3.27.2012

Eternal Rest Grant Him, O Lord ... For Gregg Margarite

I had the privilege of "meeting" Gregg on SFFaudio and he seemed larger than life somehow, so it was with great shock that I heard via SFFaudio that he died of a sudden heart attack.

This is such a shock and I am really sad because I’m going to miss Gregg so much. He was pervasive in my life, whether via his many LibriVox readings, hearing his conversations on the SFFaudio podcast, or our sparring on the occasional SFFaudio podcasts we were on (as is only natural for an outspoken Catholic and an outspoken existentialist). I am doubly sad because I always cherished the hope that I would get to New York City and be able to have cocktails with him.

Maureen commented at SFFaudio that she suspected Philip K. Dick is now showing Gregg around the afterlife and that made me laugh. It made me hope that that stubborn existentialist took the chance offered at the last second to grasp Christ's hand and get to meet all those fine authors who have gone before him and whose work he read so well for LibriVox. And I am praying that when I get to Purgatory, they'll either tell me he's gone on ahead ... or he'll wave a hand at the chair next to his.

Gregg, we will all miss you very much.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
And may Gregg see your face, Lord. This I pray.

Cross-posted from Happy Catholic.

3.16.2012

Episode 183: Genesis, chapters 45-46


In which there is a family reunion.

Episode 183, chapters 45-46
(download or listen via this link)
NOTE: The mp3 files says 46-47 ... that is my error. The file actually contains chapters 45-46. Sorry!
Book Information
  • This book is under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
  • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
  • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
  • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
    Podcast Highlights
    Mentioned Links

    3.07.2012

    Episode 182: Bridge of Birds, chapters 16-17

    In which Legs of Great Power can only carry us so far and
    we meet an old acquaintance who tells of a blessing in disguise.
    Episode 182, chapters 16-17
    (download or listen via this link)

    Book Information
    • Story rating: PG-13 for occasional adult situations.
    • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted permission by author Barry Hughart to read Bridge of Birds. Please contact Mr. Hughart or his agent for any permissions.
    • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Bridge of Birds and the other two books in the trilogy that comprise The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox. It is available on Kindle too!
    • More information about Barry Hughart
    • Subterranean Press
    Podcast Highlight
    Other Links

    2.21.2012

    Episode 181: Genesis, chapters 43-44


    In which Joseph turns up the pressure and Judah steps up to the challenge.

    Episode 181, chapters 43-44
    (download or listen via this link)
    Book Information
    • This book is under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
    • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
    • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
    • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
      Podcast Highlight
      Mentioned Links

      2.09.2012

      Episode 180: Bridge of Birds, chapters 14-15

      In which Number Ten Ox and Master Li encounter a tiger, a dragon, and a ghost.
      Episode 180, chapters 14-15
      (download or listen via this link)

      Book Information
      • Story rating: PG-13 for occasional adult situations.
      • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted permission by author Barry Hughart to read Bridge of Birds. Please contact Mr. Hughart or his agent for any permissions.
      • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Bridge of Birds and the other two books in the trilogy that comprise The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox. It is available on Kindle too!
      • More information about Barry Hughart
      • Subterranean Press
      Podcast Highlight

      1.24.2012

      Episode 179: Genesis, chapter 42


      In which Joseph's brothers ask for food from Pharaoh's mysterious administrator.

      Episode 179, chapters 42
      (download or listen via this link)
      Book Information
      • This book is under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
      • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
      • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
      • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
        Mentioned Links

        1.05.2012

        Episode 178: Bridge of Birds, chapters 12-13

        In which we learn about the Duke of Ch'in,
        after which Master Li and Number Ten Ox try to get rich quick.
        Episode 178, chapters 12-13
        (download or listen via this link)

        Book Information
        • Story rating: PG-13 for occasional adult situations.
        • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted permission by author Barry Hughart to read Bridge of Birds. Please contact Mr. Hughart or his agent for any permissions.
        • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Bridge of Birds and the other two books in the trilogy that comprise The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox. It is available on Kindle too!
        • More information about Barry Hughart
        • Subterranean Press
        Highlight
        My Huffduffer Feed
        (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

        12.27.2011

        Forgotten Tales 4: The Steadfast Tin Soldier

        Hans Christian Andersen: The Complete Fairy Tales and Stories (Anchor Folktale Library) 
        In which Hans Christian Andersen's soldier proves his mettle in various adventures.
        (download or listen via this link)


        References:
        Read more of Hans Christian Andersen's works here.

        12.21.2011

        Episode 177 - Christmas Special: The Moon of the Trees Broken by Snow


        In which Louis L'Amour gives us a different kind of Christmas story.


