Obscure Fic rec-- and thanks

[hobgoblinn]

Happy Feast of Stephen, all.

I haven't had much time to read and catch up today, but I stumbled across this site mythichistorian recced-- and while I didn't know the fandom for the story she recced, I started surfing around the site and found THIS.

I don't know how many of you are familiar with Spider Robinson and Callahan's place, but the above story link represents a story that, while fan fiction, will make you want to go read the real thing-- it's that good. And maybe, if anyone's a little low after the holidays, Callahan's place will be the remedy for you.

I guess in some ways, this little community of friends is a lot like a Callahan's place-- people who are otherwise complete strangers, sharing joys and sorrows and a hell of a lot of fun. Only difference is, you have to mix your own drinks and music, and perhaps, luckily, the level of punning is not usually so lethal. And I am so very thankful to be here.

That's all I wanted to say. Hope everyone has been having a fun extended weekend and/or holiday.

Comments

[clavally.livejournal.com]

I read it, but was a little lost. Presumably because I'm not familiar with the original. Is Callhan's Place like a modern day Canterbury Tales?

[hobgoblinn.livejournal.com]

That's an interesting question. I never thought about it that way, but the naswer is, kind of. Here's how Spider himself introduces the Place, in "The Guy with the Eyes":

"If you've never been to Callahan's place, God's pity on you. Seek it in the wilds of Suffolk County, but look not for neon. A simple, hand-lettered sign....

Inside, several heresies.

First, the light is about as bright as you keep your living room. Callahan maintains that people who like to drink in caves are unstable.

Second, there's a flat rate. Every drink in the house is half a buck, with the option. The option operates as follows.

You place a one dollar bill on the bar. If all you have on you is a fin, you trot across the street to the all night deli, get change, come back and put a one dollar bill on the bar....

You are served your poison-of-choice. You inhale this, and confront the option. You may, as you leave, pick up two quarters from the always full cigar box at the end of the bar and exit into the night. Or you may, upon finishing your drink, stride up to the the chalk line in the middle of the room, announce a toast (this is mandatory) and hurl your glass into the huge, oldfashioned fireplace which takes up most of the back wall....."

The tales come from all the very interesting things which happen in this bar, many of which are started by the obligatory toast. The best story, in my opinion, is the second in the book, "The Time Traveller." the stories are short-- you should read a few while you're on vacation.

[clavally.livejournal.com]

Deffinitely sounds like the Canterbury Tales. Ok, you've piqued my interest. Will have to look it up at the library!