Be Rad

[KJames]

Only one song? Jeremy, you're getting lazy.

 

 

Actually, Mark, the way the scene played out in my mind's eye, one song would've been long enough for Mouse to pop, then another song, or two, would be needed for Robbie and B'.

[methodwriter85]

Only one song? Jeremy, you're getting lazy.

 

I picked one song because I figured that was the focus of the chapter, and it fit.

[methodwriter85]

Chapter 30 Music Selections

 

-When Roger reveals that he's Mouse's uncle, and they have that moment.

 

"Cry to Me" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

 

 

-When the gang leaves for Europe, and Cass gets on the plane just before they leave.

 

"Airport" by The Motors

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liH-uW2iymk

[methodwriter85]

Chapter 31 Music Recomendations

 

-When everyone wishes Brad a happy birthday.

 

"Happy Birthday" by Stevie Wonder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c82hCDGkKo8

 

-When Brad gets seduced by Marc.

 

"Don't Stand So Close to Me" by The Police

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXU8kCrRHJY

 

I gotta take a moment to say...Sting Circa 1980? Damn. Just...damn.

 

-When Mouse finally tells Billy to shove it.

 

"You Better Run" by Pat Benatar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QywR6662fPU

[methodwriter85]

Chapter 32 Music Selections

 

 

 

-When Brad finds out that the shit has hit the fan, and he's been outed by Billy and JP wants to ship off Robbie.

 

"Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6czbLVID4A

 

-When Brad and Robbie drive to Malibu to take refuge with Stefan and Greg.

 

"Love Drive" by the Scorpions

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOQjMbFmI-A

 

-When Stefan talks about Jeff to Brad and Robbie.

 

"Memory Lane" by Minnie Riperton

[methodwriter85]

Chapter 33

 

-When Brad considers buying his own house and living with Robbie and Tonto in Malibu.

 

"Freedom of Choice" by Devo

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osJgiVnze5A

 

-For Brad's bitchin' surfing scene.

 

"Pipeline" by the Chantays

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnMO9p3W1VU

 

-For Brad's makeup scene and his reunion with JP.

 

"Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrfi8-9JVtE

 

-For Brad and company boarding the Yacht at Marina Del Ray, and Brad's talk with Mouse.

 

"Sailing" by Christopher Cross

 

 

****

 

I gotta say, this was the easiest chapter for me to soundtrack. A lot of great moments in this.

[Conner]

I was really dreading chapter 34, back to school and all for Brad and Robbie. By the end of that chapter things had turned out much better than I thought they would....particularly the last paragraph. You know things are better when your libido returns.

 

The last several chapters have been tough as far as the story line goes, especially Mouse. Apart from that, I'm still enjoying the story immensely. The great dialogue and humour are ever present. Kudos to Lark for his teasing line to Brad...not too eloquent, but insightful.

 

Conner

[amBIguoustwo]

Mark,

 

I love this story more with each chapter. There is no question that the emotional highs and lows are taking their toll, but, what the hell, I love roller coasters!

 

As always, thank you for sharing your writing.

 

Bryan

[methodwriter85]

Chapter 34 Music Selections

 

-For Brad's first day back at school as an openly gay kid.

 

"Isolation" by Joy Division

 

 

-For Brad's meeting with the principal...and his lawyer.

 

"Get Up, Stand Up" by Bob Marley

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aRuqozNMmQ

 

-For Brad's popularity comeback plan, centered around throwing a blowout for the 1980 World Series.

 

"Shake Your Body" by the Jacksons

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFSM3BJrhdU

[Mark Arbour]

Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: boomer38

While I am enjoying this story, Brad has severe issuses and his violence in chapter 34 is over the top...

 

 

 

Author's Response: I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I think that all violence is "over the top," but it exists and I think that a 17 year old guy like Brad, watching the devastation to his life wrought by his brother, is inevitably going to resort to it. I see his motive being one of defending those he loves more than himself. I'm going to post your comment in the discussion forum to see what other readers think too. Thanks for raising such an interesting (to me) issue.