        Episode 177, The Moon of the Trees Broken by Snow
        (download or listen via this link)
        Book Information

            12.17.2011

            Lagniappe 50: Cool for Cats

            In which the author reads for us ... Chapter 1 of Cool for Cats by Andrew Ordover

            Cool for Cats
            (listen or download from link above)
            A new detective with a distinctive voice.

            According to Webster
            la·gniappe \ˈlan-ËŒyap, lan-ˈ\
            Function:
            noun
            Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
            Date: 1844
            : a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
            broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

            12.15.2011

            Episode 176: Genesis, chapter 41


            In which Pharaoh has nightmares and Joseph takes charge.

            Episode 176, chapters 41
            (download or listen via this link)
            Book Information
            • This book is under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
            • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
            • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
            • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
              Mentioned Links

              12.09.2011

              Episode 175: Bridge of Birds, chapters 10-11

              In which the reason for murder is revealed and Master Li tells a story.
              Episode 175, chapters 10-11
              (download or listen via this link)

              Book Information
              • Story rating: PG-13 for occasional adult situations.
              • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted permission by author Barry Hughart to read Bridge of Birds. Please contact Mr. Hughart or his agent for any permissions.
              • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Bridge of Birds and the other two books in the trilogy that comprise The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox. It is available on Kindle too!
              • More information about Barry Hughart
              • Subterranean Press
              Highlight
              My Huffduffer Feed
              (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

              12.03.2011

              Episode 174: Genesis, chapters 39-40


              In which Joseph acts honorably and is tossed into the clink where everyone has a dream.

              Episode 174, chapters 39-40
              (download or listen via this link)

              Book Information
              • This book is under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
              • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
              • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
              • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
              Podcast Highlight
                Mentioned Links
                My Huffduffer Feed
                (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                11.25.2011

                Episode 173: Bridge of Birds, chapters 7-9

                In which we hear about a dancing girl, see ghosts, and have a brief interlude for murder.
                Episode 173, chapters 7-9
                (download or listen via this link)

                Book Information
                • Story rating: PG-13 for occasional adult situations.
                • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted permission by author Barry Hughart to read Bridge of Birds. Please contact Mr. Hughart or his agent for any permissions.
                • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Bridge of Birds and the other two books in the trilogy that comprise The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox. It is available on Kindle too!
                • More information about Barry Hughart
                • Subterranean Press
                Highlight
                My Huffduffer Feed
                (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                11.08.2011

                Episode 172: Genesis, chapter 38


                In which we discover that the Bible thinks nothing at all of including explicit material ...
                the story of Judah and Tamar


                Episode 172, chapter 38
                (download or listen via this link)

                Book Information
                • This book is under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
                • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
                • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
                • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
                Podcast Highlight
                  Mentioned Links
                  My Huffduffer Feed
                  (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                  10.25.2011

                  Episode 171: Halloween Special - The Beautiful People by Charles Beaumont

                  We visit a future in which rebellious teenager Mary is a misfit.
                  She doesn't want to be beautiful.


                  Episode 171, The Beautiful People
                  (download or listen via this link)
                  Book Information
                  Halloween Podcast Highlights
                  October is Fundraising Month!
                  Consider donating to your favorite podcasts ... even if only a few dollars or a comment/review to show your support.
                      My Huffduffer Feed
                      (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                      10.13.2011

                      Episode 170: Bridge of Birds, chapters 4-6

                      In which there is great need of a goat
                      (it doesn't have to be that good a goat) ...
                      and we encounter bandits.

                      Episode 170, chapters 4-6
                      (download or listen via this link)

                      Book Information
                      • Story rating: PG-13 for occasional adult situations.
                      • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted permission by author Barry Hughart to read Bridge of Birds. Please contact Mr. Hughart or his agent for any permissions.
                      • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Bridge of Birds and the other two books in the trilogy that comprise The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox.
                      • More information about Barry Hughart
                      • Subterranean Press
                      Halloween Podcast Highlights
                      Other Links
                      October is Fundraising Month!
                      Consider donating to your favorite podcasts ... even if only a few dollars or a comment/review to show your support.
                          My Huffduffer Feed
                          (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                          9.29.2011

                          Episode 169: Genesis, chapter 37


                          In which dreamy Joseph finds that an ornamented tunic is the last straw ...

                          Episode 169, chapter 37
                          (download or listen via this link)

                          Book Information
                          • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
                          • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
                          • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
                          • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
                          Podcast Highlight
                            Mentioned Links
                            My Huffduffer Feed
                            (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                            9.17.2011

                            Episode 168: Bridge of Birds, ch. 1-3

                            In which we meet Number Ten Ox and Master Li ...
                            and discover how a plague can learn to count.

