Daddydavek

Belated Happy Birthday Benji Sorry I missed it--But I hope you had a Blast!

I don't know why this is surprising. Grafitti is one of the oldest form of social media on the planet and has been in toilets for millenia. (Now I guess I really am showing my age... )

This chapter confirmed that the tentacles of the B witch went back further and deeper. She really is a piece of fecal material. I hope that Trevor and Shane have more surprises up their sleeve to really make life miserable for the witch and her cold blooded companions. My biggest regret in the chapter is that it appears possible that Gray may get away without penalty.

Will is starting to have more Ah-ha moments as he becomes more mature. It was nice of Stef & Claire to point one out. Noah is holding back and not just jumping Will's bones and of course Will finds that somewhat attractive. Hopefully, Noah is more than just a player and actually has some depth. Thanks for another interesting chapter.

Thanks Bill for a good read. Homophobia isn't just some redneck hang-up but a serious hang-up with a significant portion of the population. The good news is that the problem is lessening over time. Your story illustrates the extra problems the members of our military have faced. Isn't it ironic that the morale of the service didn't crumble after the repeal of DADT as was predicted by so many?

"Now, I'm not a lawyer. But if I understand that correctly, if SCOTUS decides the proponents didn't have 'standing' in the first place, everything reverts back to the first judge's decision. Right?" Perhaps. The point is, that by taking both cases the court has given itself a lot of room to decide things and can do so in several ways. However, there is now getting to be quite a few judicial rulings on various constitutional issues surrounding these two and other cases. Pete Williams of NBC laid out the various ways they could be dealt with on NBCNEWS.COM on Friday afternoon and I don't have a link to the clip anymore. Sorry. When arguments are heard in the spring, we may have a better indication of how the court will rule, but don't bet on it. The ruling on the Affordable HealthCare Act (Obamacare) showed how unpredictable the court can be. The fact that so many states (more than 30) have specifically defined marriage as between a man and a women, may mean that the decision will be evolutionary and only a partial victory rather than revolutionary like Brown vs. Board of Education, given the conservative bent of the Roberts Court.

Happy Birthday Andrea! I hope your trip to New Orleans is fun and exciting!

Happy Birthday Wayne! & Many, many more!

The latest chapter of Paternity provides more insight into the growth of Will on many levels. I especially liked the exchanges between Will and Wade's grandmother while riding and the refinement of Will's motivation regarding his mother. Well done! Of course the chapter also provided another episode in Will's charmed sex life and as I said in my chapter review, I somehow think Mark has a soft spot for Will.

I think our author has a soft spot for Will. He always has him falling into the beds of hot guys! And I as a reader am always mesmerized at how simple it is for Will to get intimate. Enough about the dessert course. The soup and main course were pretty good too. Will's talk with Wade's grandmother and the later ride and talk with Wade's father showed some growth and insight on Will's part as well. The side dish with Wade seeing Tony making out with a girl and his ruminations about that were satisfying as well. All in all, I'd say this banquet was worth 5 Stars and 2 thumbs-up!

