Rutabaga

I certainly did not mean any criticism -- I just thought the irony was considerable in that each of them has separately talked about what they plan to do when the other one turns them out, as each expects. They need each other, and need the kind of emotional breakthrough that will allow them to believe in one another despite their past experiences. In particular, they need to conquer the self-doubt and self-loathing that convinces them they are too worthless to warrant affection from anyone else. We all just hope that nothing happens to wreck their growing relationship while waiting for this to occur. R

I got my first cell phone in 1984 -- the brick-like Motorola DynaTac that looked like a military walkie-talkie. It cost about $1,000, and air time cost roughly $1.00 per minute. Then the Motorola Micro-Tac came out, which was much smaller and had a flip front. Cell phones continued to get better and smaller after that. (Aside: Last night I was watching the film "The Matrix" -- the original one from 1999 -- and took note of the compact cell phone that Neo had delivered to him in his cubicle early in the movie. This is the one that he dropped while out on the window ledge. It had a sliding panel that revealed the keyboard. And no camera. ) Cell phones with built-in cameras did not really start to appear in Japan until 1999 or 2000, and it took a couple more years for them to arrive in the US. See this article for more information. Video (as opposed to still pictures) took even longer to arrive. So presumably the time of Cole's story falls into the lacuna between cell phones becoming more common and built-in cell cameras becoming more common. I can understand why Cole did not re-fashion this episode as part of the revision, because the concept he uses only works if there is a time delay between taking the pictures and having them available . . . as is the case with film that needs processing. Moreover, the only copies of the pictures and their negatives are all in the package that Missy has in hand, so that destroying that package ends the existence of the pictures. By contrast, once a picture is captured in digital form, it can instantly be duplicated and shared to an unlimited extent. There is no comparable mechanism that would allow Cole's story scenario to work -- it would have to be completely reinvented. So it seems like we have to experience the story from the perspective of its time period, which probably would have fallen in the 1990s or early 2000s. R

We're all rooting for Trevor. This exchange between Trevor and Johnny was important: "But you wanted it." "Yes, but how did you know?" "Because I was the same. I wanted the attention, the praise, the love. I wanted what I was not getting. No, it's more than that; I needed what I was not getting, so I gave sex in exchange for it. It's the devil's deal. You give them what they want, the use of your body. They give you what you want: attention, something you take as being love, and physical pleasure." "You enjoyed it?" Trevor asked. "Of course, I did, sometimes. Didn't you?" "Yes." That was accompanied by a deep sigh. "Of course, you did. You're a young male just entering puberty. They were supplying sexual stimulation; you were bound to enjoy it. You probably even looked forward to it. That does not mean you did anything wrong. It just means that those men knew how to use you, and they were using you." And then there's the almost Shakespearean twist that both Trevor and Arthur are convinced that the other one is going to reject them. These are the kinds of characters we readers just want to slap! R

Interestingly, the "phone hacking" (really, unauthorized access to recorded voicemails) has a notable real-life precedent centered on the now-defunct News of the World. Details here. I predict a serious dilemma, however -- if the "Sentinel" paper in the story is sued for defamation, it seems like Trevor would have to come out of seclusion to confirm that rumors of his death were greatly exaggerated. That would just provide new fodder for the sensation press. Meanwhile, is it possible that the clumsy detectives following Johnny and Mike near the end of the previous series were actually working for a red-top newspaper? R

There are three stories: Donner & Blitzen Donner & Blitzen Redux Part 1 Donner & Blitzen Redux Part 2 This is a very gratifying romantic story. The first piece is a major test of the reader's patience as we practically scream at Wilt, one of the two main characters, to get it together. This at last happens. The follow-on stories show a very lovely evolution of this romantic relationship. @Altimexis will have to comment on the accuracy of the depiction of Asperger's Syndrome in the story, although it seemed plausible to me. The story has a lot of heart. R

Shawn’s timing is impeccable . . . R

Duh -- never thought of looking there! Thanks. R

The new story "Donner & Blitzen Redux - Part 1" opens with a preface that says it is best to have read "Donner & Blitzen" first. The character names in this new story look familiar, but I can't find "Donner & Blitzen" on Bensiamin's author page. Anyone know where it went? R

Ch. 2 - It seems like Trevor must know something that the bad guys don't want to have pursued. R

I will note for the record my list of pending questions from the first series, "Living with Johnny," here. There probably are more, but it's a good start. [Note -- the questions are hidden under a spoiler wall.] R

