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Smiley

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Everything posted by Smiley

  1. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on October 17, 2015 (00:30 A.M., October 18th (GMT)), for a discussion of "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" by Mary Flannery O'Conner (March 25, 1925 – August 3, 1964). "Mary Flannery O'Connor is considered one of the most important short story writers of the twentieth century because of her strange but interesting characters, her violent plot elements, and her religious world view."* John Kessel (author, educator, and literary critic) states about the story: "...one of the most famous American short stories ever written, in my opinion one of the most perfect stories ever written, Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” If you have not read that story, you should drop everything and go read it. It is an amazing piece of work."** The story is available in pdf (along with other short stories by the author in an anthology of the same name) at: http://www.boyd.k12.ky.us/userfiles/447/Classes/28660/A%20Good%20Man%20Is%20Hard%20To%20Find.pdf It is available in text format (suitable for copying to .doc or .rtf at: http://xroads.virginia.edu/~drbr/goodman.html Meeting Place: Webchat: http://www.koach.com/chatlogin.php?chan=%23Readers_Corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner If this discussion turns out as well as I anticipate, I will use a sequel to this story (written by John Kessel) as the topic for a follow-up discussion the following week. I hope to see you all here for both chats. * Short Stories for Students: http://www.canyonisd.net/cms/lib/tx01000615/centricity/domain/1447/a_good_man_is_hard_to_find.pdf ** Afterword to “Every Angel is Terrifying” by John Kessel: http://www.baenebooks.com/chapters/9781618249326/9781618249326___7.htm
  2. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on October 10th, 2015 (00:30 A.M., Octobeer 11th (GMT)), for a discussion Buffalo by John Kessel. Kessel is an established author who specializes in Science Fiction. He is a two time recipient of the coveted "Nebula Award" for speculative fiction. This weeks story was originally published in 1991 in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. It is not, however, a typical fantasy or sci-fi tale but rather a somewhat nostalgic look at a period of American history not very different from today. The story is an interesting one and I feel certain you will appreciate it. I believe it will provide some excellent "talking points" for our next discussion. It is available on line at: http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/buffalo/ Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Don't forget to bring a friend. log attached: 20151010 log.txt
  3. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on October 3, 2015 (00:30 A.M., October 4th (GMT)), for a discussion of The New Catacomb by Arthur Conan Doyle. Doyle is, of course, best known as the author of the numerous Sherlock Holmes mysteries. He attempted to sever his connections to Holmes on several occasions, only to be forced into reviving him by popular demand. He did, however, manage to write many short stories not involving Holmes and Watson, many of them mysteries or crime/horror stories. This week's story is one of the latter. Of interest to us as literary critics and style analysts is the high regard in which Doyle held Edgar Alan Poe, whom he considered the father of the mystery story genre. This story has been described as a tribute to Poe, and I am sure that you will find the tale very Poe like in both content and form. I am also convinced that you will enjoy the story and that we will have a very interesting chat about it (and about Doyle and Poe). (I believe that Koach will be digging his well thumbed copy of the unabridged works of EAP for his desk drawer to prepare for our discussion.) The story is available as a downloadable .doc file from the website: http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/NewCat.shtml Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/chatlogin.php?chan=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Hope you all can make it, and don't forget to bring a friend. I believe that Koach can be talked into bringing a small barrel of vintage Amontillado and I will bring some wheat thins and virtual Brie. LOG ATTACHED: 20151003 log.txt
  4. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on September 26th, 2015 (00:30 A.M., August 27th (GMT)), for a discussion of Eating Vinegar by Rita Hooks. This is a story from East of the Web, which has provided us with a number of interesting chat topics. This tale is a strange one (no it isn't a fantasy or sci-fi one), and I am certain we will have an interesting discussion about it. It is available on line at: http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/EatiVine935.shtml Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server - m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Don't forget to bring a friend. LOG ADDED: #readers_corner-20150926.txt
  5. Happy Birthday (although once you pass 30 that is oxymoronic)
  6. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on September 19th, 2015 (00:30 A.M., August 20th (GMT)), for a discussion of Hex Keys by George Singleton. Singleton is a well known "Southern" author who has written six collections of short stories, two novels, and an instructional book on fiction writing. In 2013, Singleton accepted the John C. Cobb Endowed Chair in the Humanities at Wofford College where he currently teaches.. He was inducted into the Fellowship of Southern Writers in April 2015. The story is an interesting example of the kind of tales told by a "Southern" author. It is available on line at: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/01/hex-keys/383494/ Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Don't forget to bring a friend. I'll bring a pitcher of sweet tea.