Date: 02/09/2009 07:15 PM

 

I'm wondering if the rest of you think that Brad's violence was out of character for him, and/or atypical of a 17 year old guy like him?

[amBIguoustwo]

Mark,

 

I'm 55 now, so what do I know of 17 olds? However, I think it is perfectly in line with your character. It is what Brad would do. He is a believer that the best defense is a strong offense and he employs that rule whenever he (or the family) is threatened.

 

Bryan

[Conner]

Brad's 18. Pay attention, Mark.

 

Ok, a quick review of the 15 second battle: Brad starts with a sucker punch to Billy's jaw just as he (Billy) turns around; then Brad knees him in the balls...twice. Billy adopts the fetal position on the floor and Brad gets at least one kick in while he's down breaking his nose.

 

It was not an honourable battle, that is for sure. It was retribution, plain and simple. Brad also admits that, given Billy's broken arm, he was dealing with a weaker opponent.

 

I'm satisfied that this sort of fight is not beyond a 17 or 18 year old, especially given the circumstances. This reaction was most certainly not beyond Brad. His ego is more than healthy, in spite of being gay in 1980. He has JP to thank for that.

 

One of the hitches is Billy is family. Brad has a strong sense of family. Yet, it doesn't seem that was taken into account before he acted the way he did. Brad's hurting. I get that. But even Brad acknowledged to himself (several chapters ago) that he needed to spend more time with Billy. Billy was a loner.

 

Also, there was no way that Brad was able to divorce himself from how Billy was treating Mouse. There's no doubt that he wanted Billy to pay....and pay dearly. Once you throw in his mother's actions vis-a-vis him and Billy, Brad's fight with Billy was inevitable.

 

Brad hasn't shown any remorse whatsoever for the way he injured Billy. He seems immune to having any recriminations of any kind. The end justifies the means.

 

Frankly, I'm surprised Ace didn't take a tougher stand toward Brad when it came to the nature of the fight. Maybe that's still to come. I hope so.

 

I also found JP's reaction to Brad's actions very disappointing. Billy is also his son.

 

The sad thing is Brad's developing an attitude that he can do no wrong; and that includes bearing any reprecussions or consequences resulting from his actions.

 

Ace needs to kick his ass.

[Mark Arbour]

Brad's 18. Pay attention, Mark.

 

Ok, a quick review of the 15 second battle: Brad starts with a sucker punch to Billy's jaw just as he (Billy) turns around; then Brad knees him in the balls...twice. Billy adopts the fetal position on the floor and Brad gets at least one kick in while he's down breaking his nose.

 

It was not an honourable battle, that is for sure. It was retribution, plain and simple. Brad also admits that, given Billy's broken arm, he was dealing with a weaker opponent.

 

I'm satisfied that this sort of fight is not beyond a 17 or 18 year old, especially given the circumstances. This reaction was most certainly not beyond Brad. His ego is more than healthy, in spite of being gay in 1980. He has JP to thank for that.

 

One of the hitches is Billy is family. Brad has a strong sense of family. Yet, it doesn't seem that was taken into account before he acted the way he did. Brad's hurting. I get that. But even Brad acknowledged to himself (several chapters ago) that he needed to spend more time with Billy. Billy was a loner.

 

Also, there was no way that Brad was able to divorce himself from how Billy was treating Mouse. There's no doubt that he wanted Billy to pay....and pay dearly. Once you throw in his mother's actions vis-a-vis him and Billy, Brad's fight with Billy was inevitable.

 

Brad hasn't shown any remorse whatsoever for the way he injured Billy. He seems immune to having any recriminations of any kind. The end justifies the means.

 

Frankly, I'm surprised Ace didn't take a tougher stand toward Brad when it came to the nature of the fight. Maybe that's still to come. I hope so.