And this Pick from the Past is back again, reaching back almost 16 years. I would think the foil faces would still permit recognition of who is underneath, unless they were really loose. But they certainly would make a striking effect. R

I think that reflects the story itself, which is narrated by Mike and includes characters with relationships to Mike. Only the first few entries from Chapter 1 refer to Johnny in the character descriptions. R

I am happy to share my files with Nigel if he wants to create something to go with the first story. R

Well, I have made it (again) through all 60 chapters of "Living with Johnny," and as threatened have made my own character list. The spreadsheet has 255 lines in it, and some entries have more than one character in a line. I am pasting it below. There is some confusion through duplication of character names (different characters, same name) and from unexplained name changes (Jack and Flora become Stan and Flora in a number of places; Mike Carlton becomes Mike Clayton or Mark Carlton from time to time). But keeping track of all this in such an immense story is obviously a major task. It's also possible that I have unknowingly listed the same character twice due to name uncertainty. I think I will wait until tomorrow's posting to begin reading the new story. We left off the previous one with quite a cliffhanger about Trevor . . . Character Name First Found At Description/Comments Johnny Ch. 1 Son of narrator Mike Carlton; age 15; gay; "John Bernard Carlton-Smith" Mike Carlton Ch. 1 Narrator; father of Johnny; 40s; called Mark at times; called Mike Clayton at times Anne James Ch. 1 Lunchtime barmaid at Crown & Anchor; widowed when first husband Tom died at age 27; marries Mike Colin Matterson Ch. 1 Day student at Johnny's last school Bernard Lebrun Ch. 1 Solicitor extraordinaire; Johnny's godfather; childhood friend of Mike; "Bernard Solomon Joseph Micah Lebrun"; firm is LeBrun, Dean & Cohen Bob Southern Ch. 1 Literary agent Steve Johnson Ch. 2 Hamden boat yard manager; uncle of Anne George Hamden Ch. 2 Actual owner of boat yard; disabled by stroke Jack Ch. 2 Local publican (Crown & Anchor); Anne's boss; cousin of Mary at the Crooked Man Arthur John Lee Ch. 2 Technical whiz kid at J. Lee & Sons; Trevor's partner Zachary Meyer Ch. 2 Wealth management consultant; sometimes Mayer Matt Price Ch. 2 Surveyor and builder Ben Carlton Ch. 2 Younger brother of Mark Carlton Phil Smith Ch. 2 Ben's partner, stage name Matthew Lewis; brother of Mike's ex-wife; successful cinema director Aunt Jane Ch. 2 Mike's "aunt"; actually Ben's and Mike's godmother Mrs. M Ch. 2 Manager at Manston; real name Gelda Guttenstein Sheila Lane Ch. 3 Mike's accountant Jane Talbot Ch. 3 Junior partner in accounting firm; becomes Mike's accountant Aunt Sarah Ch. 3 Bernard's mother Debora Lebrun Ch. 3 Bernard's wife; sometimes Debra Beryl Smith Ch. 3 A/k/a Janet Carlton-Smith; Mike's ex-wife Hon. Malcolm Davenport Ch. 3 Fiancé of Beryl; also referred to as Hon. Edward Joseph Ch. 3 Brother of Debora; deceased Micah Lebrun Ch. 3 Son of Bernard; studying law Joseph Lebrun Ch. 3 Younger son of Bernard; plans to be a barber Saul Robertson Ch. 3 Barber; training Joseph; also called Sol Aunt Ruth Ch. 3 Bernard's aunt Bethany Ch. 5 Micah's girlfriend; studying music at U of Manchester Cousin Daniel Ch. 5 Debora's cousin; a shrink David, Benjamin, Rachel Lebrun Ch. 5 Siblings of Bernard Lebrun Clive Ch. 5 Beryl's live-in lover for two years Margaret Fletcher Ch. 5 Her son-in-law interested in Mike's bungalow property Gerald Ch. 7 House manager at Manston Mrs. [Rosemary] Dwight Ch. 7 Cook at Manston Jack and Flora Smith Ch. 7 Phil's parents (also Beryl's); Jack becomes Stan sometimes Bains Ch. 7 Chauffeur from Manston Simon Ch. 8 Clerk at Bernard's law office Sue Southern Ch. 8 Wife of Bob Southern, literary agent Trevor Spade Ch. 8 Child star; son of Bob & Sue Southern Frank Talbot Ch. 8 Financial reporter; shildhood friend of Mike and Bernard Marge Price Ch. 8 Wife of Matt Price (surveyor) Aunt June Ch. 8 Mike's aunt