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Defunct as of December 31st. See "Saturday Tales"
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Terry loved to toast the photographer by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/31 (1 of 341) On The Moon Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Evan and Bonn, twin boys, celebrated their seventh birthday by rolling out the family album and dancing on it. PrunePit's new song was great fun and had... view more |
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Cranes extended all the way to Jack London Square by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/30 (2 of 341) Late Idea Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Ezra Lewis leaned on the fore-rail of Hornblower Princess. He felt too full from the Christmas meal he'd just eaten. Turkey with dressing and pie. He felt... view more |
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The setting sun reflected off the APL China by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/29 (3 of 341) Member When Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Dan Fastern thought a Troika was a Russian horse with three legs. Nancy Wells knew better and told him it was a carriage pulled by three horses. Bill... view more |
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Chia became lost in fascinating conversation by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/28 (4 of 341) Fred Mc-something Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Daphne Wallenbrook despised parties, yet found herself always invited. She couldn't stand idle small talk, chit-chat, or opinions about... view more |
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The photographer shot a mime in the park by David Graves posted 2008/12/27 (5 of 341) Listening Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Joey Cloperd stopped his bicycle to watch. As a young teen he was often bored out of his mind and at wits end for want of something fun to do. A middle... view more |
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The tire was slowly being mashed flat by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/26 (6 of 341) Idle Word Games Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "That tire looks tired," young Robby Waxman said, his nose pressed flat against the bus window. His brother Tim, in the seat just behind him said,... view more |
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An outside fruit stand was open by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/25 (7 of 341) Bananas Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "How about a banana?" The question got Abe Wiscouski thinking. Abe wrote "non-fiction" books, so tended to over-think the simplest of... view more |
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David was thirsty that hot afternoon by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/24 (8 of 341) Cool David Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales David Gapps didn't see or hear the truck overturn. It was too far up the hill and around a bend. And besides, the day was too hot and too humid. David... view more |
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The wall of a rundown house by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/23 (9 of 341) Art Shoes Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Soma Sousa was older than his brother Doug by four years, but was also a foot shorter and frail. Soma always thought they had different dads but their Mom... view more |
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The bench was a bit too close to the curb by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/22 (10 of 341) Thread Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales She missed her dead husband so desperately, she could not let go. The former Mrs. Wendy Franks saw aspects of her husband in all men she passed. A young... view more |
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Later that afternoon the event began to wind down by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/21 (11 of 341) Looking For Dad Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Bess Castleman and her brother Dutch knew their dad was crazy as a loon. But they never --not even in a million years-- expected to find him dressed... view more |
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Cigarettes were for sale on one corner by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/20 (12 of 341) Famous Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Fran DeWorthy made a special run to the corner store every Saturday morning to buy a carton of cigarettes for her crippled mom. She dreaded Saturday mornings... view more |
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Posters advertised many events around town by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/19 (13 of 341) Muscles Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales After school, Juan Batists lead his most recent girlfriend, Mora Dimoster, to a wall covered in posters. "How about this band?" Juan asked. He pointed to a... view more |
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Two horses ignored the conversation above them by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/18 (14 of 341) Three Dots Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Gina Zarchroff broke the teen barrier a scant two weeks earlier on her thirteenth birthday. So it was with new maturity and chagrin that she walked her... view more |
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The bucket contained American flags for sale by David Graves posted 2008/12/17 (15 of 341) Two Flags Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales A bucket of souvenir-sized American flags rested just to the left of the hardware store's front door. To the right were stacked sacks of fertilizer. An... view more |
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A garden at the lodge was a medical plant exhibit by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/16 (16 of 341) Pharmaceuticals Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Tom Reómun and his sister Sal Duncan had different dads but were otherwise similarly rebellious. Tom dyed his hair blue on a dare. Sal wore a... view more |
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Four cranes lined up and ready for Monday by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/15 (17 of 341) Hoodwinked Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Bud White worked as a guard in the new FlexCo Building. On his way to work he stopped at the model airplane store in the strip mall near Signal Road. The... view more |
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Bryan wore his Tilley hat while shooting a spider by Terry Costales posted 2008/12/14 (18 of 341) Coattails Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The last known photograph of Lewis Coattails showed him taking a picture of a spider. What was not known until years later was the power of that spider's... view more |
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The juvenile gull was not about to abandon the table by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/13 (19 of 341) Stupid Bird Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Jill Tuffwull watched her husband Frank approach the picnic table. A heavy cooler in each hand made him stoop. To her eye, that bend accentuated his... view more |
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A floating hotel lay docked at night by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/12 (20 of 341) The Smell Of Coffee Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The written directions were hen scratches again, almost impossible to read. "Damn Neanderthals and their seniority," the ghost of Jack Fenn... view more |
