealing with their grief which is expected and how they are dealing with it or trying to ignore it is central. Wade is probably having a harder time than I had gathered prior to this chapter. Brad seems to be making progress and Will is hit hard. Matt still on the team isn't a surprise. Wade confronting Tony was a surprise and said a lot about how unwell he is dealing with things. I now wonder more whether Wade and Matt will ever repair their relationship. Of course I used to have the same concerns for Brad and Robbie, but somehow, Wade and Matt's relationship never seemed as central to either of them. At least Will is still actively seeking help and getting counseled. So while there may be explosions at least he is talking and getting some feedback to help understand his reactions and how to deal with them. Brad too is continuing to get help. I don't see any indications that ongoing counseling is part of the ongoing plans for Wade, much less Matt.

Still wondering where Mark takes 9.11's story line next and it's only Friday.....

Damn those geeky types sure are high maintenance and the sex scenes are smokin'.

It is a tough choice. At the moment it's a song written by Carol King called "You've got a friend". It was a big hit for James Taylor and also for her as her singing version was on her best selling album "Tapestry". I know many think of them like in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIMJBDj_JkE However, I think of them like they looked in 1971. Carol plays the piano on both. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RPCFfudmU

Can't wait to see how meeting the family goes!

Are we talking a 7 inch paper plate or a 12 inch banquet dinner plate?

It all sounds so self-evident when Westie explains it.

I liked Canuck's review of Chapter 75 but you can't "like" a review so I have to give a shout-out here!

The most revealing part of Chapter 66 was the transformed Brad challenging Frank. And then Frank's own transformation calling out Matt in a way no one else could and telling him to grow up, resign from the team, and get on with being an adult. For me that was a truly unexpected development. However, I am waiting for another shoe to drop so to speak and wonder just how much and how far Matt will actually take Frank's instructions to heart.

Wow a twofer! Another amazing chapter! Granger's luck this time in London seems much different than the last time. And now we have the "Guild" to wonder about.

The beginning warrants an 'A'. The middle warrants an 'A'. The end warrants an 'A+'. JP has matured and gotten wiser over the years and demonstrated that in his handling of Matt. The writing was excellent The interaction at the table through the exchange between Matt and Will was also excellent. The clarion call by Brad for Frank to shoulder his responsibilities and Frank's response was outstandingly excellent! Bravo! More please!

Was it: Snoopy V.S. The Red Baron -- The Royal Guardsmen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtJ1Gnh9wPU

I think it's apparent that Tim's birthday wasn't as completely fun filled and diverting as I hoped....

A really strong, emotional chapter showing that loved ones who are caregivers have a huge load that can sometimes overwhelm them. I think the scene in the pool was perhaps the best written description of this that I have seen in quite some time. And it was so true to life.

Westie's point is a summation of what Mark has been saying about Matt. Mark went further and stated he doubted anyone really realizes just how impacted Matt was by 9.11. So I'm sure that emotional baggage is certainly a big part Matt's actions but RJO is right. Matt has been less thoughtful of Wade's sensibilities forever and more apt to overreact to Wade's dips on the wild side in response to his own. Additionally, Matt has been somewhat reconciled with the parents who raised him. While I'm sure that JP can see Matt from a more balanced perspective, JP is all about family loyalty and Matt is not. And that is why I suspect big changes, even so far as Matt graduating and going into the military.....