 

I also found JP's reaction to Brad's actions very disappointing. Billy is also his son.

 

The sad thing is Brad's developing an attitude that he can do no wrong; and that includes bearing any reprecussions or consequences resulting from his actions.

 

Ace needs to kick his ass.

 

Well damn, you make some really good points. I'm visualizing a "pack" kind of mentality that is fueling the anger and attacks. You know, that high school mentality where it's us against them, one group against another. In this case, Robbie, Brad, and Mouse have lined up firmly against Billy and his friends. I think that Ace, Jack, and Claire would be really conflicted, as would JP. The way that Billy became arrogant when he got home and they were all gone, they way the whole situation had shattered their home life, I think that would have made them less willing to condemn Brad's actions too strongly.

 

I think this would probably be most true for Ace, a guy who is more rough and tumble and is not above using his fists too, if he needs to. Fighting to him is not so much an abhorrent act, but part of high school life. Kind of like the way he jumped in to stick up for Mouse.

 

My experience is that 17/18 year old guys tend to think that they're invincible. By the time they hit 21/22, they learn that they're not. Brad may not learn about that in 1980/81, but I bet he gets there by 1985/86

[methodwriter85]

Chapter 35 Music Recomendations

 

-For the start of Brad's World Series rager.

 

"I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross

 

 

-As the party goes on, and Billy tries to crash the party.

 

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Micheal Jackson

 

 

-When J.P. declares that Billy died, and the family deals with it.

 

"Breakdown" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clruGRZAMLo

***

My experience is that 17/18 year old guys tend to think that they're invincible. By the time they hit 21/22, they learn that they're not. Brad may not learn about that in 1980/81, but I bet he gets there by 1985/86

 

You're right about that, in my own experience at least. When I was 21, I thought I had it all figured out because I was an upperclassman, and that I knew what was what compared to those poor, foolish 18-year old freshmen. I thought no one could touch me. And then...well. I learned how wrong I was.

[Mark Arbour]

Chapter 35 Music Recomendations

 

-For the start of Brad's World Series rager.

 

"I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross

 

 

-As the party goes on, and Billy tries to crash the party.

 

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Micheal Jackson

 

 

-When J.P. declares that Billy died, and the family deals with it.

 

"Breakdown" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clruGRZAMLo

***

 

 

You're right about that, in my own experience at least. When I was 21, I thought I had it all figured out because I was an upperclassman, and that I knew what was what compared to those poor, foolish 18-year old freshmen. I thought no one could touch me. And then...well. I learned how wrong I was.

 

Great music Jeremy!

 

And since when can no one touch you?

[Joe-Marchesani]

Hi, Mark

 

I've been reading along throught the entire string of stories from "Academic Predator" to "Be Rad." I'm impressed with your ability to generate chapters so quickly and still maintain high-quality characterizations that even develop across story-lines.

 

One of the techniques that intrigues me the most is your creation of "genealogical" character sets, like Jeff and Frank and Robbie and Billy or Roger and Mouse. I like the balance you strike between essential similarites and individualizing traits. The way each member of the set evokes the others yet interacts differently with a character like JP, say, is a very skillful way to elaborate on JP's character when he's no longer the central figure in the narrative. I look forward to the chapters to come.

 

whenpghsfly [Joe]

[KJames]

I was sorry to find out that Billy didn't have the chance to turn things around for the better...

[Conner]

That was a tough one. There'll be no reconciliation now between Brad and Billy. It's times like this when you look back to see if you couldn't have handled things differently. Frankly, I'm surprised at Brad's lack of reaction. Billy's dead. It's a good time to stop hating someone. I'm thinking Brad will eventually regret not having "completed" with Billy.

 

I hope Mouse can walk by the next chapter.