Aunt Hilda Ch. 8 Mike's aunt Cousin Stan Ch. 8 Mike's cousin; eldest son of Aunt June Cousin James Ch. 8 Mike's cousin; underwater photographer & dive instructor Tara Ch. 8 Wife of cousin James; from Tobago Tyler Lawrence Ch. 8 Actor; also from Tobago Mark Gleeson Ch. 9 Cinema director; imprisoned for child sexual abuse; frequently "Glesson" Allen Davidson Ch. 9 Security expert; head of security at Manston "Dean" (Andrew Mark Mayers) Ch. 9 Production assistant for Mark Gleeson Martha Hartmann Ch. 9 Head of Bob's agency; disabled by stroke Ian Jenkins Ch. 11 Student taking hairdressing course; age 16; attacked by Brethren youths Robert Jenkins Ch. 11 Younger brother of Ian; "Robby" Alison McCarthy Ch. 11 Half-sister of Mary Jenkins's late husband; lives at Jenkins farm Mary Jenkins Ch. 11 Mother of Terry, Ian and Robert; a/k/a Mary Simpson Hendersons Ch. 11 Brethren family Terry Jenkins Ch. 11 Mary's oldest son; age 18; in prison for assault Peter Henderson Ch. 11 "Brother Peter"; head of the Brethren Sir Harold Gleeson QC Ch. 12 Barrister Steve Webber Ch. 12 Reporter; brother-in-law of Matt Price Edith Jenkins Ch. 12 Heads East London crime family; moving into legitimate, if questionable, businesses; fixer; great aunt of John Jenkins (Mary's late husband) Albert Jenkins Ch. 12 Edith's husband; in prison Jack Edwards Ch. 13 Manager of Home Farm complex; due to retire Peter Ch. 13 Incoming farm manager at Manston Leni Taylor Ch. 13 Phil's childhood friend; now driver and bodyguard; sometimes "Liam" Dorothy Ch. 13 Mother of Toby Barry Gales Ch. 14 Photographer accomplice of Gleeson and Mayers Saul Lichtenstein Ch. 14 Producer from LA; financed two of Phil's films; tried to molest Trevor Peter Torrey Ch. 14 Lichtenstein's assistant; pedophile Holloway sisters Ch. 16 Dupes giving to the Brethren for charity Sandra Hartmann Ch. 16 Martha Hartmann's daughter; redhead; Bob's old flame Matthew Ch. 16 Part-time yacht instructor; cousin of Steve from boatyard Tara James Ch. 17 Building inspector Tommy Ch. 17 Worker at Steve's boatyard Phillip Henderson Ch. 17 Brother of Peter Henderson Peter McCormac Ch. 17 Nephew of Peter Henderson Detective Sgt. McCormac Ch. 17 Father of Peter McCormac; investigating officer in Jenkins cases Charles Mayer Ch. 17 Corrupt defense solicitor for Ian's brother John Jenkins Ch. 17 Ian's father Michael Kent Ch. 17 Elderly former pastor of local Brethren church Jenny Ch. 18 Sister of Anne Dr. Lionel Portage Ch. 18 Museum services; archaeological expert Mark Dowland Ch. 19 Professsor, author, and radio/TV personality Sarah Colman Ch. 19 Ph.D. student surveying mill race Louise Malton Ch. 19 New solicitor for Bob's independent agency Ab & Ruth Ledermann Ch. 19 Ruth had Micah's child (boy) Ms. Brettman Ch. 19 Executive assistant brought in by Ritter-Landau Jan Ritter Ch. 19 Principal of Ritter-Landau agency John Henderson Ch. 19 Part of Henderson clan; manages college refectory Diana Ch. 19 A Miss Jenkins operative Dr. Peter Lovell Ch. 20 Steve's partner Tommy (4) and Susan (5) Ch. 20 Steve and Peter's kids Carol Price Ch. 20 Matt's ex-wife Chris Dalmen Ch. 20 Editor of a leading science magazine Tom France Ch. 20 Science author who has stroke Abe Kaufman Ch. 21 Had barber shop; father-in-law to Saul; part of Jewish mafia Sonny Kaufman Ch. 21 Nephew of Abe; another crook Martin Ch. 21 Senior worker at boatyard; qualified boatbuilder Chris Klempt Ch. 21 BBC producer Mrs. Craven Ch. 21 Ran newsagent shop on Hill Road Janet Long Ch. 21 TV/film agent joining Bob's new firm Marge (Maggie) Ch. 21 Proprietor of Marge's Café; sister of Mary at Crooked Man Mr. Willis Ch. 22 Head of vocational training at Southmead College Mrs. Jarrom Ch. 22 Admisions tutor at Southmead College Dr. Laurent Ch. 22 Head of languages at Southmead College Robert Henderson Ch. 22 Running for Commodore at the Yacht Club Margaret Slater Ch. 22 Draughting teacher in London Judith Durncross Ch. 23 Youngest of the Holloway sisters Julia Ch. 23 Miss Jenkins's niece Dr. Jarrod Ch. 24 Family friend of Anne; treated Arthur at roadside