Delaware Interesting Facts First State Delaware was the first state to ratify the federal Constitution -- December 7, 1787, becoming the first state in the Union. And because of this, according to "Delaware Facts" (from State of Delaware Web page), Delaware is given the first position in such national events as presidential inaugurations. The delegates met at the Golden Fleece Inn on the Green in Dover. (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 380) Second Smallest State Delaware ranks 49th in the nation with a total land area of 1,955 square miles. Note: Rhode Island is the smallest state. Delaware is also one of the smallest states in terms of population. Its 1990 Census population count is 666,168, ranking it 46th in population. Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming are the least populous states. (from Book of the States, p. 424) Lowest State Delaware's average altitude is about 60 feet above sea level, making it the lowest average altitude of any state. (from Frommer's, p. 154) Delaware also has one of the lowest high points: Ebright Azimuth at 442 feet is the highest point in Delaware. Located at the junction of Ramblewood Drive and Ebright Road in Wilmington, Delaware. Only Florida has a lower high point. (from Delaware Geological Survey and State Highpointers Club WWW site) Fewest Counties Delaware has 3 counties, the fewest of any state having counties. Alaska does not have counties. Other small numbers are Hawaii which has 4 and Rhode Island which has 5. (from American Counties)Longest Twin Span Suspension Bridge Delaware Memorial Bridge is the longest twin span suspension bridge in the world. The bridge, which was opened in 1951, connects Delaware and New Jersey. (from New Castle County Web page and "Delaware," World Book Encyclopedia) Most Ph.D.s According to a survey by the National Science Foundation, Delaware has more doctoral-level (Ph.D.) scientists and engineers, as a percentage of the population, than any other state. Delaware also has a higher rate of patent awards, per person, than any other state. (from State of Delaware Web page, Economic Development) Only State Without a National Park Delaware does not have a National Park, but it does have a National Wildlife Refuge, Bombay Hook. (from Facts about the States, p. 90) One of the Oldest Churches Old Swedes (Holy Trinity Church) is one of the oldest churches in America still in use. It was built in 1698. Located: 606 Church Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. (302) 652-5629 (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 360) First Flying of the Stars and Stripes Flag Tradition holds that the new 13-star flag, the Stars and Stripes, was first unfurled in the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, September 3, 1777. (Only Revolutionary battle fought in Delaware.) (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Rural New Castle County, Delaware") Washington Really Was Here General George Washington and his staff met at the Hale-Byrnes House during the American Revolution's Brandywine campaign. (Mid-18th-century brick building with a fieldstone springhouse.) Located: along the White Clay Creek. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Rural New Castle County, Delaware") Washington also stayed at the Robinson House. Built approximately 1723. In Revolutionary War days it was inhabited by notables such as George Washington, Lafayette, Anthony Wayne, Robert Morris and General "Lighthorse" Harry Lee. Located: Naaman's Road and Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703. (302) 798-7335 (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: City of Wilmington, Delaware") One of the Last States to Use Corporal Punishment Delaware and Maryland were the last two United States states to use corporal punishment, the whipping post. In Delaware the last flogging took place in 1952. Corporal Punishment was not abolished in Delaware until 1972. (from "Corporal Punishment" in Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice, p. 251) Cradle of Methodism in America: Barratt's Chapel Barratt's Chapel, erected in 1780, is known as the "Cradle of Methodism in America." The Methodists established the New World chapter of their religion here in 1784. This building in listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located: One mile north of Frederica on US 113, RD #2, Box 25, Frederica, DE 19946. (302) 335-5544. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Kent County, Delaware") Home of the "Penman of the Revolution": John Dickinson John Dickinson (1732-1808) was known as the "Penman of the Revolution." John Dickinson Plantation, his boyhood home near Dover, is a museum. It is furnished with family pieces and antiques of the period. Today, farm outbuildings and a log dwelling have been constructed to complete the interpretation of an 18th-century Kent County, Delaware plantation. Located: Off of US 113, south of Dover & Dover Air Force Base, Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE 19901. (302) 739-3277. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Kent County, Delaware") Note: Virginia's George Mason is also known as the Penman of the Revolution. (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 356 and Dictionary of American Biography, v. 3) Birthplace of the Inventor of the Phonograph: E.R. Johnson Personal Name Reeves Johnson (1867-1945) was born in Wilmington and grew up in Dover. Johnson was inventor of the phonograph and founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, today known as RCA. The Johnson Victrola Museum is in Dover. Designed as a 1920's Victrola dealer's store, it features an extensive collection of phonographs, records and memorabilia related to the Victor Talking Machine Company. It also has an oil painting of Nipper, the dog from the RCA trademark "His Master's Voice". Located: Bank Lane & New Street, Dover, DE. 19901. (302) 739-4266. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Kent County, Delaware"; Frommer's, p. 208; and Dictionary of American Biography, supp. 3) First John Deere Tractor The first tractor John Deere made is in the Messick Agricultural Museum, Inc. in Harrington, Delaware. The museum features old tractors, implements, tools, antique kitchen, smokehouse equipment, gasoline engines, treadmills, antique wagons, and more. Open Monday-Friday; call for an appointment on weekends. Located: One Vernon Road (DE 14W), Harrington, DE 19952. (302) 398-3729. (from State of Delaware Web page, "Attractions & Historic Sites: Kent County, Delaware") First Coastal Zone Act In 1971, in an effort to protect beaches and wetlands, the state legislature of Delaware passed the nation's first Coastal Zone Act, barring industries that pollute. (from Delaware (United States), The National Geographic Atlas) Hexagonal Victorian Building: Old Library Museum The Old Library Museum in New Castle is an example of fanciful Victorian architecture and is attributed to Philadelphia architect Frank Furness. It was erected in 1892 by the New Castle Library Society. Today it holds the exhibits of the New Castle Historical Society. Located: 40 E. Third Street, New Castle, DE (302) 328-2923. (from Frommer's, p. 196 and Smithsonian Guide, p. 350) One of the Largest Shell Collections: Delaware Museum of Natural History The Delaware Museum of Natural History houses one of the hemisphere's largest shell collections. Located: Route 52, between Greenville and Centreville, DE. (302) 658-9111. (from Frommer's, p. 187, 190) One of the World's Largest Amber Collections: University Gallery, University of Delaware University Gallery on the campus of the University of Delaware has one of the largest amber collections in the world. Donated by Leslie and Sarah Jastak-Burgess, the collection includes amber carvings, jewelry, and other works. The colors include many shades of amber, ranging from creamy bone and fiery red. Call for appointment. (from UD Messenger, Summer 1993 & Winter 1994) Selected pieces from the Amber collection are currently on display in Daugherty Hall. Mason-Dixon Line connection. The Mason-Dixon Line forms the state's western border. By the way, Delaware's border with Maryland runs through two towns, the names of which were created by combining the names of the two states: Marydel and Delmar. (from Frommer's, p. 153 and "Delaware," World Book Encyclopedia, p. 97)Premiere Museum of Americana: Winterthur Museum Winterthur Museum has one of the foremost collections of American furniture and decorative arts. It has nearly two hundred period rooms, furnished in styles ranging from 1640 to 1840. Located: Route 52 (800) 448-3883. (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 365f and Winterthur Web page) By the way, the "h" in Winterthur is silent. Internationally Famous Collection of Pre-Raphaelite Art: Delaware Art Museum Located: 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE (302) 571-9590. (From Delaware Art Museum Online) Nylon Capital of the World: Seaford Seaford, Delaware, is the site of the DuPont Company's first nylon manufacturing plant. It was established in 1939. (from Smithsonian Guide, p. 356) Leader in Incorporations Due to its favorable incorporation laws, many out-of-state businesses choose to incorporate in Delaware. In 1990, more than half of the country's Fortune 500 companies were incorporated in Wilmington. (from Facts about the States, p. 90) First Christmas Seals Wilmington, Delaware, was the first place Christmas seals were introduced in the United States in December 1907. The designer of the seals was Emily P. Bissell, a Delaware author. (from "Delaware," World Book Encyclopedia, p. 97) First Beauty Contest In 1880, the first beauty contest in the United States was held in Rehoboth Beach. Thomas Edison was one of the three judges in this contest, called the "Miss United States" contest. This contest is considered to be the foreunner of the Miss America pageant. (from Frommer's, p. 154 and "Delaware," World Book Encyclopedia, p. 97) Poultry Place: Sussex County Sussex County raises more broiler chickens than any other county in the United States. (from Frommer's, p. 154) Home of Tax Free Shopping Delaware is one of only five states having no sales tax. The others are: Alaska, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. (from Book of the States, p. 262) I think the one about how more than half the Fortune 500 largest companies are incorporated in the State of Delaware is of particular interest to anyone who is invested in the market. Just my humble opinion. DDK