[Mark Arbour]

That was a tough one. There'll be no reconciliation now between Brad and Billy. It's times like this when you look back to see if you couldn't have handled things differently. Frankly, I'm surprised at Brad's lack of reaction. Billy's dead. It's a good time to stop hating someone. I'm thinking Brad will eventually regret not having "completed" with Billy.

 

I hope Mouse can walk by the next chapter.

 

He'll get there. I posted the new chapter tonight!

[methodwriter85]

Chapter 36

 

-For Brad's dealings for prepping for the funeral.

 

"Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd

 

 

-For Brad and Robbie having sex after Robbie finds out he's back on the team.

 

"I Feel Love" by Donna Summer

 

 

-For the Phillies win in the World Series.

 

"Ain't No Stopping Us Now"(Phillies version) by McFadden and Whitehead

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6d4w9K3ITw

 

-For Billy's wake.

 

"I Wish You Were" by Pink Floyd

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1moiym6-Nk

 

-For Brad and Isidore's make-up scene in front of his painting.

 

"What's so Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding?" by Elvis Costello

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDLeihZo1Es

[methodwriter85]

Chapter 37

 

-For the start of Claire's subdued, yet still special, birthday celebration.

 

"American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

 

 

-When JP and Roger give their input for Brad's "Orgasmic Stefan" bust.

 

"Turning Japenese" by The Vapors

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw2DL80KxOA

 

-For Brad's encounter with Mouse and Robbie.

 

"You Really Got Me" by Van Halen

 

 

-For Brad's encounter with Scott.

 

"Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Q5O7qehGM

 

-For the "Who Shot J.R.?" Friday party, when Brad tries to get revenge on Robbie for his percieved infidelity by f**king every guy in sight.

 

"Upside Down" by Diana Ross

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGjH2kK2h9s

[amBIguoustwo]

Mark,

 

Some time ago, we discussed off line that if your historical story line progressed it would run into HIV/AIDS. Today I read the latest installment and Armand is dying.

 

I prayed for those I once knew who are gone. I thanked medical science for a family member who has survived (his white cell count is now normal). I was grateful for my friends who, for one reason or another, dodged the disease.

 

As always, thank you for sharing your writing.

 

Bryan

[Mark Arbour]

Mark,

 

Some time ago, we discussed off line that if your historical story line progressed it would run into HIV/AIDS. Today I read the latest installment and Armand is dying.

 

I prayed for those I once knew who are gone. I thanked medical science for a family member who has survived (his white cell count is now normal). I was grateful for my friends who, for one reason or another, dodged the disease.

 

As always, thank you for sharing your writing.

 

Bryan

 

It's a really tough thing to write about, but probably the seminal moment in modern gay history, so it can't, and shouldn't be ignored.

[methodwriter85]

I've spent a lot of time looking at yearbooks from the early 1980's, and it's made me think a little bit about Be Rad. The notable thing about that time period is that it was very conservative prep, for the most part- the 80's as we think of them really don't show up until the mid-1980's. And the "hideous" 80's period is really about 1987 to 1992.

 

Those of you who like the early 1980's time setting should watch Everybody Wants Some and Stranger Things- EWS is about tail end of the 70's with some hints of the 80's coming in, while Stranger Things is set at the end of the early 80's when the trends of that time period are firmly in place.

 

I actually really like that preppy early 80's fashion look. They put an updated version of it on Tom Holland in Spiderman and he looked great in it.

 

Transition years are always kind of interesting to me, at least in terms of evaluating trends. I loved Mark using his own memories in terms of filling out the period detail in this particular piece. (He also did it to a greater extent in Man in Motion.)

 

If we were really being true to 1980 though, Brad should have worn chords and spent a lot more time with a blowdryer. LOL.

 

Edited July 18, 2017 by methodwriter85

[Mark Arbour]

One of the characteristic things about the preppy look is that it is largely timeless.  Those same topsiders can last for years and never go out of fashion (at least in certain circles).  I think the quintessential guide remains "The Official Preppy Handbook," by Lisa Birnbach.