June Ravensbrook Ch. 24 Barrister Cmdr. Janet Richards Ch. 24 From the Met; head of organised crime unit; also known as Richardson at times Martin Clay Ch. 24 Solicitor; sometimes called Mark Mr. & Mrs. Lee Ch. 24 Arthur's parents Nathaniel Thompson Ch. 24 Witness on Arthur's POA and AHD (Neal?) Magdalen Granger Ch. 24 Witness on Arthur's POA and AHD (Maddie?) Peter Braylow Ch. 24 London alias used by Brother Peter Neal Porter-Thompson Ch. 24 Nephew of Miss Jenkins; tech whiz; a/k/a Neil Magdalene "Maddie" Atkins Ch. 24 Neal's fiancée; skilled in martial arts Chief Inspector Manley Ch. 24 From the Met; head of organised crime unit Bill Kingsman Ch. 24 IT guy at Dunford Ceramics; son-in-law of Robert Henderson Ruben Ch. 26 Proprietor of Rubenstein's café Rebecca Rubenstein Ch. 26 Ruben's mother; friend of Aunt Sarah Steff Manning Ch. 27 Principal of Manning & Son solicitors Gerald Manning Ch. 27 Father of Steff Manning Richard Willams Ch. 27 SRN engaged to care for Arthur on houseboat Mr. Gregory Ch. 27 Head of department at Anne's college Paula Timmings Ch. 27 Fellow student in Anne's subject Dennis "Figgy" Ferguson Ch. 28 Small-time crook; caught trying to harm Arthur; also referred to as Finnegan Solomon Grundy Ch. 28 Bigger crook; Figgy works for him Great Uncle Frank Ch. 28 Safecracker parachuted in France 1944 John Mitchell Ch. 28 Prof. at LSE who sprang Uncle Frank; saboteur in WWII Klaus Brinkerhoff Ch. 28 German book publisher Greg Ch. 28 Site manager for Matt Price Prevention Officer Dawlish Ch. 28 HMRC officer Prevention Officer Carter Ch. 28 HMRC officer Madame Sourier Ch. 28 Concierge of Ben & Phil's Paris apartment building Grace Ch. 28 Anne's mother-in-law (John's mother) Jane Ch. 28 Daughter of Grace; senior engineering tutor Margaret Ch. 28 Older woman (50) in Anne's college class Tom Ch. 28 Fellow student in Anne's class; wheelchair bound Marcel Ch. 28 Youngest son of Jean-Paul Jean-Paul Ch. 28 Prof. at Uni in France Margaretta Ch. 28 Spouse of Jean-Paul Pierre and David Ch. 28 Older sons of Jean-Paul Dave Ch. 28 50-year-old in Johnny's math class Michael Henderson Ch. 28 Victim of Ian's stabbing with scissors Rob, Lee Ch. 31 Security personnel working for Ben/Allen Dan Ch. 31 Neal's second cousin, helping with security at Priory Det. Insp. Martin Stevens Ch. 32 Immediate superior of McCormac Dr. Leo Granger Ch. 32 Police surgeon Professor Janson Ch. 32 Performed autospy on John Henderson Lance Fletcher MP from Suddenham; junior minister at Home Office Crowthorne Ch. 32 MP from London DCI Carleigh Ch. 32 DI Stevens's boss Doctor John Nygara Ch. 32 Johnny's former MD Doctor Su Graham Ch. 32 Nygara's wife; practices separately Sharon Meddler Ch. 33 TV interviewer of Johnny Martin Shelt Ch. 34 Independent TV producer Irene Kaufman Ch. 34 On-air talent agent for Mike Francis & Miriam Ch. 34 Miss Jenkins's workers for Arthur's business Marcia Miriam Glockenberg Ch. 34 Another student that Anne meets Chawish Ch. 34 Marcia's abusive ex-husband; Pakistani Tariq Ch. 34 Marcia's son; assaulted and injured by Chawish Jasmin Ch. 34 Marcia's daughter Aunt Miriam Ch. 35 Marcia's aunt who is a rabbi Stanley Ch. 35 Miss Jenkins's driver/bodyguard Bernard Saunders Ch. 35 Moving agent recommended by Miss Jenkins James Daniel "Jaydee" Seymour Jr. Ch. 36 Tariq's boyfriend who is kidnapped to Trinidad James "Jamie" Seymour Ch. 36 Jaydee's father; trauma surgeon now in Australia Aunt Louise Ch. 37 Steve's sister; Asst. Dir. Of Education Prof. Brian Cox Ch. 37 Host on Infinite Monkey Cage Stefan Binder Ch. 37 Conference organizer in Europe Marlene Ch. 37 Solicitor who James Seymour referred to by Bernard Chief Inspector Gray Ch. 37 Special Branch Joe and Miriam Ch. 37 Debora's parents Uncle Barry Ch. 38 Tyler's uncle Guy Martin Ch. 39 On-air presenter Mrs. Dent Ch. 39 Cleaner who works at Priory twice a week Helen Mayhew Ch. 39 CEO of a finance house Stanley Porter Ch. 39 Moneylender; father of Neal Thompson George Porter Ch. 40 Father of Stanley; One of biggest moneylenders in London Michael Andreotti Ch. 40 