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The gauges on the firetruck were complex by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/11 (21 of 341) At Four Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Duncan Reese stood on the cold loading dock and watched a workman, who knelt on the floor, refill fire extinguishers. Duncan had recently become Junior... view more |
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Peace word and symbol on a purple guitar by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/10 (22 of 341) Video Nut Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales As a young boy, Dole Eppler believed he was God's gift to music. On his sixteenth birthday, Dole concluded he was a musical maladroit who couldn't play... view more |
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With cries of "Beer Beer!", bars were invaded by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/09 (23 of 341) Infectious Tunes Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Fran Mox encountered an odd protest while walking home along 2nd Street in the SOMA area of San Francisco. The protesters held signs that... view more |
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This was the former entry from the train station by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/08 (24 of 341) Rubble Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Rita and Bob Samuelson leaned on the low fence and looked at the rubble. Bob spoke first. Rita expected Bob to always speak first. She was never tempted to... view more |
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The Halloween car had a mascot by Terry Costales posted 2008/12/07 (25 of 341) The Straw Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Buzz Randles liked his wife because she would do most anything he wanted. Just yesterday, for example, she walked the entire parade while he drove... view more |
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Her bright orange parasol provided broad shade by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/06 (26 of 341) Donna Woke Up Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Purely on a whim she peeled her first orange and ate it in pieces. Before that, she'd sliced an orange with a knife, a technique taught her by her... view more |
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Bird watchers spotted birds from just off the path by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/05 (27 of 341) The Birds Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Wendy tried to forget her last name. She'd filed for divorce from that idiot and immediately set out on a leisurely drive down the coast. Along the way... view more |
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Each room offered comfortable seating by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/04 (28 of 341) Chair George Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Ron Greysmyth had been in grammar school when his Granddad died. The folks bundled he and his older sister up for a visit to his Grandma. Ron... view more |
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She wore earphones while playing loud music by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/03 (29 of 341) Dancing Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Lunch at the Streetfront Restaurant on the second story of the New Montgomery Hotel was always delicious. And it didn't hurt that the senior menu was... view more |
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Breakwater rocks made an attractive place for fishing by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/02 (30 of 341) Diamond Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "What are you looking for?" Ralph Emerson asked as his wife Sue rummaged through his right coat pocket. "I keep my handkerchief in the left now." "Oh," was... view more |
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The first step a power meter, the last a clock by Bryan Costales posted 2008/12/01 (31 of 341) Dad's Clock Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales When Joe Samosa was a young boy of seven, his Dad installed a clock on the front of their house. It was a large analog clock that could be seen a block... view more |
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Each room had a balcony, and each balcony a view by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/30 (32 of 341) The Dive Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Dot crossed awkwardly into middle age. She stumbled badly when she discovered she, and her four sisters, were each conceived in a different hotel. She and... view more |
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A few found it easy to nap while waiting by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/29 (33 of 341) Deja Vous Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The grass was just too damn soft. Or he was just too damn tired from a late night. Rick Jameson couldn't decide. He laid on his back, his hands folded... view more |
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The town nestled right up to and over the bay by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/28 (34 of 341) Red Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The laser pointer shook, so young Ann McFridae braced it with stones. She desperately needed to talk to her friend Sally Tu, but didn't want to phone because... view more |
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Big puddles remained in an equipment yard by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/27 (35 of 341) Nat and Dave Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The truck was just where he had left it. A terrible rain. He'd parked his truck and ran to a nearby restaurant for shelter. Nat Biggs was tall and... view more |
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The spider hid behind a plexiglass sign by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/26 (36 of 341) Fussy Bucket Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales His wife called him a, "Fussy Bucket." Dave Manx managed a restaurant and drove his employees crazy. If it wasn't dust found in the most obscure... view more |
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Across the street the house appeared deserted by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/25 (37 of 341) Rich Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Rob Phlems got mildly tanked nightly at the Sour Barrel on Beach Road. Just drunk enough to drive home, as he liked to phrase it. But on Tuesday night, as he... view more |
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The earlier storm had washed kelp onto the shore by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/24 (38 of 341) Kelp Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Little Tommy Dangreto was always the preferred target of his two older brothers. Mel, the second oldest, was just plain mean. Andy, the oldest, drew the line... view more |
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The bike was casually leaned against a slanted palm tree by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/23 (39 of 341) Overslept Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Raul Gomez overslept and was late to work again. He rode his bike onto the hotel grounds and parked it by hastily leaning it against a handy palm tree.... view more |
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They tried to hide behind the mirror by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/22 (40 of 341) Shard Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Mole Son Of Whisker was the youngest of twenty sons. They'd walked for three days behind the ox cart that carried their three mothers and two sisters. Father... view more |
