The Koan & Post-it Note A couple of poems.  The Koan is short poem about my MTV generation son meeting the Buddha and Post-it Note is actually about the wonderful usefulness of Post-it Notes.  Go figure.
	The Table Though most of their content is mainstream fiction(whether that's due to the submissions they tend to get, or editor preference, I couldn't say), The First Line does publish some excellent science fiction tales. I thought I should point out that this summer's issue has a very nice slice of dark sci fi, "The Table" by PD Casteel. The premise is bizarre, but only in societal terms, not in technological believability, and hence the bizarreness makes it rather disturbing in its own way. The writing is concise and compelling, drawing you into the nightmare world of the story to the extent that it feels believable, if only for a minute. If you've been thinking about picking up a sample copy of The First Line, give volume 9 issue 2 a shot. It's a mere pittance of $3(plus 50 cents shipping and handling), and "The Table" gives it more speculative fiction value than most of their issues. Robert Orme
	The Barons Set in 1961 Birmingham, Alabama The Barons tell the story of two ball players, one white and one black, attempting to do something no one has ever pulled off in Birmingham. The Barons  is now available to read on line.
	Air Described by an editor from Esquire as eerily engaging Air explores the kinship and loneliness of digital enculturation.  From the prestigious journal, Fiction International, that published the likes of William Burroughs.
	Younger It's all a matter of perspective.  Lynx Eye Literary Journal.
	Marshall's Spring GOING INTO EXTRA INNINGS: THE LONG BASEBALL STORY edited by Peter Rutkoff, Director, American Studies, Kenyon College.  Three ardent fans, who happen to be first-rate storytellers, stand up at home plate in their own unique writing stances and swing away with fresh insights into the Great American Game of Baseball. Printed from metal type on 70 lb. Mohawk Vellum, this letterpress edition features these fine hardball stories:  "The Manager" by Frank O'Rourke, "Marshall's Spring" by PD Casteel and "Dream Team" by William J. McGill. Wood engravings by Frank C. Eckmair. Softcover edition: $16.00+shipping.ISBN: 0-913559-91-1.
	Detention Diatribe Quite an ugly tale.  You'll have to find this one on your own.
	Check Swing Joe Harnett is the host of “The Old Ball Game”. Joe is a thirty-year radio veteran, spending most of his years on the air in Philadelphia. Joe also managed a recording studio for ten years. It was during his years as a studio manager that Joe met many of the voices you hear on the show. Joe is a self-described baseball nut and will show his two Mickey Mantle autographs if asked.  Click over to audio page to have a listen.
	The Percussionist A short tribute to my oldest son.