Happy Birthday & Many, Many More!

For such a small state it has a long history and was in the forefront of many issues. Interesting place. Congrats to your state and to you!

Will is still pushing against the perception that he is just a snot-nosed kid. Perhaps someday, Robbie and JJ will stop treating him like one if they get burned often enough. He is correct to be concerned about the quality of care that Jeanine is recieving. One wonders if her psychiatrist even knows about what happened in Norway? Another interesting chapter! Thanks and again two-thumbs up! As usual, I look forward to the next chapter!

The lack of surrender by the Spanish ship and that only the tortured prisoner was described although others were taken prisoner as well and Mark's comment above indicate that those were the salient take-aways from that encounter. I suspect we will find out just how much so in the upcoming chapter next weekend. That they have had good sailing conditions thus far means the ship and crew are in good shape so far and that is encouraging. Montevideo is on the coast just North of the bay and river entrance where Buenos Aires is located and a large Spanish force could be expected in that area. Rounding the Horn is coming and I expect that could be somewhat of a nightmare for the crew. It is such a long way south.

Thanks for the chapter!

Happy Birthday!

I agree with Myr and hillj69! Two thumbs up and now you have planted the idea that maybe you can get a chapter ready in time for the holidays.........

My prayers and thoughts are for your brother and family as well. DDK

Happy Birthday Andy! no crowns!

Well, I'm old and late, so that's my excuse, but I hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Great chapter and thanks for the info about delays in posting. Have a great time and I'll be looking for the next installment in the new year!

We saw Johnny Mathis down in Branson on November 16th and he sang this song. Here it is from an episode of the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson in the 1970's. Notice the outfit. Here's Johnny Mathis singing A Christmas Song.

Somehow, I think Wade should have anticipated Carl's response to being outed....but hey we all make mistakes! The adrenalin fuck with Gathan was intense. Matt was clued in and realizes their relationship is not threatened. Nana is still a hoot and the news about the divorce was not shocking. Elizabeth's hiding in the bottle is contemptible but then it is Elizabeth. Nice job and unexpected pleasure getting the chapter early! Thanks! As usual two thumbs up!

In a reply today to a post from Private Tim regarding the latest chapter, Mark wrote the following: Reply from Mark Arbour (author) Based on your charming personality, I would suspect you'd have no trouble at all finding someone willing to choke you. :-) And I say that lovingly. When I read it I thought it was so funny I almost fell off my chair. Naturally, I decided to repost it here in the forum.