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He told how much he wished to ride a bicycle by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/21 (41 of 341) New Bell Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Carson Carcón was fat and lazy and he didn't care. He was sixteen, not old enough to drive, and too old to learn how to ride a bicycle. At least... view more |
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For some the wait might be too long by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/20 (42 of 341) Coffee Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Jeff Marcos and his school friend Tom Sibbanski were flying home from the Pan American Triathlon. They had both competed and both lost. A hurricane on the... view more |
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Several wheel chairs lined up for early boarding by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/19 (43 of 341) Mr. Velvet Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The four Morrow sisters were on their way home from Costa Rica. Emma, Ella, Esther, and Bonnie. Bonnie was the youngest by a year and had a different... view more |
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The taxi driver waited for passengers by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/18 (44 of 341) Joes Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Joe Hamash drove a taxi. After the election he had a low opinion of plumbers named Joe and said so to his passengers. "You heard of Joe the Plumber?" he asked... view more |
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Graves laid out on a gentle hillside by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/17 (45 of 341) Grandfather Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Let me tell you about a conference I attended in the mid 90's. It was at lunch on the second day. I sat at a table with two men and a woman. I recall... view more |
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Six small holes formed a restroom window by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/16 (46 of 341) Six Holes Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Brothers Sam and Larry Stackworthy stood next to each other at the long metal urinal and peed into it. "Odd window," Sam said. "Six holes like a pool... view more |
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Next came the police station to file reports by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/15 (47 of 341) Crime Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Ellen Annsin was bored. The train had been stopped between stations for almost thirty minutes now. She spoke more to hear herself speak than to be heard. "My... view more |
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A former but very odd machine by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/14 (48 of 341) Rootbeer Barrel Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Bob Smalls and his son Andy were sharing a Saturday afternoon walk. The sun was encompassing and warm, and Quepos was quiet. Bob's wife, he... view more |
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The small store featured Coca-Cola by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/13 (49 of 341) Pillows For Sale Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales James Maxwell walked the edge of the deserted Interstate. He walked alone, one of many all walking south towards a warmer climate, each spaced well... view more |
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At first they appeared somewhat shy by Terry Costales posted 2008/11/12 (50 of 341) Pop Tarts Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "I dreamed I was a monkey," Ann Pennski muttered through the steam rising from her dark roast coffee. "I dreamed I was hungry and hiding. I wanted Pop... view more |
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The outdoor area where AA met weekly by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/11 (51 of 341) IQ Test Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Too warm in his cotton shorts and t-shirt, Roger Franks sat well back in the unlit patio area and watched the others swim. He'd started with red wine, then... view more |
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The cockpit was eerily lit by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/10 (52 of 341) Ghost Light Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Wendy Linders reported for the Vodont internet channel. Her show was called, "Odds and Ends," and dealt with anything from a two-headed snake to a... view more |
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Dave just drank a beer by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/09 (53 of 341) Bad Beer Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Dave McGee was thirsty in the heat. He drank a manly swallow of Imperial beer. It was cool, having been iced. He smacked his lips and smiled sensing fun.... view more |
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Poor sick Vicky was escorted ashore by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/08 (54 of 341) One Thing Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "Mom," Linda Winkles shouted. She'd been digging through old photographs and found one of her mother. It said she'd been sea sick. "You never get motion... view more |
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A washing sink rested in a muddy clearing by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/07 (55 of 341) White Bread Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Dan Granger recently inherited nine million dollars of farmland just north of Goodland, Kansas. Ruth Bixbe had been born in Kansas but now studied... view more |
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He manned the table with no need for a shirt by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/06 (56 of 341) Kiss Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Samson Samosa never cut his hair. As a young boy he had read the stories of Samson and Delilah and feared, like the myth, he would lose his strength if he... view more |
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A Super Joseth was open for business by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/05 (57 of 341) The Woman Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Joseph Wendegon set the last of the soup cans on a low shelf. He stood and wiped his hands on his apron. The little store was neat, well stocked, and... view more |
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The old bridge used to carry the train by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/04 (58 of 341) A Bump In Time Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The bus bumped over the narrow bridge causing Hank Granger to wake up. "Where are we?" he asked. He lifted his SF Giants baseball hat, the bill... view more |
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The bus stop was oddly unoccupied by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/03 (59 of 341) Four Screws Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "Your mind is like an empty bus stop." Al Troudeux finished chewing his Corn Flakes and looked up. The woman was looking at him, waiting. Al cleared... view more |
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An Obama fan cheered her way down the street by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/02 (60 of 341) Roger Voted Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Roger Evans stood in the voting booth, pen poised and remembered the month before. Like most of his life, the month had been filled with parades, and... view more |
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Another tour thundered past by Bryan Costales posted 2008/11/01 (61 of 341) Mote Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales He was a mote. Smaller, he believed, than the one in God's eye. Once his name had been Golden Frey Habinger and he had owned all the land anyone could see from... view more |