                            Episode 168, chapters 1-3
                            (download or listen via this link)

                            Book Information
                            • Story rating: PG-13 for occasional adult situations.
                            • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted permission by author Barry Hughart to read Bridge of Birds. Please contact Mr. Hughart or his agent for any permissions.
                            • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Bridge of Birds and the other two books in the trilogy that comprise The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox.
                            • More information about Barry Hughart
                            • Subterranean Press
                            Podcast Highlight
                            My Huffduffer Feed
                            (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                            9.11.2011

                            Episode 167: Genesis, chapters 35-36


                            Ch-ch-ch-changes ... for Jacob and hearing about Esau's progeny. Yes - the "begats" are upon us.

                            Episode 167, chapters 35-36
                            (download or listen via this link)

                            Book Information
                            • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
                            • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
                            • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
                            • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
                            Podcast Highlights (thanks to Gail)
                              Mentioned Links
                              My Huffduffer Feed
                              (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                              8.25.2011

                              Episode 166: The Green Girl, chapters 30-32


                              In which Mel makes a plan and all is brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
                              Episode 166, chapters 30-32
                              (download or listen via this link)
                              Book Information
                              • For The Fifth Annual SFFaudio Challenge
                                Courtesy of the Wonder Ebooks edition.

                                NOTES: “Early sense of wonder SF.” First published in the March and April 1930 issues of Amazing Stories. Later collected in 1950 as Avon Fantasy Novel #2. “Melvin Dane has been seeing a vision of a green girl since he was a child. Images of her came over the ether. Is she just fantasy? Or a reality that managed to cross time and space? And now, with the Earth under threat of extinction, will Melvin ever meet that girl of his dreams?”
                              • Story rating: G (so far)
                              Podcast Highlight
                                My Huffduffer Feed
                                (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                                8.17.2011

                                Episode 165: Genesis, chapters 34


                                A disgraceful episode in which almost everyone behaves badly.

                                Episode 165, chapters 34
                                (download or listen via this link)

                                I know, I say episode 166, but I lost track.
                                Book Information
                                • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
                                • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
                                • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
                                • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
                                Story Highlight
                                  Mentioned Links
                                  My Huffduffer Feed
                                  (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                                  8.04.2011

                                  Episode 164: The Green Girl, chapters 25-29

                                  In which disaster strikes and Mel faces the Lord of Flame.


                                  Episode 164, chapters 25-29
                                  (download or listen via this link)
                                  Book Information
                                  • For The Fifth Annual SFFaudio Challenge
                                    Courtesy of the Wonder Ebooks edition.

                                    NOTES: “Early sense of wonder SF.” First published in the March and April 1930 issues of Amazing Stories. Later collected in 1950 as Avon Fantasy Novel #2. “Melvin Dane has been seeing a vision of a green girl since he was a child. Images of her came over the ether. Is she just fantasy? Or a reality that managed to cross time and space? And now, with the Earth under threat of extinction, will Melvin ever meet that girl of his dreams?”
                                  • Story rating: G (so far)
                                  Podcast Highlight
                                    My Huffduffer Feed
                                    (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                                    7.29.2011

                                    Episode 163: Genesis, chapters 32-33


                                    In which Jacob prepares for his family reunion.
                                    Will he survive it?

                                    Episode 163, chapters 32-33
                                    (download or listen via this link)
                                    Book Information
                                    • This book is in under copyright. Forgotten Classics has been granted the non-exclusive right to read Robert Alter's translation of Genesis and his commentary. This book is published by WW Norton. Please contact Mr. Alter or his agent for any permissions. Many thanks to Robert Alter and Georges Borchardt for their graciousness in allowing us to read this book.
                                    • If you are enjoying this reading, please buy Genesis. It comes to life even more when you are able to see and ponder the words.
                                    • Story rating: R for adult situations and commentary.
                                    • I will do my best to properly pronounce any Hebrew words but cannot promise accuracy. Biblical words may be pronounced using this guide.
                                    Highlights
                                      Mentioned Links
                                      My Huffduffer Feed
                                      (where you can easily download sample episodes of the podcast highlight or other various podcasts I want to share)

                                      7.25.2011

                                      Lagniappe 49: East of Eden

                                      In which we hear the story of Olive and the airplane...

                                      East of Eden
                                      (listen or download from link above)
                                      A delightful vignette that I wanted to share.
                                      Scott and I will be discussing the entire novel (as much as we can in an hour)
                                      at A Good Story is Hard to Find in Episode 15.

                                      According to Webster
                                      la·gniappe \ˈlan-ËŒyap, lan-ˈ\
                                      Function:
                                      noun
                                      Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
                                      Date: 1844
                                      : a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
                                      broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure