Path: mit-eddie!mit-amt!snorkelwacker!think!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!cs.utexas.edu!mailrus!iuvax!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!newton.physics.purdue.edu!maxwell.physics.purdue.edu!sterling From: sterling@maxwell.physics.purdue.edu (Bruce S. Woodcock) Newsgroups: alt.callahans Subject: Re: A heartfelt thanks... Message-ID: <3313@newton.physics.purdue.edu> Date: 15 Mar 90 19:18:02 GMT References: Sender: news@newton.physics.purdue.edu Reply-To: sterling@maxwell.physics.purdue.edu.UUCP (Bruce S. Woodcock) Organization: Purdue Univ. Physics Dept., W. Lafayette, IN Lines: 92 In article jm7w+@andrew.cmu.edu (Joelle Ann Mellon) writes: >Joelle, overwhelmed by all of the uproar Taldin's announcement has >caused, looks around at the company, grinning and eyes slightly widened. > "Thank you for all of the good wishes I seem to be getting from >everybody! I never expected so many toasts, private congratulations and >even banners from all of you. I am glad that Taldin has been keeping >such good company. By the way, he mentioned to me that at one point he >had been complaining that he would never find a soulmate. Is this why >all of you are so extremely pleased that he did? Honestly -- what a >reaction!" Let me offer my congratulations as well. A truly wonderful event, whether it happens to Taldin or you or anyone. I cannot be more happy for you. And for the world. It is my belief that the amount of love in the universe always increases, like entropy. And TRUE LOVE (tm) lasts forever.... > "Tal has gone back home now though and we must wait until we meet >again in real space and time. Until then, we must attempt to be >together as often as possible through letters, phone calls, and of >course, the computer (what a way for a technophobe to be with the man >who loves her!). Yes, I am saddened by his absence, but we have >definitely made some memories that will last a long time. (Any advice >on long distance relationships, anyone?)" > "For now, however, in return for all of your wishes of joy, I >offer you this: What you wish for others often returns to you....Perhaps >I can help it along...She rubs Taldin's horn and comes up with a handful >of silver dust. Those who love truly often times can use the power of >love to help others. I offer you a charm crafted from this energy. Any >who is touched by this powder shall find that when he meets his >soulmate, he shall be seized with warm tingles so intense that he cannot >doubt his heart. Thus, you will better be able to recognize him/her. >Hope this works..." > She holds her hand out flat and blows. The specks shimmer and >dance in the air like dust motes, then blow through the room, touching >some of the company. > "May the joy that fate has brought us do you all some good." I am.... deeply grateful. I believe in my heart that this will work. I do experience some fear, however, because now I may walk out of this room and meet my soulmate and they will already be taken! This is a tremendous gift, although it also has some drawbacks... My own quest has not been entirely successful lately. I`ve been spreading the justice of love and happiness throughout the land, helping those in need and offering advice to those who ask, and I have seen many a relationship bloom. Recently I was asked to be best man at a wedding; the two are my friends, and despite the fact I can`t afford to rent a tux, I said I would be honored. I have yet to figure out where I`ll get the money.... But my own quest for love has failed. I`m 0 for 5 the past two years, and have begun to lose my faith. But as depression neared, I read of your happiness, and gained renewed strength. Callahan`s is truly a wondeful place and my finding it is definitely one of the best moments of my life. I`ve changed a lot since I took up the cause about two years ago (I was all masks and lies before), and have been happier for it. But if only my beliefs would work for me... Am I being too selfish here? All women agree I`m a great guy, but either I`m not right for them, or they`re already taken, or they don`t want a relationship, or something. As frustration levels run high, depression begins to set in... but this is a happy occassion, and I have a duty to perform for all of you to witness... Taldin, I recently read than the horn of a blue unicorn is sometimes used by evil wizards in certain magical preperations. It may be why your species is now close to extinction... Your situation gives me a new perspective on the plight of the endangered species on the world of realspace... > She then curtsies in what she hopes is a graceful fashion to the >company, and retires to a place in the shadow of the fire with Taldin. > > > May you find true peace and pure love, > > -- Joelle Sir Bruce Sterling walks over to Taldin`s table (with a quick wave to Jilara, whom he can now see and vice-versa) and speaks solemly. "I was a little hurt that you didn`t mention my name earlier. I may not post much, but still.. But I am sincerely interested, being a writer myself. I would love to be involved in your project. But first, you two must be properly rewarded." Sterling calls out to Mike for his sword. Mike carefully brings Cassiopeia from her safe place and presents it to the paladin. "Hold on a sec, Mike, and I`ll give this back to you to keep. Now, Taldin and Joelle, since you two have found TRUE LOVE (tm), and will be bonded forever, it is my duty to properly initiate you both into the Knightly Order of True Love. I do not do this lightly, my friends, but my heart tells me that you are worthy." Sterling passes his sword over them both, then crosses it from one side of Taldin`s horn to Joelle`s shoulder, then form Joelle`s other shoulder to the other side of Taldin`s horn. "A bond between you is now forged, which I shall defend with my blood, and it shall never be broken. What love has brought together, let no man (or woman) tear asunder!" The ceremony complete, Sir Bruce relinquishes his sword back to Mike, and relaxes by the fire next to Jilara and Alaric. Path: mit-eddie!snorkelwacker!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!fsdcupt.csd.mot.COM!jane From: jane@fsdcupt.csd.mot.COM (Jane Beckman x4030) Newsgroups: alt.callahans Subject: Horsemen... Message-ID: <9003151641.AA05600@fsdcupt.csd.mot.COM> Date: 16 Mar 90 00:41:27 GMT Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU Lines: 32 Something odd is happening outside Callahans. The sky has suddenly darkened and rain has begun pelting. A chill wind suddenly gusts in through the windows and blows loose papers around. The fire suddenly goes out in a single puff, as ashes suddenly blow into the bar in a cloud that sends the nearer people choking and sneezing. The door bursts open. The temperature suddenly plummets, and the less-warmly dressed suddenly find their teeth chattering. Four horsemen suddenly clatter into the Place. "Hey!" Callahan growls, "leave the horses parked outside..." His voice trails off as he notices there is a odd shimmer to the black-cloaked figures who ride them, and it's rather hard to see anyone under the hoods of the cloaks. "We're looking for Cynic," one hisses. "Have you seen him?" "I think he and Jilara stepped out to talk," Nick says, looking morosely at the spray of ash and broken glass over by the fireplace. "Thank you..." hisses the rider. "Uh, just a minute," Nick says, brushing fuzzies off into a pile on the floor. "If you find Cynic, could you deliver these to him? I seem to have a surplus and Jilara said he needed them." "I ssssupposssee..." says the Rider, and Nick heaps fuzzies on each horse. "Thanks!" he says, and the riders turn and head out. Mike Callahan rolls his eyes. "I'm not sure I want to even contemplate what you just did!" "Hey, at least I got rid of all these fuzzies," Nick says innocently. "Hey, wait, I've still got one!" And he lifts up the funnel on his head and pulls out a fuzzy. Path: mit-eddie!snorkelwacker!usc!ucsd!sdcc6!sdbio2!secbh1 From: secbh1@sdbio2.ucsd.edu (Lori Stahlman) Newsgroups: alt.callahans Subject: Re: Metaphysics and Angst Message-ID: <9098@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> Date: 16 Mar 90 01:36:56 GMT References: <8505@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> Sender: news@sdcc6.ucsd.edu Reply-To: secbh1@sdbio2.ucsd.edu (Lori Stahlman) Organization: University of California, San Diego Lines: 55 >"To pointlessness" > ><**CRASH**> >"I wonder if anyone here lies awake in the middle of the night, >petrified with fear about the future like I do? Does anyone else >see the crap behind all this hype to succeed, to compete, to further >the rat race? How can anyone be totally wrapped up in getting a >good job, looking for maximum money without considering the >happiness factor? Betsy Bo looks up from a copy of The Tanakh. She smiles a really big smile at Eric before she giggles and romps over to where he sits. She takes a seat and puts both elbows on the table. "Funny you should mention fear of the future, Eric. I made up my own name for your type of condition: I call it the 'Pre-Post-Baccalaureate-Oh-My-Gods.' Since the time I created the name, I've found out that it's a very common condition among soon-to-be college grads. Which is why it was so surprising when it hit me two months before graduation and I had no idea why I was suddenly so mentally ill. "What is it? Fear of change. Realizing that an era in your life is ending and you can never return to it. Suddenly having to _do_ something with yourself. How do you cope with it? I can't tell you, but I can make some recommendations: Take a lot of walks. Be patient. Find substitutes, be they temporary or permanent, for the things you really miss. And don't be afraid to lean on people. This is when you need their help the most! Please believe me, Eric, when I tell you it's not pointless. Think of the freedom of shaping your life the way _you_ want it to be. I know that, after having been in school all my life, I was scared to death of suddenly having no one to plan my agenda for me. Now, two years later, my life may not be perfect, but I've made it what it is, and I find that immensely satisfying. You will too. Remember: Patience. Substitutes. People. And a lot of really long walks. >"I'll step down now, but if anyone understands this at all, please >let me know." "See the above. And don't forget, there's e-mail." >He looks exhausted as he goes back to his table. He looks as though >he'd like someone to come over and join him, but is too shy to >just sit with anyone he'd like t get to know. Maybe you know >the feeling. Alone in a crowd, that's Eric, sometimes. Betsy Bo pulls a Slinky out of her pocket and makes it walk from her shoulder to her hand, onto her knee, down her calf and onto her foot, where it wobbles for a moment before it gently steps onto the floor. She winks at Eric, and is rewarded for her efforts with a small, encouraging smile. Path: mit-eddie!snorkelwacker!think!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!brutus.cs.uiuc.edu!psuvax1!xavier!news From: nap92@campus.swarthmore.edu Newsgroups: alt.callahans Subject: Schtuff in general... Message-ID: <06AGL3D@xavier.swarthmore.edu> Date: 16 Mar 90 02:43:43 GMT Sender: news@xavier.swarthmore.edu (USENET News System) Organization: Swarthmore College Lines: 39 -Message-Text-Follows- "Wow, posting twice in one day! Couple of things to say...First, part of my post seems to have gone astray. I seem to have this problem with followups.....Anyway, I had included a post (I'm embarrassed to say that I can't remember which.) that said that Cynic should not leave unless he himself decided to. "Speaking from my own experience about Love and Soulmates, and love and friends, and all the degrees inbetween.... I haven't yet found my Soulmate, at least that I recognize. But there is a man that I dearly love, in a way different from that in which I love my other friends. I have had other such relationships (in some of which I broke a trust, and others of which my trust was broken. I am not blameless." And here Nao gazes sadly into the fire, outwards into the bar, and up into the rafters. "But I cannot say that those were failed relationships, ar that I am any less happy for not having found my One True Love. I have drunk the cup of bitterness in the very act of giving it to others. But I have learned from my mistakes! (I hope) And I have had some of my happiest moments in the most intensely painful of those relationships. I cannot say that they were failures. And I cannot say that I won't be happy if I don't find the One. And I refuse to say that I cannot find great happiness sharing my life with someone I love deeply, even if I don't Know with all my heart that they are my Soulmate. I hope Soulmates exist, but I'm not going to pine my life away waiting for one, either. I'm going to be happy, dammit! And even when I'm not sharing my time with someone I think is wonderful, I have my friends. I love them just as much (and sometimes more) in a different way (even if I sometimes get mad at them.)" She grins, fidgeting her fingers on the teacup she's holding. "Enough seriousness. ANyway, my father wants me off of the modem soon. Just wanted to say that Ursula K. LeGuin's new Earthsea book is out. Saw it in Waldenbooks; it's called _Tehanu_. I haven't read it yet, so I don't know what it's about. The first book was about growing up, and so was the second, and the third was about death.......Gotta go!" *hugs and warm fuzzies* Nao ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Nao Parkhurst |"Light is the left hand of darkness | | NAP92@campus.swarthmore.edu | and darkness the right hand of light." | | NAP92@swarthmr.bitnet | -Ursula K. LeGuin | Path: mit-eddie!snorkelwacker!usc!brutus.cs.uiuc.edu!psuvax1!psuvm!jls139 From: JLS139@psuvm.psu.edu (Abaddon) Newsgroups: alt.callahans Subject: Re: Metaphysics and Angst Message-ID: <90074.175942JLS139@psuvm.psu.edu> Date: 15 Mar 90 22:59:42 GMT References: <8505@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> Organization: Penn State University Lines: 55 In article <8505@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>, gtz@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Eric C. Garrison) says: > >"However, I find an old problem in metaphysics bugging me: why are we >here? What is the point? Why do I bother getting up in the