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An example of a collecting tent by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/31 (62 of 341) Lucky Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales They broke through the ice, just to find someplace out of the wind. Stone's wife was with-child and she appeared to suffer when the icy wind gusted. The... view more |
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Hummingbirds in silhouette against the forest by Terry Costales posted 2008/10/30 (63 of 341) Hope Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Ed Saloux rested in a rocking chair on the back porch of the Senior Home. Over his lap spread a small knit blanket donated by good folks he didn't know. Ed... view more |
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The snake took a shortcut through a Y in the plant by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/29 (64 of 341) Lucky Stick Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Billy Fallon was an eleven-year-old with a lucky stick. Well not a stick exactly, more like a twig. It wasn't strong enough to use as a cane and was too... view more |
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A crowd of exicted zip liners were ready by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/28 (65 of 341) Like A Bone Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "Only in Berkeley," Duff spit as he said it. "Not a fan of Berkeley I take it?" Fred asked. Duff Cartel and Fred Regale were long time friends that... view more |
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The tour began from a tall park building by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/27 (66 of 341) Early Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "There's the house," Bess told him. Bess was his girlfriend of one month. Ed had never been there before but thought it an awfully showy house for an artist.... view more |
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Sugar cane in one end and sugar water out the other by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/26 (67 of 341) Sugar Water Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Born the same year as the fall of civilization, Noah Featherman worked and lived in the Commune, the only life he had ever known. His job was to turn... view more |
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A bullfrog hung out on a leaf by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/25 (68 of 341) Just A Frog Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Only in a fairy tale is a frog supposed to have once been a prince. Virginia Sackson knew well that fairy tales were just stories, of course. Made up... view more |
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The driveway appeared less friendly at night by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/24 (69 of 341) Liam Whistled Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The rain. The night. The warmth in Costa Rica was magic. If he could dance, he would have danced in the rain. If he could sing, he would have sung his... view more |
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During the parade mass was held in the small church by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/23 (70 of 341) Grace Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The Devil assumed the guise of a young boy and stood at the entry of a small town's church. A man walked up. "Why are you standing out here. Are your parents... view more |
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The town was built on a hilly area by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/22 (71 of 341) Lesson Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Tom Tillywalker lifted his sunglasses with one hand and peered at the GPS held in his other hand. "It looks like we need to walk downhill first, then uphill... view more |
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He watched a friend on a motorcycle drive off by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/21 (72 of 341) Envy Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Mo Sousa watched his older brother Dan ride a motorcycle out their drive. Mo had a look of envy on his face. His brother rode a new motorcycle. Mo bumped the... view more |
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The boat trip ended with the start of a car trip by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/20 (73 of 341) Snooped Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Len Svinsk sat in the third row back, next to the taciturn girl from the States. What was her name? Nancy? The van bumped and rocked over a gravel road on... view more |
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On the shore was seen a Green Basilisk by Terry Costales posted 2008/10/19 (74 of 341) On Water Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Hank and Steve were the brothers Timberlane from Seattle. This was their first nature cruise ever and they were already one sheet to the wind. Needless to... view more |
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He searched for change at the checkout counter by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/18 (75 of 341) Idiota Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "I tell you," Rodney Weighter said to the checkout lady. She didn't appear to speak English but that didn't deter Rodney. He felt that everyone should speak... view more |
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The hot tub had curved steps by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/17 (76 of 341) The Miracle Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Henna Wanyson swam daily for exercise, without knowing how. Even on her trip through Costa Rica, she maintained her daily routine. Twenty minutes of dog... view more |
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The steps were amazingly uneven in height by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/16 (77 of 341) Descent Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The descent into Hell isn't so bad. Or so Tim Nonan thought. Tropical and warm sure, but no flames. No devils with pitchforks. Just stairs. Lots of... view more |
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Terry and Bryan took the far way around a tree by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/15 (78 of 341) Photos Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Sometimes on Sundays, young Jerome Wrinkson would pull open the bottom drawer of the china cabinet and look at old photos haphazardly arranged. He looked at... view more |
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Sunset heightened the drama of the nearby volcano by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/14 (79 of 341) Scratchy Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Raul Guerro and his wife Irma strolled hand-in-hand through the small park at sunset. They'd been married only one month and were on their way to celebrate... view more |
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The Jeremiah O'Brien was out that day by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/13 (80 of 341) WW II Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Norma Dey, wrapped in the blanket she'd wisely brought, sat on deck and waited for the Blue Angels to perform. There was no wind that afternoon on the Belle... view more |
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David relaxed and marveled at the passing jungle by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/12 (81 of 341) Safe Life Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Randal Graybeard experienced his first big scare when he was twenty. He was almost killed in a motorcycle accident. He swore off motorcycles and after... view more |
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The classic thatched hut was found at the end of the trip by Terry Costales posted 2008/10/11 (82 of 341) Then and Now Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Noah Fitzlander was a photographer of the old school. He shot large format stills of classic buildings using an antique 4x5 view camera. Of course,... view more |
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A much later tour boat passed by by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/10 (83 of 341) The Secret Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The water bus sped past without stopping. Mona Whaye jumped and shouted and waved her shut umbrella like a sword. "Damn bus," she half said to the bus... view more |
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An empty water bottle had washed up on the beach by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/09 (84 of 341) Joe Alaska Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales They called him Joe Alaska, the folks on the island that is. Joe was from Alaska, a long, long time before. That's why he took his daily walk in the... view more |
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The beach was vast and littered with drift wood by Terry Costales posted 2008/10/08 (85 of 341) Her Bob Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Barbara Roberto, when a child, found a bottle on the beach and inside that bottle a note. That note read, "Having a great time. Wish you were here.... view more |
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Bridges forded a few of the interior streams by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/07 (86 of 341) Pink Ribbon Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Nora Samuels drove back from college because her brother's daughter, her niece Becky, was lost. Her brother, Bill, greeted her at the front door of... view more |
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Little remained of the creature's breakfast snack by Terry Costales posted 2008/10/06 (87 of 341) Not Eating Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "That's so fake," Ed Planque said. He and his girlfriend, Goldie Zuckermann, drank cheap wine and watched TV. They drank straight from the bottle because... view more |
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He waved to the bus while waiting for a bus by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/05 (88 of 341) Feeling Good Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales John Wensloda was happy that morning. "Why are you so happy?" his neighbor asked as John locked his front door. John looked across the railing at his... view more |
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The actual downtown finally came into view by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/04 (89 of 341) Mr. Blanque Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Mr. Blanque wandered the city. He didn't know why he wandered nor did he remember how he came to be in the city in the first place. In fact, his last... view more |
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Kids loitered just outside the general store by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/03 (90 of 341) The Flu Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Wendy Mendoza had a bad hangover and it was four in the afternoon. The night before was fuzzy, but she remembered a white beach and a new moon. Now she... view more |
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A bus and an ice cream vendor passed by by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/02 (91 of 341) Bad Penny Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Nick Moore had received a text message from his sister, so he snuck out to meet her at Parque Esplaña. He was early, so he sat on a bench in the... view more |
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A large domed area stood in the center by Bryan Costales posted 2008/10/01 (92 of 341) Girly Hair Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Young Joey Louga sat on the steps below a huge dome and wept. His older brother had called him a sissy. "Girly boy," his brother had taunted. "With long... view more |
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Drawn people illustrated the former attire by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/30 (93 of 341) Reborn Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Brenda Mendoza became aware that the sun had just set. Just like that. The sun had set and she stood on a platform in a dark room. She looked around a... view more |
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Abandoned buildings line the old railway by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/29 (94 of 341) Went Home Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Don Juaze was born in Costa Rica. Child of a Yank father and a Tica mother, he'd been raised in the States since he was six. His mother died giving birth... view more |
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Toadstool benches seemed too uncomfortable by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/28 (95 of 341) Lesson Learned Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Dan Hollday vacationed often in Costa Rica. He fancied himself a mature traveler, rarely able to make a mistake. He long ago discovered it best to... view more |
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The mirror casually leaned against a chair back by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/27 (96 of 341) The Studio Mirror Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Alice sat in her wicker chair and sipped green tea. What a night the night before had been. Wine at first. Then whiskey. And Doug. Or was his name... view more |
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Unwisely, they both stood to look at once by Terry Costales posted 2008/09/26 (97 of 341) What's That Ed? Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Ed stood in his wide but small fishing boat. He enjoyed the sunshine and music from a festival on shore. He finished the last from his can of beer,... view more |
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Denver held back a giggle at the beach by Terry Costales posted 2008/09/25 (98 of 341) Giggle Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Dixie Morgan was a twenty-something who valued appearances. Every morning, before her first cup of coffee, she would spend exactly one hour preparing her... view more |
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Angela pointed out the ceiling to Rod Scales by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/24 (99 of 341) His Edge Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Ace detective Rod Scales may have finally met his match. Either that or he somehow lost his edge. He rested in a plush sofa in the lobby of the Hyatt... view more |
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Rides ran through sunset into the evening by Denver Welte posted 2008/09/23 (100 of 341) Goofy Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Gil Duffy leaned on a bridge railing in Disneyland and thought back on his life. He remembered his last trip overseas all those long years ago. He remembered... view more |
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A few waited by the larger pieces of art by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/06 (101 of 341) Fluffy Ass Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Dan McLent was reincarnated as a statue. He thought he had it made. A nice room in a nice home, probably surrounded by wealth. A big change from his... view more |
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He sold sweet, delicious strawberries by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/05 (102 of 341) Strawberry Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Jane Diggens wanted to eat better. Pizza, mac and cheese, and burgers, she feared, were going to ruin her son. So that Saturday after laundry and... view more |
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He clearly wished for cat-like pupils by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/04 (103 of 341) The Wrong Man Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Frank liked costume parties because they allowed you to remain anonymous. The party that night was mixed, which made it a bit harder to find a good... view more |
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The universe smiles on he who meditates by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/03 (104 of 341) Pickle-terry-ann Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Karl Gefeltsen liked to visit the art at the airport. He fancied himself a bit of a writer and believed the art inspired his stories. He gazed at a... view more |
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Smokers have a comfortable area in which to smoke by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/02 (105 of 341) He Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Wendy Franks, on her twenty-ninth birthday, traveled with her Grandmother (who she called Grams) to Atlanta for a funeral. The day was lovely and not too hot, so... view more |
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Off they sped by the hundreds up Market Street by Bryan Costales posted 2008/09/01 (106 of 341) Not A Quitter Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Pat Barnstormski began to jog, she told her friends, so that she could get back into shape. She jogged daily for a month, then ran in the Bay... view more |
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Dog is my co-pilot by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/31 (107 of 341) "What do you mean I must like dogs?" Bob Brisket had driven to pick up Sue Sontag for a date. He'd made the mistake of pulling past her --distracted as he was by her outfit-- and squealed to a stop... view more |
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A flipped car was still smoking by Denver Welte posted 2008/08/30 (108 of 341) Let's Go Smoke Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Dean Planzo chewed tobacco but didn't like the way it made his teeth look. Then he tried a pipe, but that made him look like a professor and he hated... view more |
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They all hid their faces while playing by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/29 (109 of 341) Sunburn Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Deb McStown had dreamt the same dream over and over all week. Her brother Roger, who was to leave for college next week, tried to diagnose her dream every... view more |
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Even the Native American look was stunning by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/28 (110 of 341) What's A Wooden Indian? Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Young Carl Heplin wanted to fly jet planes. "You'll make a great writer," is what his father always told him. They'd just finished sharing... view more |
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The smartly dressed dog sported a handy lifting handle by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/27 (111 of 341) Cold Cuts Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Bess Tisly-Miller couldn't remember when she first found her husband tiresome. She never did fret not remembering, after all life had to go on. That is... view more |
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Those in the wine bar were especially cheerful by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/26 (112 of 341) Applause Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Robin Watts was one month into twenty-one and could drink, although her mother had said "No." But this was a concert, after all, and her mother wasn't... view more |
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He mocked them from his bicycle by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/25 (113 of 341) A then B Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Fenton Phillips liked to ride his bike, point at people, and laugh. He never laughed to be mean. He laughed because people were funny. Just this morning,... view more |
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Those on a balcony couldn't understand the zombies by Terry Costales posted 2008/08/24 (114 of 341) Just Tea Then Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Every day since what the pundits called, "The End Of Days," the three Blanque sisters would stand on their porch and watch the goings on in the street... view more |
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The mob of zombies encountered a protest by Denver Welte posted 2008/08/23 (115 of 341) Taped X Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales It began as a protest against a local church. Then an unruly mob of pretend zombies arrived and it transformed into a party. A truck with huge... view more |
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The transformation into a zombie began by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/22 (116 of 341) What A Place Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The lit sign over the door touted, "Become Your Dream. Super hero, cartoon character, mythologic creature, any or all for a small fee." Drew Tunderman... view more |
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Time seemed to flow much too slowly by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/21 (117 of 341) Madding Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales They called her Madding, because she always avoided crowds. She wandered the nights always overdressed with layers of clothes to remain warm. She always... view more |
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The Medical Examiner arrived by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/20 (118 of 341) Off Again Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Wayne Donue was in an on-again/off-again relationship with his girlfriend Sue Chounsteux. A friend had emailed him notice about a City Readiness Exercise... view more |
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The puppet store held an aura of fright by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/19 (119 of 341) But Instead She Said Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Young Ann Miller liked jewelry. Her younger brother Sam, liked magic. Her mother liked puppets, and her dad liked baseball. Ann saw the puppet... view more |
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Green Events by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/18 (120 of 341) Harmless Fun Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Matt Wintergrune rode his bicycle every Sunday for exercise and health. Sunday last, he rode through the Presidio grounds and down to Crissy field.... view more |
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The bolt tried to appear noble despite is age by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/17 (121 of 341) The Trouble Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The were called Tribbles after the famous Startrek episode that originally showed an infestation of the adorable fuzzy creatures. Mary Silkroad and her... view more |
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A guitar was played near the long pier by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/16 (122 of 341) The Tip Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Whether it was bad acid cut with something else, or meat cooked not right, the evil just wouldn't let go. Danny McDillan remembered playing his guitar for... view more |
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The inside had three levels by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/15 (123 of 341) Chutes Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Rex Noilon had been uncomfortably married to his first wife for thirty years. That was until she wrongly asserted her right of way over a dump truck. His... view more |
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The knot above the door created an odd effect by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/14 (124 of 341) Means Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Brad Nipoline looked for a broom handle to knock down the bird houses. His sister Breeze wanted to keep them. But the garage and garden shed had been... view more |
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What looked like steps were actually seating by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/13 (125 of 341) Greener Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "Look at all those steps," Al Pawnski said to his ten year old daughter Luna. "I bet they sure make it easy to get up." "Those aren't steps, Dad. Those are... view more |
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Son admired his dad's Tilley hat by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/12 (126 of 341) Hats Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Brad Tyler held his son in his arms to watch the finish of the San Francisco Marathon. He glanced up and saw his son admiring his hat. Brad remembered himself... view more |
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The Cliff House, a mere ghost of its former glory by Terry Costales posted 2008/08/11 (127 of 341) The Phrase Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales May and June Brady were sisters. At thirty, May was the younger by a year and a month. They had just attended a hypnotist show at the Jewish Community... view more |
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The big burgundy umbrella created lots of shade by Terry Costales posted 2008/08/10 (128 of 341) Shade Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Old Wallace Brakford was feeble of body but not mind. Trapped in his wheelchair, he was at the mercy of his granddaughter Bevy L'Mony. Wallace was getting... view more |
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Arches created a decorative touch by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/09 (129 of 341) Up Hill Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The last in the sequence of notes said, "Under the arches built of iron leafs." Zoe McDomecle had been set up on another of her roommate Dolores' blind-date... view more |
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Magic Dream in a store selling odd items by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/08 (130 of 341) Choose Me Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Ann Tuttle stood outside the magic shop and looked in. Her arms were crossed and she was a little drunk and a lot angry. Her two boyfriends towered on... view more |
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Occasionally there were minor disagreements by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/07 (131 of 341) Damaged Shirt Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Benny Bogwagns saw two identical shirts in the same sizes hanging from a rack. He called his wife Donna over because she always had a way of getting a... view more |
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The anchor chain was a bit rusty by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/06 (132 of 341) Rocks Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Ezra Georgan had never sailed. The only reason he was on Chuck's boat was to impress his new girlfriend Helen. Chuck, as Ezra understood the situation, had... view more |
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A future fireman inspects a room on display by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/05 (133 of 341) Damn You Wang Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Randel Cogsan remembered a picture of himself on the Internet back when there was an Internet. He wore a fireman's hat while touring a sailing... view more |
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A man in the far corner looked at the ships by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/04 (134 of 341) Boiling Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Zeno Darrunda stood by a fence at the far corner of a pier and felt his blood boiling. His mother had been the first to say that phrase. Whenever he got... view more |
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The single wheel lay near the stern by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/03 (135 of 341) Glimpse Of A Hand Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales He dreamed of a ghost ship. The ship appeared deserted and adrift. As he walked toward the stern he glimpsed just the hint of a hand on the great... view more |
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A flag holding Minuteman was interviewed by Bryan Costales posted 2008/08/02 (136 of 341) Be A Clown Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales When Dave Pickens was a boy, his father played the Cole Porter song, "Be A Clown." over and over until his mother finally broke the record, "By... view more |
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He flirted by displaying his really fine kite by Terry Costales posted 2008/08/01 (137 of 341) Plumage Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Benny D'Brokmill was skunk with perfume. He preyed on women using tricks he had learned from his father. "Son," his father once said. "Pay attention to the... view more |
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One detail of a banner on display by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/31 (138 of 341) The Muse Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales On weekdays other than Wednesday, Amos Rex would stand next to the banner just outside the kite shop and stretch. Once loose, he would jog for one hour... view more |
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An oriental theme used to protect from the sun by Terry Costales posted 2008/07/30 (139 of 341) Parasol From Earth Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The patched parasol was Mona Blue's favorite possession, that and her big purse. The parasol was better than sunscreen in the thin atmosphere of... view more |
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She worried the camera would not pan her direction by Terry Costales posted 2008/07/29 (140 of 341) Film Me Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Tornado Umanta stopped and glared at her dad again. He was pissing her off. Every time she looked he was filming the other girls in the parade, and not... view more |
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Too many people wanted to share cable TV by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/28 (141 of 341) Old Ezra Clappit was reading Moby Dick for the third time when even older Mia Tankerski leaned her head into his room and said, "My TV stopped working." Ezra followed her to her room and saw she was... view more |
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Artistic impression of the world by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/27 (142 of 341) Dan Drew knew he was in trouble when he looked at the globe of the world and he had no idea what he was looking at. "That can't be South America," he said. As he spoke he smelled his own breath and... view more |
