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Callahan's June 1996 Bar Rag!


A Toast

With reference to Callahan's and Delphi:
"To the many days of useful "community" and "communication" that are ours for the asking (and a monthly check of course)

******SMASH******* Bob (PILGRIMBOB) -- May 1, 1995


Delphi Is Sold ! Callahan's Will Thrive!

Over the past many months there has been ongoing concern about the future of Delphi --- and accordingly -- Callahan's. Stories of new owners swirled with greater intensity than "Twister." We are pleased to note that Dan Bruns, the former CEO of Delphi, is back as an owner. He sees the text based interface that we have as a marketing asset, so the future looks bright. Delphi has some 50,000 customers -- not all of which come to Callahan's. There are fresh new patrons out there.

We believe the text based system we enjoy on Delphi is indeed superior to the colorful little boxes "out there." It is, and as we have observed, it is the only system for our many visually challenged friends.


Callahan's People

This feature introduces some of the people you might meet at Callahan's, either the original or Callahan's at Delphi.

Rachel -- Rachel was the only woman who appeared at Callahan's Place, in Callahan's Cross-Time Saloon. She was timeless beauty with beautifully haunting eyes and she brought a touch of femininity and warmth to an otherwise rough hewn and masculine bar. She was adored by Fast Eddie, and epitomized Motherhood. She managed to out-pun both Mike and Doc -- perhaps her only flaw.

Angel (TERRIBAILEY) -- Angel is the Conference Manager at Callahan's. She is a timeless beauty with the warmest eyes and most radiant smile you can imagine. She is the mother of twins. Fortunately she is not big on puns. Her quick and sometimes biting wit is plenty to keep the unwary customer off balance. Woe be the unfortunate Newbie that gets on her wrong side. Or anyone who reveals her secrets, one of which is her love for Barry Manilow music.

Fast Eddie -- Fast Eddie played the piano at Callahan's Place. He spoke little, but was a master of the ivories (back then it was still politically OK to call them that.) His only real sign of emotion, other than that so richly expressed through the keyboard, came when he thought Rachel was going to die. Then we saw the depth and complexity of his character. He has been seen playing the piano in the Parlor at Lady Sally's.

John (MEGABITE) -- John is a tender at Callahan's, and has been known to play the Jukebox. Frighteningly, he frequently selects disco, and promptly dresses accordingly. He has also been known to engage in some impromptu table dancing -- presumably (and apparently successfully) to increase tips from about half of the patrons present. John was at the First Gathering and although it is a bit fuzzy ... there is an image of him at 2 a.m. using a bed as a trampoline. When Callahan's is quiet, John operates a computer business.


Special Events

May started off with Shady's (SHADYJAY) birthday. Many well wisher did just that in the Forum and she was guest of honor at her party in conference!

We also observed Doc's Birthday --- May 21. Happy Birthday! Missed him in conference but Happy Birthday Doc! And Bratchild's --- May 23. Missed that one in conference too..:(


Conference Highlights

On May 4 a special Roast was held for long time barkeep Trace (DOVE). This is apparently a different person than Tracy. If you haven't yet, do a /whois Tracy. Angel (TERRIBAILEY) was the MC. Despite various barbs and insults it was clear that Trace is a beloved addition to Callahan's.
******SMASH****** Trace!

On May 25 Angel (TERRIBAILEY) hosted a Chippendale's Bacholorette Party for Cherrie (WUMING). June 8 is the big day, but more on that next month. A good time appeared to have been had by the very few ladies that made it and stuck it out. Angel may have paid other ladies to stay away. At one point the male "entertainers" outnumbered the guests. There are several interesting corollaries to this perfectly harmless and fun event. First, it spawned a forum discussion on strip clubs and their effects (Forum Post 14620). Second, it promises to be the root of a conference on stripping and pornography -- likely in June. Stay tuned.


Forum Notes

The forum was the scene of several instances of shared joy and pain. We were grieved to hear that the 27 year old son of one of our members died of cancer. Any death through disease is tragic. It is doubly so when a parent must lay their child to rest. Thank you Bob (WEAVER) for alerting us of this. Our prayers and wishes go with Carole and Bob. This is particularly painful in that May is highlighted by Mother's Day.

Jeanne (JEANNEK) posted several Mother's Day notes (14515, 14516) which were also bittersweet. It's easy to forget how lucky most of us parents really are.

