DRAGONSHELF AND THE DROVER XXXIX

     The ship that might be the Dragonshelf dropped almost straight down on the nasty-looking orange and black one.  Nubry had known Bott could fly, but watching it from here made that really obvious.  If only he hadn’t been a pirate as well!  Her eyes moved to where the captioned dialogue was rolling up theContinue reading “DRAGONSHELF AND THE DROVER XXXIX”

Oh, a Cowboy Needs a….

     The Western’s popularity rises and falls, but has not gone away for at least a century and a half.  The last big era for postcards coincided with an era that valued Westerns highly: they were still popular in cheap, kid-friendly movies (“oaters”), proliferated across radio (“Return with us now to the thrilling days ofContinue reading “Oh, a Cowboy Needs a….”

DRAGONSHELF AND THE DROVER XXXVIII

     At the height of the high white flight of stairs was a small landing and a tall wooden door.  Bott and his crew studied it for a moment without detecting spikes, poisoned nails, or opening for projectiles.  It lacked even a knocker with a nasty expression.  One hand on a grenade, Bott turned theContinue reading “DRAGONSHELF AND THE DROVER XXXVIII”

Comedy Archaeology Quiz

     Every now and then, when I feel like living dangerously, I consider writing a series called “Is That Still Funny?”, in which I would examine the comedy that made me laugh when I was growing up.  I have it all figured out: how I will guard myself against laughing simply from nostalgia, how weContinue reading “Comedy Archaeology Quiz”

NOTE IN PASSING: Nathalie

     It is with shock that I note the death, at 102 oerthereabouts, of another Book Fair buddy, perhaps one of the most significant, Nathalie F. Alberts.  I am sorry the obituary did not mention (or I didn’t catch it) who put the H in “Nathalie”, but she probably spent a great deal of timeContinue reading “NOTE IN PASSING: Nathalie”

MIDWEEK FICTION: All Write and No Play

     “Now, Mr. Edison, about this latest contraption of yours….”      “Yes. I call it the ‘autopen’. You sign your name on this template and load it into the machine, and the stylus follows that signature to sign it as many times as needed. It should be a godsend to the busy executive who mustContinue reading “MIDWEEK FICTION: All Write and No Play”

DRAGONSHELF AND THE DROVER XXVII

     Bott hit the floor, and had enough experience by now to scoot out of the way before looking to see where he’d landed.  The most immediate threat was coming down the chute.      “Wheeee-boomps!” shouted Louba, legs spreading left and wide as she tumbled toward the floor.  ”Ah…yoo-hah!  Wanna watch where ‘em knee bonesContinue reading “DRAGONSHELF AND THE DROVER XXVII”

FICTION FRIDAY: Castoffs

     “Good afternoon, Madame.  What can I do for you today?”      “I’m not sure.  I found these things in a ditch but when I took them home, I noticed that this, particularly, seemed to attract small birds.”      “Ah yes.  I recognize the decoration style.  What you very likely have there, Madame, are someContinue reading “FICTION FRIDAY: Castoffs”