so I got an email this afternoon. The job I applied for in Texas has filled the position, and it wasn't me. Its not that big of a deal, as I realized I really love the friends I have here. The thing that sucks is they never even called.

:: bruised ego ::

That sucks, Omnis

Daniel, we bought a snow blower this evening. Hedging our bets against a trend.

omnis, that sucks. Really, they should contact candidates and not leave them hanging.

I didn't know you'd applied for a job in Texas, omnis.

I'm glad you didn't get it. Punk.

Hivemind question, at least for the straight male portion of the hivemind...

To what degree do you notice the appearance of other men, and what sort of details do you pick up on? I'm having this problem in my WIP that a relationship is coming across slashier than I'd intended (though I do mean for it to be a leetle slashy) because my own perspective as a woman who'd find both men pretty damn hot is coming through a bit too much when I'm in their POVs. It's subtle--it's not like I have them noticing each other's lean hips or getting lost in each other's deep blue/golden brown eyes--but I'm writing with a bit too female a gaze for male POV, I think.

To what degree do you notice the appearance of other men, and what sort of details do you pick up on?

Depends on context. If I'm working with them or in close proximity I might note things about them. (Heavy beard, lazy eye etc.) On the street? Pretty much generic typing. On the street also depends on context. Some streets I'm going to look for menacing body language and certain groupings. On the train I'm mostly conscious I don't want to be near the person with body odor or reeking of nicotine or whiskey.

Hm. I've got them meeting as strangers who rather quickly find themselves on the same side of a gunfight, and from there they develop an ultimately close but initially uneasy friendship, the unease stemming from differences in age, rank, and social class that push them apart despite their instinctive recognition that they're kindred spirits.

hmmm. I know guys that notice more - but it is usually very general ( he's a good looking guy) or comparative - ( if only I had that much hair) .

Hm. I've got them meeting as strangers who rather quickly find themselves on the same side of a gunfight, and from there they develop an ultimately close but initially uneasy friendship, the unease stemming from differences in age, rank, and social class that push them apart despite their instinctive recognition that they're kindred spirits.

Well, in this instance I'd notice everything about him because males tend to be very hierarchical. And I need to know whether I can count on him, and who's alpha in a firefight and shit like that.

We didn't have Santa when I was a kid, obviously. We were also given strict orders every year NOT to spoil it for other kids. (I violated that rule only once. And I was justified. Eric asked me what I wanted Santa to bring me. I replied, as per my instructions, "We don't celebrate Christmas, so Santa doesn't come to our house." He replied, "He comes to all houses where the kids have been good. You must have been really bad this year." Me: "No, he just doesn't come to our house." Him: "That must mean you're REALLY bad." Me: "There is no Santa! It's your parents who bring the presents!" Eric: tears.)