Chester57

You see, it's the unlikely nature of such a multiple conception that gives me pause. So if you're right we're going to assume that Hannah had a threesome with Mike and... Uncle Don? Whatever happened, it's also unlikely that any of the people involved are going to talk about it after all this time. Maybe for the best.

Or maybe he will talk her into it. Whatever happens during their senior year-- and shit will happen-- it's likely they will both be in it up to their eyeballs. Trust, however, is a two-way street. Given Jack's workplace relationship with Rhona, it would be interesting if Kayla met a guy at the vet clinic but then withheld details from Jack.

Been thinking about Kayla's ultimatum that she'll break up with Jack if he pulls his 'white knight' routine again. Isn't that almost a self-fulfilling phrophecy? We know that Jack is going to continue to right wrongs and save the day while getting his ass kicked-- that's what he does. Anyone believe she will make good on her promise the next time he gets in trouble?

I was reading the chapter again and came across something I glossed over the first time... Jack was speaking to the reader when he said- "I know you're confused about the genetics behind Alan, Amanda and me. I am, too. Never figured it out. Don't worry." Never figured it out? Hard to believe since Jack is a thinking man. I recall him confiding to Kayla early on that he always felt awkward as the 'triplet who didn't fit in.' He's no doubt been thinking about it for years. But rather than some arcane scientific explanation, Jack used Occam's Razor-- the simplest explanation is probably the right one. Maybe he knows or suspects that he's not a triplet?

Yeah, those were the days! I was also into CB with a high-end base station, antenna and linear amplifier (which some of the neighbors didn't appreciate). That was the 'party line' before social media was invented. My favorite hobby was police scanners. One Christmas I spent a good chunk of my year-end bonus on Radio Shack's top-of-the-line programmable scanner and from there it was a simple matter to punch in all of the cordless phone frequencies (around 49 Mhz or so). It was hilarious! People simply didn't realize that those first-generation cordless phones were nothing more than low-powered unencrypted radios. And baby room monitors-- the precursors to 'nanny-cams'-- were even better! The conversations that nursing mothers would have with their babies were priceless.

Brad was a minor at the time of the assault-- over a year ago. He is probably out of juvenile detention and attending an alternate high school somewhere. Brad's release and whereabouts may not be a matter of public record since he is a juvenile offender. Also recall that his parents told Jack not to contact them for information. It's also possible that Brad has turned 18 and his juvenile record has been sealed. If it is Brad who has Jessica scared then I don't understand why she just doesn't come out and say it-- unless her family is being threatened with death.

Congratulations to you both! Just curious, but while you're at Boot Camp will you be able to post any 'sit-reps' on your progress or will you be completely out of touch?

Yes, I think something along this line could erupt. For whatever reason, Alan is holding a lot of pent-up anger which he is going to let loose one day soon. Mike Harrison is normally an easy-going dad, but-- as we have seen-- he also has a hot temper and easily flies off the handle. He has never hit Jack but he has hit Alan, who has since bulked up and started taking out his frustrations on the heavy bag in the basement. The next time Mike takes a swing at him there's going to be blood on the floor.

True, but if Jack takes that approach he'll be dead before he turns 30. He needs to concentrate on helping Numero Uno and let the world help itself for a while.

One thing that I found interesting was when Mary Hannigan started lecturing to John about how important it is for young college students to get involved in the political process-- right before Chester and Kayla almost gagged her. Speaking for myself, I couldn't have cared less for politics at that age. I certainly had better things to do than march or protest or wave signs. I can't recall, but did Joe ever mention exactly ​what Mary ​​​does for a living? Is she a lobbyist? An organizer? Does she work for a politician or for a political party? It seems that she is trying to push her daughter into a career in politics but Kayla will have none of it. Maybe this is the cause of all the recent friction in the Hannigan household.

Best Wishes and a Happy 26th Birthday to Jashley 13! -and a Happy 18th to Alan, Amanda and Jack!

Oh yeah! I can't wait until she bares her soul (and maybe her chest) to Jack at the convention. ​ Oh, wait-- he invited Kayla to drive up and join them. ​ Ah well, it still could happen. Seriously though-- I'm very curious about Rhona's past and what exactly is going on between her and Paul. No doubt that Jack is going to have to ride to the rescue again.

Again, please don't kill yourself trying to finish. We'll still be here when you graduate Boot Camp and get settled.

Maybe-- just maybe-- Kelly has hinted to Alan that she is attracted to Amanda so he's jealous. Wonder why Jessica wanted to talk to Jack so badly but wouldn't call or come in person? Has something to do with Belle?-- or Brad? I also wonder what is the reason to sell the cabin. A good chapter!

That's a good point. I mentioned last year that three high schoolers and one car was bound to cause some friction. They will all be 18 near the end of July-- holy crap! Hannah and Mike may have to buy another car just to keep the fighting to a minimum.

I did some reading on the Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes-- that place has quite a history. I didn't realize that since the draw-down it has become the Navy's only basic-training Boot Camp.

My dad also retired at Commander's rank. You have your work cut out for you-- the competition for advancement in the officer corps is very stiff. Any idea where you will be sent for basic training?

Okay, what is that? I think Mr. Guest fell asleep at his keyboard. One thing I don't get is Rhona putting up with Paul constantly hitting on her for so long. She whined to Jack that he started back around Christmas and now it's June? Doesn't sound like the Rhona we all know and love. I would have thought that she'd have told Paul in no uncertain terms to 'FUCK OFF' ​or maybe even smashed his testicles into jelly. Could be that she has an unspoken reason for stringing him along.

Let me also add my best wishes and prayers for your success and well-being. By all means keep us in the loop-- as much as possible-- about all your future adventures. Well done, sir!

Yeah, I agree that would make for some great drama as a situation like that could not fail to explode. If Jack thought he was going to coast during his senior year he's in for a shock.

Just what I wanted to comment on... http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/07/welcome-to-the-new-prostitution-economy I know this goes back to the last saga but you remember when I quipped, "What's going to happen to all those poor, young prostitutes now that their pimp is in jail?" and Joe Long answered, "independent contractors." Exactly! I really hate to think about it, but maybe this is where Amanda is headed. Like the above article mentions, girls (and guys) don't need a pimp-- all they need is a computer. In the last thirty years our country has legalized loan-sharking, marijuana and the numbers racket. Mainstream prostitution is coming-- in fact, it's already here.

Chapter 53 was a bit of a let-down in one respect-- a whole year went by without Jack seeing Ms. Cartwright. Also, I thought sure he was going to kiss Mrs. Karlow in front of Jessica. I'm depressed. So the reason Amanda is miserable is that Helena is with someone else. Jack is right when he said that she will fall for the first guy (or girl) who shows her any interest. It sounds implausible, but I'm wondering if it might turn out to be Joe after all. Given Tara's track record with guys, do you think Arthur sounds a little too good to be true? He comes across as the perfect boyfriend-- a suave, witty Tom Cruise look-alike. I think Tara is in for a fall. And it looks like Jack will have to settle for internet porn and maybe some mutual-masturbation sessions with Kayla until his birthday.

See? I knew you could do it! Thanks so much for your efforts and I hope you and your family had a fun holiday. ​

Happy 240th Birthday to the USA! Best wishes to all of you-- and stay safe.

He was halfway done with the new chapter on Monday so I predict it will be posted by the Fourth of July-- but no pressure, Joe!