  7. AGE AND GUILE WILL DEFEAT YOUTH AND ENTHUSIASM EVERY TIME.
  8. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on September 12, 2015 (00:30 A.M., September 13th (GMT)), for a discussion of The Box by Arthur Bradford. Bradford is an O. Henry Award–winning writer and an Emmy-nominated filmmaker. He has set this story is set in contemporary America and it tells the bizarre story of a few slightly eccentric individuals and a somewhat frustrating but nevertheless amusing encounter with U.S. Government idiocy at its finest. Far be it from me to provide any further information which might spoil the ending for you. I think that even Nan may (albeit reluctantly) admit to enjoying the story. It has something for everyone: attractive women who cultivate marijuana, a slightly disabled protagonist cultivating a relationship with one of them, government buffoons, cats (dead and alive), and mystery. The story is available at: http://recommendedreading.tumblr.com/post/108730971477/the-box-by-arthur-bradford-recommended-by-john#notes Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner To the best of my knowledge all of us are back home from our various seasonal travels and there are no national or local holidays to divert us for attendance. Therefore, I eagerly await our next chat and the opportunity for us all to gather in pleasant intellectual intercourse. And if possible, please bring along a friend or two. Log attached: #readers_corner.koach.com.20150912.txt
  9. Due to popular demand, we will again discuss last weeks story on Saturday, September 5th. There were only three participants and they seem to feel that the story wants another discussion with better participation. Koach and I will both be there. Hope to see you all. Note: log of second chat is attached to Stormy's post with log of first chat.
  10. A well armed citizenry is a well behaved citizenry.
  11. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on August 29th, 2015 (00:30 A.M., August 30th (GMT)), for a discussion of New Moon Wolf by David B. Coe. Like our last story this is one selected for free distribution by the editors of Baen Books. Baen Books (a publisher of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Literary Criticism relating to those genre') provides an on line catalog of its publication, some of which are offered to the public gratis. Baen Books provides the following information regarding the copyrights associated with its free publications: "As is usual with such copyrighted material from Baen (that provided gratis on the web site), the contents may be copied and shared but NOT sold. All commercial rights are reserved to Baen Books." Unlike our last story this one is set in modern times in the southwestern USA. It deals with the challenges faced by magical beings (such as wizards and werebeasts) from the point of view of those being. Like many of the stories we discuss, there is more to this one that we would expect from the standard werewolf tale. I think you will all enjoy it. To make things easier, I have provided a .rtf copy of the the story as an attachment to this message. That copy is provided under the restrictions on its use as listed by Baen Books in the above quoted paragraphs. See this attachment: New Moon Wolf.rtf If you prefer, the story is available on line at: http://www.baen.com/NewMoonWolf.asp Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner I will be visiting my son and his family on the west coast and will not be available for the discussion. Stormy has graciously agreed to fill in for me (as he has so ably done in the past). I should be back home and on my normal schedule by the first Saturday in September. Don't forget to bring a friend (or several if you can manage it).
  12. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on August 22nd, 2015 (00:30 A.M., August 23rd (GMT)), for a discussion of The Golden Knight by K. D. Julicher. The story is one of the works selected for inclusion in Free Stories by Baen Books for 2014. Baen Books (a publisher of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Literary Criticism relating to those genre') provides an on line catalog of its publication, some of which are offered to the public gratis. Baen Books provides the following information regarding the copyrights associated with its free books: "In January of 2011 we started posting free short stories we thought might be of interest to Baen readers. The first stories were "Space Hero" by Patrick Lundrigan, the winner of the 2010 Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Contest, and "Tanya, Princess of Elves," by Larry Correia, author of Monster Hunter International and set in that universe. As new stories are made available, they will be posted on the main page, then added to this book (to save the Baen Barflies the trouble of doing it themselves). This is our compilation of short stories for 2014. "As is usual with such copyrighted material from Baen, the contents may be copied and shared but NOT sold. All commercial rights are reserved to Baen Books." This story is an interesting one, and it should make for an interesting discussion. I think that even those of us who are not overly enthused by fantasy stories. To make things easier, I have provided a .rtf copy of the the story as an attachment to this message. That copy is provided under the restrictions on its use as listed by Baen Books in the above quoted paragraphs. See this attachment: Golden Knight.rtf If you prefer, the story is available on line at: http://www.baenebooks.com/10.1125/Baen/9781625792778/9781625792778.htm?blurb Click Chapter "13" in the link box in the left hand margin of that web page. Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Don't forget to bring a friend. LOG ATTACHED: rc log Aug 22 2015.txt
  13. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on August 15th, 2015 (00:30 A.M., August 16th (GMT)), for a discussion of Saving Grace by John M. Floyd. The story is contemporary, a recent offering in the Saturday Evening Post. The story examines the 'rule of unintended consequences' but rather than the usual collateral damage this tale deals with eventual benefits. It's a pleasant read with a happy ending. I think both Star and Nan will like it. I hope to be available for this chat, but Stormy will stand in for me in the event that I am not. My family is spending a long weekend at the beach and I might be involved in family social events. At any rate, I am sure you will enjoy the story and have an interesting chat. The story is available on line at: http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2015/08/07/post-fiction/contemporary-fiction-art-entertainment/saving-grace.html Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Don't forget to bring a friend.
  14. Please join us in #Readers_Corner at 8:30 PM, Saturday August 8th, 2015 (0130 GMT, Sunday, August 9th) for a discussion of the short story The Ruby and the Caldron by Anna Katherine Green. I unearthed this detective story from the collection on 'Read Book On Line'. No murders (sorry Dash) and a happy ending (for EB and Nan). Its a bit longer than our usual offerings, but it is a pleasant and easy read which should not take you too long to absorb. Oh, spoiler alert: the butler did not do it. It is sort of chick storyish but I think even our male readers will enjoy it. The story can be found at: http://www.readbookonline.net/readOnLine/30398/ Location: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Don't forget to bring a friend. LOG ATTACHED: RC-20150808.txt
  15. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on August 1st, 2015 (00:30 A.M., August 2nd (GMT)), for a discussion of Top Chef, Negotiable by Ginny Swart. The story is set in South Africa and tells a cheerful tale of cook who develops two skills simultaneously -- literacy and gourmet international cuisine. It also deals with the interaction of the staff and residents of a home for the elderly (In short, something for each and every one of our regular readers). I will bet a plate of coq au vin that even Nan will enjoy it. I am reasonably sure that I will be available on the 1st of August, however should I prove unable to attend, Stormy has gratiously offered to fill in for me. The story is available from the website: http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/TopChef.shtml A printable copy of the story is available at: http://www.eastoftheweb.com/cgi-bin/version_printable.pl?story_id=TopChef.shtml Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Hope you all can make it, and don't forget to bring a friend Log Attached: RC 20150801 log.txt
  16. Please join us in #Readers_Corner at 8:30 PM, Saturday July 25th, 2015 (0130 GMT, Sunday, July 26th) for a discussion of the short story The Blue House by Graham Templeton. The story is from the eclectic collection on the East of the Web Com website and is a serious look at the psychology of the family members of a murder victim. Its one of those stories that is not fun to read but that you are glad that you read it when you have finished it. I believe you will find it a very interesting topic for our next Readers Corner discussion. The story can be found at: http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/BlueHous.shtml Location: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Don't forget to bring a friend. Log attached: RC Log Jul 25 15.txt
  17. Its a great fiddle song, but not so nice in the video version. Don't inhale if the wind blows the smoke in your direction
  18. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, July 18th, 8:30 PM eastern daylight savings time--and remember it will be Sunday morning, July 19th, 12:30 AM GMT. Please join us for a discussion of a Saturday Evening Post story: King of Chains by Micah Perks. The story is a good one, and I think you will all enjoy it. The story can be found at: http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2015/05/29/post-fiction/contemporary-fiction-art-entertainment/king-chains.html Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner I hope to see all of you there and please; don't forget to bring a friend. Log Attached: Readers Log Jul 18 2015.txt
  19. Birthday Wishes (at our age, congratulations and "happy" wishes are not really appropriate)
  20. happy birthday TV_tech and many many more!
  21. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, July 11th (same time as always--and remember it will be Sunday morning, July 12th on the other side of the International Date Line) Please join us for a discussion of the humorous supernatural fantasy No Strings Attached by Lester Del Rey. (When is a fantasy not a fantasy....well how about when it's almost a shaggy dog story without the egregious pun that is de rigueur for shaggy dog punch lines.) Del Rey is an accomplished science fiction/fantasy writer with a sense of humor sufficiently warped to appeal to the most staid of our readers. I feel certain you will enjoy the story and it should give us sufficient talking points for an interesting chat. The story can be found at: http://www.readbookonline.net/readOnLine/63519/ In any case, I hope to see you in #readers_corner on the 11th (12th of July). Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/chatlogin.php?chan=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Don't forget to bring a friend. LOG ATTACHED: Log Jul 11 2015.rtf
  22. Smiley

    4th of July

    Because of all sorts of family picnics, commitments, travel plans, and other real life events, there will be no readers_corner chat of the 4th of July (aka Independence Day). Watch this space for the story we will discuss on July 11th.
  23. Please join us for our next chat in #readers_corner at 8:30 P.M. (EDST) on June 27th, 2015 (00:30 A.M., June 28th (GMT)), for a discussion of the story The Glass Bottle Trick by Nalo Hopkinson. The story is contemporary, originally published in Whispers from the Cotton Tree Root, edited by Nalo Hopkinson © 2000 by Nalo Hopkinson. It a fantasy based in the African legacy of the Jamaican people. It deals with the superstitions concerning the spirits of the dead. I think you will find it an interesting story to both read and discuss. Hopkinson is an accomplished author currently teaching writing at the University of California, Riverside. A short biography as well as a link to her web site is included with the text of the story. The story is available on line at: http://www.fantasy-magazine.com/new/new-fiction/the-glass-bottle-trick/ Meeting Place: Webchat: http://koach.com/cha...=readers_corner mIRC Users: /server -m chat3.koach.com:6667 -j #readers_corner Hope you all can make it, and don't forget to bring a friend. In recognition of the Caribbean flavor of the story, I will bring a bottle of my house brand Jamaican rum--you will have to bring your own Coke and ice. Log Attached: readers log 6 27 15.rtf
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