Steven Keiths

I had no idea this story already had a "thread." I inadvertently started two by accident. My internet went kaput and when I returned I didn't see the post I had posted. So, now there are three "threads." Anyway, to the topic: I agree with Rich wholeheartedly. Beautifully told, and stock just went up at the Kleenex factory.

This is a beautifully rendered story of young love and how two boys meet and how they cope as one is terminally ill. Very nicely written. Alan takes us through the gamut of emotions of the two boys and emotions of other characters in this story. I feel it is a very moving and thought provoking story.

If this was posted I fear most people would speed up.

Great story on many levels for me. I liked the sexual confusion. I liked the resolution of the sexual confusion. Both seemed so real, much as I experienced my own sexual discovery. I liked the tension between Trevor, Chase and Tory. Well, the game young Trevor played I guess would be better than using 'tension'. I like mysteries, and this had that element added. As far as the computer lingo: it worked for me, but then what do I know. I think the only problem I had with the story--and it's very minor--was the distraught mother at the beginning and as the story unfolded, the mother didn't seem as though she would be. As I said, a picky point and did nothing to distract from our Mr. Cole's gifted story telling abilities.

Totally unexpected, Cole. I do agree that this would, in my mind, be a great deterrent.

Another gem, Gee.

Okay, at first I groaned, then I smiled. Wonderful play on words; or playing with words.

Hilarious! I longed to visit my Costco.

Excellent story, tragic indeed, but I loved the tad of humor between the lovers.

I too do not know what 'ming' means. My guess was mingle--Hey, I'm not a poet. I loved this piece, however.

I'm of the mind that kids should not be tried as adults--they are not adults--no matter how heinous the crime. I'll even concede to the notion of "the bad seed syndrome,' no matter how loving an upbringing a child has been given, they can turn out to be just rotten kids. This however is a rare syndrome. And even in this circumstance, I still do not believe being tried as an adult is justified or an answer. Children do not come into this world with hate. It is learned. Teen years at best are riddled with all sorts of problems and challenges: peer pressure, religious indoctrination, etc. At 14, in my mind, there is hope to turn a kid around, even if they commited a terrible crime. I truly feel for the family of the victim as well as the family of the perpetrator. I think justice should be served. Get this kid help. To me this would be fair and just. Sometimes I think we as a society want to exact revenge or avenge--normal feelings I agree. However, no one comes out a winner. This is my humble opinion and I know many will disagree. I pose this query: What do we gain, or who gains by trying this kid as an adult?

No, the govenor, at that time, Arnold Schwarzenneger (sp?) did not veto the legislation. It was Prop 8 that was approved by the voters that put a halt to gay marriage. Now, of course, it is in the courts. Arnold is (was) not apposed to such a bill. Our current Gov. Jerry Brown thinks government has no business legislating marriage in this sense.

He wept.

Are we sure he's a polotician? Afterall, he made sense.

And I'm dense, I didn't realize it was a commercial. I was wrapped up in the ingenuity of the damn thing.

This was a wonderful series. Though they all are connected, I also think they are fine as stand alone pieces. Very enjoyable reads. I liked the continuity of your characterization of Jesse and Artie. Well done, James.

I finally am up to date on this marvelous story. The detail to architecture and artifacts is mind boggling. I tend to believe Jamie spends as much time writing as researching. I have to admit that I've never been a big fan of Sci-Fi--though this story has elements of fantasy; however, there are exceptions and this story happens to be one. I can't wait until the next chapter gets posted. But sadly, I'll have to. A great story, with great characters.

I like it. Had me going for a word or two, thinking I knew what it was about. Not sex, not abuse; rough terrain traversing. Nice piece Trab.

My God, I fell asleep reading the Manifesto. When I finally awoke, I said to myself, "Self, who gives a damn." Followed by thoughts of being--okay, happy would be streeeeeetching it--glad to see Daniel Boone's headwear back on the site. Then I checked my footwear. And what's with the powerballs. I thought racoons had little tiny...uh, never mind. Hi, WBMS

Funny, I never even knew this story was discussed. I'm home from work today feeling a tad under the weather and was surfing around and found this discussion. I guess as to the "call" remark, it is much like using 'see' to a blind person. The fact was, Eddie did have TTY capabilities. In those days, telephone companies had special operators who relayed the message to hearing people. I guess I could have explained that better. In my defense, I wrote this back when deaf to hearing relay calls were pretty common place. This is one of the first things I wrote. It never was edited or proofed. Anyone who'd like to take a shot at it, I'd appreciate it. Thanks for the feedback. It is always appreciated.

Breaking the hold of limerence; I agree, not easy. Nicely told Kap.

James, Just a wonderful piece of flash. I wasn't ready for the twist. I was thinking it would be predictable. Not being thus, is what made it delightful.

I just read a wonderful story titled Second Chance at Wilde Oaks, by Matt Brooks. The story involves two mature gay men who have known each other for some time. There is humor, sex (tastefully written) and whether their relationship will go to the next level--marriage. I found it very entertaining and enjoyable.

This was great dialogue flash, Cole.

This was a little slice of happy heaven to read. Very nice indeed.