Cole Parker

Distorted Perspectives isn't a stroll through the park on a sunny afternoon either. C

The government Jefferson imagined was built on the governing parties arguing and then compromising, taking the best ideas, the worthiest, that came from the arguments and then promulgating them. Sadly, we've reached a point where there is no compromise in Congress, which means it's an us versus them mentality and we no longer get the best and worthiest solutions to problems. It's difficult to see how we're going to emerge from this mire. We need a strong leader who can bring people together. Where is he, or she? C

And the obverse, obviously, is that there are an awful lot of really sweet kids that age. Psychologically, this is the age they start to feel their independence, are more aware of the world outside their private nest, and they do a lot of play-acting, seeing what they can get away and how they want to interface with the world; they want to test the water to find out who they are. Some become aggressive and hostile and difficult for adults to deal with. Or they can be more like me at that age, a little tentative, a little defensive, a little timid in the face of aggression. There are many kids that age, and they shouldn't be stereotyped any more that older teens and adults should be. I grew out of that early phase, but never became overly aggressive. Kids change as they leave the beginnings of adolescence. But we probably all remember those tender years and how we faced the challenges we met then. James is right: a little introspection now and then does one a lot of good. C

If yoiu want somelthing grittier, read this one: Derick/Jake/Nick in the novels listing.

Yes, the emu is very crushable. I read his stuff and think, More, please. I want some more. C

I'm assuming this is chapter 1. C

Thanks so much! I like this one, too. C

This isn't the first mention I've received of the grief that the dissapearance of Piggle has caused. One writer asked for reassurance that Piggles was sold to a familly that adopted him and moved to the Caribbean with him where he has his own room in their house and eats at the dinner table with them. Please note that in the story, he was sold, not slaughtered. It's up to the readers to decide his fate. I kinda liked that pig, too! C

Alan is very deft at stirring our emotions. Great job as usual. C

12 Angry Men was a pretty near perfect film. And it was remarkable for a first feature film! Of course, there were a lot of really good actors in it. C

Just to follow up on the list of the best pitchers, G. Perry would be Gaylord Perry. He was mostly known for throwing a spitball when spitballs had been banished from the game. Now, recently, pitchers coming off the mound at the end of each inning are chacked for foreign substances. Back when Gaylord was pitching, it was hilarious watching him get checked and all the places they checked on his body and uniform. He was the only one being checked like that. He was a prickly character, not the friendliest man in the league. He was a very good pitcher. He had a brother playing in the majors at the same time with the less unusual name of Jim.

killing your problems has been a tried and exhausted technique that never pleases. Maybe he didn't plan it to end that way but the narrative got away from him.

As will anthing written by James. C

I thought of Grant, too. I don't know him at all but assumed he was older. Good writer. Don't know if he has tech skills, or would be interested.

Exactly. Wish we could advertise. I'd rather people got in touch with us, rather than our reaching out to them if we don't lknow them.

Maybe contact some high school couselors or advisors. They'd know of tech nerds in their schools and popssibly some gay or gay-friendly ones who might be interested in this. I do like the idea of a group rather than an individual, as per the Mail Crew. Maybe schools with GSAs could be contacted. The group would need some internet craft, but many tech-ordiencted teens have that.

Probably have the empathy and wisdom. Maybe a recently retired one. C

I like it when things work out!

How about Evening Prayer from Humperdinct's Hansel and Gretel?

Someone else suggested a sequel. I have no plans for that at the moment, but one never knows when an idea with thrust up its ugly head. C

CW was a site for younger kids, which was how it was built intentionally. When Colin got stories from me for the site, they were tamed down to a PG rating. I'd suggest that sort of limittion should be maintained if the site is continued. C C

Thanks, guys. I have a couple more stories written, but they're short. Multi-chapter stories are difficult!

Thanks, James. Such comments coming from you are always greatly appreciated and humbly accepted.

Strong words! Strong emotions. C

Happy people are still reading it! C