In post 14535 Roxy (ROXANNEII) shared with us one of her always insightful and thought provoking stories, as it applies to parental vanity with respect to their children. Well worth reading and reflecting on if you are a parent or a parent to be. Some of the responses wove this thread into a fine fabric.

In post 14450 Sly (SLYCAT) shared a sad story about a friend who had elected suicide as the way of solving his problems, but now lies in the hospital with a damaged liver and kidneys. I am sure many of us have been shocked when a friend or acquaintance suddenly takes this drastic step, without any previous symptom of their pain and suffering. It is scary, sometimes, how close we might all be to that point at some stage.

Lou (ROSE8364) opened a series of threads on Women in American Society with post 14446. It did not take long to attract a series of responses. The objective is to develop a list of concerns in three specific areas, and then to address each as time goes on. While these threads contain a great deal of pain, they hold the promise for far more joy. This is thread has grown and split in many directions ... and continues to grow almost daily.

Ari (ARISTOPHENES) has been keeping us updated on his career move to Warsaw. Building a social infrastructure in a formerly communist state is vital, but must be so very tough --- the whole mentality isn't there. Good luck. We know you will do well.

Finally in post 14638 Joey (JOSEPHFRY) shared with us his tale of broken trust and shattered dreams, as they related to a deeply personal relationship. The spirit and love of Callahan's lives on, undeniably, in the responses.


Memorial Day -- May 27, 1996

On the morning of a clouded day,
A woman went to see
The names engraved upon a wall,
That bore them solemnly.

With arms held tight against her chest,
To fight the growing chill,
She read the names of lives cut short,
And dreams left unfulfilled.

Ahead of her she saw a man,
With weathered haunted face
Sitting in his chair with wheels,
That brought him to this place.

She watched him as with withered hand,
He tried to touch a name
Yet struggle as he might the strength
He needed never came.

She walked to him and slowly kneeled,
And looked into his eyes
said, "Sir, I'll help you touch
The name that you have recognized."

With shaking voice he answered her,
A gruffness to his tone
"I need no help. If it takes all day,
I'll touch this wall alone."

My limbs may be of little use,
but for all that I may lack
So far from home this boy's life ceased...
At least I made it back.

I owe him now to find the strength
To touch it on my own
To honor my friend's memory,
And how briefly his light shone."

She gathered her words carefully,
As she gazed upon his face
"We all have different reasons, Sir,
For coming to this place.

I was just a child then
When you were over there
And could never hope to understand
The pain that you still bear.

But those of us who stayed behind
Were touched in our own way
We bear the scars of loved ones lost,
In places far away.

Our brothers, sisters, fathers who
Returned not quite the same
We watched with helpless agony,
And wished to ease their pain.

We none of us were left untouched
By all that you went through
And you'd be helping me, Sir,
By letting me help you."

He nodded slightly...wordlessly...
And offered her his hand.
Then woman, tired soldier,
Little girl and lost young man

Whispering together,
"Buddy, this is from us all"
Reached out hand in hand
And touched the name upon the wall.

Copyright @ Tracy (DOVE)
- Memorial Day 1996, observed


Party Time

A third gathering is planned for August 23 to 26 in Toronto, Ontario. The gathering will include a picnic on the Toronto Islands (a short ferry ride from Toronto), a tour of the CN Tower -- the world's tallest freestanding structure, and a day trip to Niagara Falls. Lots of other activities and party opportunities too. Please make plans to attend. More information is available by e-mailing Kak (ALKAK000).


A Closing Quote

"Why? .............................. Why Not?"
- Timothy Leary's final words. May 31, 1996. He's on the outside looking in, now. - Thanks for the trip, man. ****SMASH****


Who's Who

Nick (NGREENE) -- Owner of Callahan's on Delphi
Cat (CATMOORE) -- General Manager
Angel (TERRIBAILEY) -- Conference Manager
Shady (SHADYJAY) -- Forum Manager
Leo (LEOMUNDE) -- General Staff


Joining Callahan's

Joining Delphi is easy and FREE. The easiest way is to visit our web page. Just click on the "Forum" or "Chat" link and you'll automatically be sent to the registration area... Then you can post on our message boards and join in our conferences.

It's FREE!!! Come visit us!


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