QUOTE (LittleBuddhaTW @ September 30 2007, 05:00 PM)

I think twelve-year-olds are a lot more "mature" nowadays than we were at that age (although I recall knowing that term back in middle school). When I was teaching English to junior high schoolers in Taiwan, I remember being shocked nearly every day at how much they knew, and they weren't nearly as "advanced" in maturity as their American counterparts.
QUOTE (jamessavik @ September 30 2007, 03:28 AM)

You might be surprised at the level of knowledge that age group has thanks to the evil inter-webz and TV.
Stuff like the Urban Dictionary and tons of other off color humor sites make their mark by goring sacred cows and hanging those sacred cow hydes on their front pages. For better or worse, the info is out there and lots of curious minds want to know. It's the same thing that keeps rags like the National Inquirer in business.
Well yes, I guess you guys might be right then.
QUOTE (jamessavik @ September 30 2007, 03:28 AM)

I think that I remember the old "pitcher-catcher" gag used on an old episode of Newhart.
Really?! I don't remember that episode! I'd quite like to see it!
(I just realized that might come off as sounding sarcastic like I don't believe you. I definitely do and would just
like to see the episode because it sounds amusing and I liked the show - and have seen most of the episodes)
QUOTE (LittleBuddhaTW @ September 30 2007, 05:00 PM)

I think 11-12 has become the new 14-15 ...

LOL! I like that!
QUOTE (wildone @ October 1 2007, 11:43 AM)

Mike, I am like Kevin, I see Gabe as being the uncommunicative one too. Take this chapter, two or three times Gabe noticed Brennan seeming upset, and each time Gabe said he would have to make a point of talking to him later, as he wanted to focus that time on David.
What worse, when he hurled the ball at Dustin, he not only snapped at Mr. Bellinger, but at Brennan as well. Then when he finds out that Brennan has been protecting him all along, Gabe decides that now is the time to talk. He shouldn't be able to decide to when and where to talk based on how he feels at the moment.
Well said, Steve! That's exactly what I meant! Only it's Grady not Gabe, and Dalton not Dustin

But yeah, whoever they are that's what I was thinkin' too

QUOTE (MikeL @ September 30 2007, 03:00 PM)

Kevin, I must be reading a different version of the story.
Which names does your version use?

(Completely kidding here, just being silly

)
QUOTE (MikeL @ September 30 2007, 03:00 PM)

Brennan is the one who is being uncommunicative. Grady has made several attempts to talk with Brennan, but keeps getting the cold shoulder. Brennan is still a good friend as we saw when he covered for Grady's absence when he broke the rules by going to a movie with David. Being jealous - if that is what the problem is - is bad enough, but avoiding discussing the matter with your best friend is a bigger problem. I believe that Grady and Brennan are still very good friends. Brennan is at fault for the current chill in the relationship. In a different situation, they would be candidates for marriage counseling.
The only times I remember Grady trying to talk to Brennan was on the bus to McDonald's and at the end of the story. In both cases he'd already managed to thoroughly upset Brennan and remain insensitive toward his feelings. He especially should have realized what was going on after the McDonald's incident and taken greater care not to make Brennan feel left out. Brennan even
tried to be nice, and be included by going to sit with Grady. IMO, it would have been nice for Grady to have invited Brennan along, or at least spent a few minutes talking to him, after the game.
Just my thoughts,
Take care all and have a great day!
Kevin