Student at Machenson House, one of Johnny's former schools; rich and spoiled Oncle Jacques Ch. 40 Uncle of Marcel in France Sebastian Ch. 40 Sex partners mentioned by Johnny Dr. Cricks Ch. 40 Sex partners mentioned by Johnny Guy Reames Ch. 40 Mike's solicitor during divorce from Beryl; now DJ Susan Gells Ch. 41 Fifth year classmate of JayDee; "Smelly Jelly" Bob Crawford Ch. 41 Minority owner of Chawish's business; the real brains Magdalene Ch. 41 Marcel's cousin John Dupree Ch. 41 Canadian delegate to Paris conference Marc Dube Ch. 41 13-yr-old grandson of John Dupree Professor James Ch. 41 An organizer of Paris conference Héloise Ch. 41 Proprietor of restaurant near conference hotel; sister-in-law of John Dupree Doreen Ch. 42 Local solicitor for Marcia (referred by Bernard) Danny Ch. 44 Former roommate of Johnny. Mother is a witch. Martin Ch. 44 Cousin of James (JayDee's father) Donna and Richard Ch. 44 Mike's cousin and her husband; living in Holland Susan Kilpatrick Ch. 46 Expert witness on False Memory Syndrome Steven Jones Ch. 48 Legal secretary at Bernard's firm Susan Mitchell Ch. 48 Law clerk at Bernard's firm Elle Martin Ch. 48 Press agent for Phil Vera Taylor Ch. 48 Mother of Leni Taylor; complaining witness re Phil Simone Ch. 49 One of Miss Jenkins's "family business" workers Sir David Stellerson QC Ch. 49 Lead counsel for Mayers prosecution Lee Sanderson Ch. 49 Defendant in assault case; becomes Mike's PA Darren Graham Ch. 49 Psychology graduate; clerk for Bernard; leaving for New Zealand Chris Ch. 50 Marcia' cousin; auto mechanic/engineer - Formula 1 Jan (Janet Catherine) Ch. 50 Chris's ex-wife; hospitality management expert Clair Ch. 50 Chris's current wife Henrik Ch. 50 Was going to marry Jan; was already married Auntie Miriam & Uncle Abe Ch. 50 Brought up Chris Barry and Dean Ch. 50 Stunt doubles for Trevor and Tyler Alex Ch. 51 Stunt coordinator for Phil's film Brad Jenkins Ch. 51 Stuntman and Alex's partner George and Gill Ch. 51 Body doubles for Ben and Phil Mark Thompson Ch. 51 Script writer of "Snowball"; cousin of Neal Kathy Donaldson Ch. 52 Pupil to Sir David Tim Tinkermann Ch. 52 From Crown Prosecution Service Mrs. Justice Godwin Ch. 52 Trial judge in Mayers trial Brian Potter Ch. 53 Great nephew of Miss Jenkins; schoolmate of Ben Sammy Ch. 53 Senior clerk at Sir David's chambers Det. Insp. Wilkinson Ch. 53 Officer who executed search warrant on Mayers Mary Shields Ch. 53 Casting director for Phil's film Sgt. Judith Mallon Ch. 55 Essex Constabulary Constable Tony Richards Ch. 55 Essex Constabulary Det. Supt. Lawlan Ch. 55 Police investigating Beryl's killing Det. Sgt. Crawshaw Ch. 55 Police investigating Beryl's killing Klaus Rikkenberg Ch. 55 Accused of being Treblinka guard; rep'd by Beryl Josef Muller Ch. 55 Real name of Rikkenberg Uncle George Ch. 56 Tyler's uncle in New Jersey Jack and Sue Ch. 56 Owners of film equipment business Tyler is buying Phillip Sanston Ch. 56 Investigator from Yalend Insurance Steven and Jim Ch. 56 Horticulture students at Sohnny's college Uncle Jack Ch. 57 Jim's mother's brother who is gay Jennifer Morley Ch. 57 Essex Probation Services Det. Sgt. James Ch. 57 Assisting Det. Supt. Lawlan George Thompson Ch. 57 At one time one of the biggest villains in London Kray Brothers Ch. 57 Criminal family in London Master James Ch. 57 "Nasty operator" taken down by Miss Jenkins Antoinette Ch. 58 Colleague of Simone; worked for Miss Jenkins Charles Demain Ch. 58 Of Demain & Toques retail group; backer of Master James Roman Sanderson Ch. 58 Lee Sanderson's father Carol Ch. 58 Sister of Mike's mother; Donna's mother Joan Ch. 58 Sister of Mike's Father; Richard's mother Uncle Henk Ch. 58 Joan's husband Martin Ch. 58 Martial arts instructor for Lee Paul Ch. 59 Anne's brother living in Canada Margaret Stapleford Ch. 59 Antique dealer from auction Uncle George Ch. 59 Auctioneer; uncle of Steven (Jim's boyfriend) Aunt Grace Ch. 59 Uncle George's spouse; her brother is Steven's father Rhoda Ch. 59 Steven's mother Sharon Stevens Ch. 60 Assistant Director on "That Woman's Son" R

Meanwhile, the time has come to point out that in the U.S. we virtually never employ the word "whilst" whereas it seems fairly common in British usage. R

Has anyone brought up the difference in treatment of (what I believe are called) collective nouns? U.S.: The board is of the view that stores should remain closed until next week. British: The board are of the view that stores should remain closed until next week. There are plausible arguments for either version. It is just another example of George Bernard Shaw's remark that the US and Great Britain are two countries divided by a common language. R

A more clear-cut example is "quieten" which I see regularly in British writing but is not in general use in North America. Here we would never say that a class of students "quietened" or that the teacher "quietened them down"; rather they would have "quieted" or been "quieted down." R

The long-awaited continuation of the tale beginning with "Living with Johnny" is found here. For myself, I have decided to do a quick re-read of the first series (here) before I tackle this further tale. I am making notes of the dozens of characters as I go along. R

The controversy over Whoopi's remarks stems from her implication that, because the victims of the Holocaust were not black, the event somehow did not really count. Whoopi described the Holocaust as "white people doing it to white people. So, this is y’all go fight amongst yourselves." R

It might seem strange that just a comment like that could upset me so much, but upset me it did, and in reality, I now felt a panic attack rushing toward me. Oh lordy, Tim is having another meltdown. R

From what I can tell, you can rewind the YouTube feed up to 12 hours. In the chat column, updates are posted with a big red ball and they give time readouts for various events, such as one bird landing and the other leaving, papa bringing mama a fish, etc. You go by the timestamp at the bottom of the picture. J is the mama (Jackie) and S is papa (Shadow). R

This is unambiguously what someone in the U.S. would think of as pudding:

How are we Yanks supposed to know, when a character refers to "having tea," whether they are actually having a meal or just drinking the beverage? And when there is a reference to "pudding," how do we know whether it denotes dessert generically, or the actual creamy substance? R

I confess that the only thing I would have gleaned from your example sentence, without more context, was a suspicion that cricket was involved -- solely on the basis of the word "match." As for a baseball location in the U.S. (we would call it a ballpark or ballfield, or a baseball stadium), the one thing you can be fairly confident about is that the attendees would not be walking to or from the game. Over here our feet never touch the ground. R