morning? > Why does there have to be a point? Maybe the point is to find out that there is no point. :-; > >"I wonder if anyone here lies awake in the middle of the night, >petrified with fear about the future like I do? Does anyone else I for one do (not always), and no doubt just about everyone. But perhaps fear is too strong a word now (I used to fear). Better to say I still have my doubts and that I am apprehensive about what the future may bring. Best to take this as just a survival instinct. (The point is to survive?) >see the crap behind all this hype to succeed, to compete, to further >the rat race? How can anyone be totally wrapped up in getting a >good job, looking for maximum money without considering the >happiness factor? > For many people happiness and success are synonimous. If you're not concerned with success and feel happier without it, then by all means feel free to run at your own pace (or stand still if you like). Just keep in mind, that if you don't run with the rest of the pack, you probably won't get as many cookies. In fact you may only get the crumbs that are left over. Survival favors that agression that drives us to 'succeed' ('though there are exceptions - human ingenuity helps). >"I'll step down now, but if anyone understands this at all, please >let me know." > Oh, I think I understand well enough. >He looks exhausted as he goes back to his table. He looks as though >he'd like someone to come over and join him, but is too shy to >just sit with anyone he'd like t get to know. Maybe you know >the feeling. Alone in a crowd, that's Eric, sometimes. > >Eric C. Garrison >ericg@ei.ecn.purdue.edu Hey, you (or anyone for that matter) can join me anytime you wish. That's what I'm here for - I enjoy a wide range of discussions. I can be a good listener and don't mind sharing my own experiences with those that are interested. However, don't expect me to join you unless you ask as I happen to like staying close to the shadows for the time being. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ...jeff stine......Abaddon... "fiery the angels fell..." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Path: mit-eddie!bu.edu!bu-pub.bu.edu!ckd From: ckd@bu-pub.bu.edu (Christopher Davis) Newsgroups: alt.callahans Subject: Re: My Apology Message-ID: Date: 16 Mar 90 03:44:43 GMT References: <9062@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> Sender: news@bu.edu.bu.edu Reply-To: ckd@bu-pub.bu.edu (Christopher Davis) Organization: Boston University School of Management Lines: 34 In-reply-to: secbh1@sdbio2.ucsd.edu's message of 15 Mar 90 19:15:54 GMT Quoth the Cynic... > In conclusion, I offer again to leave Callahan's for good > as punishment if the clientele deems it necessary. "No! "We aren't here to punish. We're here to help. You cried out, in your hurt, and--yes--you hurt some of us, lashing out...but we *don't* punish. We listen, we support, we CARE, dammit!" > Doug gets up slowly and crosses to Betsy Bo. He looks at her > and looks as if he wants to thank her for her sole defence > of him, but he cannot say anymore, and he turns and leaves > the bar, posting a note on his way out. > The note: > Goodbye > My heart does not feel what my ears have heard, > these whole and wholesome, healthy words. "Maybe you haven't seen the postings yet. I know your net.connections have been flaky. But I have seen *lots* of support, and no requests for you to leave, even from those you hurt the most. "You can choose to stay, or you can choose to leave. We will not force your decision either way--such is not the way of this Place. "But we care, *I* care, and I want you to stay. I ask you to." -- Christopher Davis, BU SMG '90 <...!bu.edu!bu-pub!ckd> "Basic upshot - get your science straight, or start getting used to the taste of your Nikes." --Siobahn Morgan, thebang@blake.acs.washington.edu Newsgroups: alt.callahans Path: mit-eddie!mintaka!chaos.cs.brandeis.edu!adam From: adam@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu (David C. Kaplowitz) Subject: Re: Betsy Bo's Questions In-Reply-To: secbh1@sdbio2.ucsd.edu's message of 15 Mar 90 01:09:52 GMT Message-ID: <1990Mar16.035010.29289@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu> Organization: Brandeis University Computer Science Dept References: <9028@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> Date: Fri, 16 Mar 90 03:50:10 GMT Lines: 47 The large fellow so "dilligently" reading swivles his (high backed) chair towards Betsy Bo after the furvor has died down. "Ya know what? You just helped me put my finger on why the "Star treck" intrusion bothered me so. I love (there goes that slippery word again) everyone who is here (even those of you who I haven't met due to your choice of seclusion or the fact that you left before I arrived or ... ) just because you (collectively and singly) have made this into sort of a home for me. A home filled with caring people who are more than willing to take some time and drag me out of the dumps, to call me dayly to make sure I haven't totally given up all hope, to share their joys and their laughter, to speak of good and bad to carry on horrific pun wars for no other purpose than fun, to show that life is exciting and varied from all points." "It is good here. This is a place that I am surrounded by caring people (and I know I have to have a lot of people around me to surround me ... ) and to have people inserting irrevelancies into this place and then claiming credit for it, it made ma a bit peeved. When cynic (Yes my bright eyed friend, there still are some people out here who are depressingly unable to bring you greater cheer but are still trying.) chucked an inciniary, I was right behind him in it. (Well at least cheering him on. A new type of toast? Where did yeoman Jacobwitz go again?) How about that? I said something coherent today, and I was even serious about it. Anybody got a thermomiter?" "Hey Nick, got enough solid pieces to make a glass harmonica? I have a few dead that I would like to wake ..." "Oh, and by the way philbo, gug, thank you, fnord. (I know that you are out here somewhere ...) Has anyone seen a fringe gate in here? I apparently was just elected president of an on-campus club specializing in 'Creative Fantasy' and I am looking for bizarre technological or flashy things to get people's attention. Any suggestions or advice is hereby solicited. Hey Gilly, I saw that wince, I know, what kind of silly people put me in a position of power, I'm lible to do something ... creative." "To all of you people, human and otherwise, I propose a toast." "To change, may the rolling stone gather momentum!" <*Crash> ("oops, sorry nick, I really should improve my aim, but it gets so hard to stand up nowadays ... ") Traveler In Elephants Dave -- Newsgroups: alt.callahans Path: mit-eddie!mintaka!chaos.cs.brandeis.edu!adam From: adam@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu (David C. Kaplowitz) Subject: Re: Hell In-Reply-To: JLS139@psuvm.psu.edu's message of 14 Mar 90 22:39:15 GMT Message-ID: <1990Mar16.035736.29556@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu> Organization: Brandeis University Computer Science Dept References: <9060035@hpfcso.HP.COM> <9060037@hpfcso.HP.COM> <90073.173915JLS139@psuvm.psu.edu> Date: Fri, 16 Mar 90 03:57:36 GMT Lines: 19 "I had always thought that the gateway of hell was patrolled by a PTO board, but someone just said something about a multi-cranial canine? Cerebus? Something like that. What is the difference, with the PTO, it still is a dog-eat-dog plan of attendence." "Which reminds me of a friend of mine who walked into a bar carring a rabbit, when he got the barkeep's attention he asked to have the poor thing cut up and served to him. In responce to the raised eyebrows he said that this bunch of fur lived in the tree that fell on his car this morning ... he had wanted some of the hair of the log that hit him." <*Grin> "Not so fast quickpaws, I like that ankle very much, and I saw what you can do to stationary objects ... and Nick." Traveler In Elephants Dave -- Path: mit-eddie!snorkelwacker!husc6!husc4!polito From: polito@husc4.HARVARD.EDU (Maya) Newsgroups: alt.callahans Subject: Hello! Message-ID: <2241@husc6.harvard.edu> Date: 16 Mar 90 00:14:15 GMT Sender: news@husc6.harvard.edu Reply-To: polito@husc4.UUCP (Maya) Organization: Harvard University Science Center Cambridge, MA Lines: 63 Path: mit-eddie!mintaka!yale!think!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!brutus.cs.uiuc.edu!psuvax1!psuvm!emd101 From: EMD101@psuvm.psu.edu Newsgroups: alt.callahans Subject: the CMU gather Message-ID: <90074.220402EMD101@psuvm.psu.edu> Date: 16 Mar 90 03:04:02 GMT Organization: Penn State University Lines: 21 Oktave, who should be doing her Russian homework, but is in too much of a hurry, walks briskly into the room, sniffing the acrid smoke of the apocolypse with a concerned expression. Conveniently, she is in time to hear the comments regarding a meeting at CMU. "Well," she begins, "It looks to me like we'll be meeting in Scotland Yard in Skibo on Saturday at noon. I will also be in town Friday. If anyone wants to keep me company between interviewtime and bustime, mail me your phone number. I'll check my mail for the last time around 10am Friday morning. What kind of pretzels do you like?" Without waiting for a reply, Oktave turns and leaves. A gust of wind picks up and washes through the room, leaving the clean, heady smell of thunderstorm. The air is cool and alert. More wind sings outside. Why haven't you stopped to wonder why? Why should this world be singing?