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The mandrill baboon thought he was hidden by Terry Costales posted 2008/07/26 (143 of 341) Fed the Monkey Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "Oh look," Rita Chillweather said. "A monkey." Rita worked as a waitress in IHOP. She'd barely wrangled the day off. "That's too vague," her... view more |
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Gulls loitered on old fallen fence by David Graves posted 2008/07/25 (144 of 341) Heavy Bob Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Bob the seagull --just like all seagulls-- would eat anything. Fish tasted best, of course. But bread, cardboard, and shiny bits of this and that could be... view more |
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Replica of a 1950's guard looking tough by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/24 (145 of 341) "Mom," young Rose Tinneblu said to her mother. "What does it mean he is the last guard? Why doesn't it say this is a replica of the last guard?" Donna Tinneblu leaned over the label and read it.... view more |
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Some flew kites while others simply watched by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/23 (146 of 341) Dotti Fernandez and Buzz Huffs had dated for almost a year. On outings and around town they developed the habit of serving as each other's chair back. On a bare sitting surface, one without a normal... view more |
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PF Chang's horse provided a spot of shade by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/22 (147 of 341) Jenny Sekliff was a young girl with an aggravating family. Over her young years she built a protective wall around her mind. It was constructed from butterflies and candy, and populated with dancing... view more |
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Grainy old photograph by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/21 (148 of 341) Sue Dally celebrated her fiftieth birthday at home with her younger sister Ann. They sipped pinot noir from old crystal and thumbed through a pile of photographs on the living room carpet. "Here it... view more |
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A few attendees moved into a "shady spot" by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/20 (149 of 341) Toby Johansen never thought he would become his father. He never believed he would become the same gruff old man that his father became. Never, he thought, not in a million years. His sister Dotty... view more |
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A corridor ran behind and led to restrooms by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/19 (150 of 341) Time meant everything to Carl Reizentour. Literally everything. Carl turned the corner, just past the kitchen and entered the corridor that led to the restrooms. That one footstep took him from a... view more |
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For those drinking beer, bathrooms were handy by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/18 (151 of 341) Al O'Wishus celebrated his sixtieth birthday by attending the fair. "Good beer," he said. "And free too." Ben Tripps accompanied Al because he liked the old coot. Ben was a strapping young man in... view more |
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The inside of a closed art studio by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/17 (152 of 341) Bertha Twingle twisted the key in the lock. With a hard clack, the door unlocked. She swung the door inward and said, "This is an art studio. It's occupied, of course, but I just wanted to give you... view more |
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A man watched a ship pass under the bridge by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/16 (153 of 341) "A tramp steamer," she had said. "I'll be leaving on a tramp steamer." Dan Bluex leaned on the cold metal railing of the Golden Gate bridge. He had walked out there every day for the last week... view more |
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Third Street bridge control room in early light by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/15 (154 of 341) Wopa Copa and his brother Zupa reached the south border of the island after a two day walk. Wopa gazed across the wide, deep canyon at the far side. Far below, a thin stream ran through a dry... view more |
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His grey hair did not mean he was old by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/14 (155 of 341) Wendy Bergen felt her cellphone vibrate so she answered it. "Hi Lina," she said. It was her stepmother. Wendy was parked outside high school waiting to pick up her daughter, Susan. The day was hot... view more |
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Waving at and blessing the crowds by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/13 (156 of 341) The night before had been brutal. Ranji Kappon kept joining his hands as if blessing the crowds, but really he was still a bit sick. Ranji had walked down Irving toward the open-open corner store... view more |
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His mirrored glasses reflected a fellow officer by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/12 (157 of 341) Gloria Waxman held baby Jill in her arms. They wore soft white cotton robes and stood inside a glass-walled booth. The booth was about twice the size of a telephone booth. Above her face, inside the... view more |
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They smiled at the crowds from the school bus by Terry Costales posted 2008/07/11 (158 of 341) Earth-2 Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Gloria Waxman was the first on the bus with her baby girl Jill. Her town was furthest from the transfer station. Others volunteers would board, she was... view more |
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She wisely wondered if she could really fly by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/10 (159 of 341) Diane Fressie shared a lunch with her good friend Wendy. The afternoon might have been too warm, but the patio behind the restaurant was shaded by mature trees. "I remember that last fun morning... view more |
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Bubbles floated past the line of parade viewers by Terry Costales posted 2008/07/09 (160 of 341) The Bubble Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales B'fatz Slowtooth threw the switch to begin the test. A large lens-like window appeared and the few representatives from The Counsel made a satisfying... view more |
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A tint of red against a black and white scene by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/08 (161 of 341) C-child of M-Seaside toyed daily will killing herself. She would turn sixteen in a mere seven days and would be shipped off for breeding. She knew, that once gone, she would never see her friends or... view more |
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Smoke merged with fog by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/07 (162 of 341) The explosion surprised everyone on board. Danny Gloman rushed outside and found a place on the rail to lean and watch. "What blew up?" Danny asked. An older gentleman next to Danny spoke without... view more |
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From the distance, it began as an odor by Terry Costales posted 2008/07/06 (163 of 341) What it smelled Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales "What do you suppose it smells?" Deb Maximillian asked really-old mother. "Money, or a bad day at the races." Deb's mother, Fran, was in her high... view more |
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A dual was about to go down in the street by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/05 (164 of 341) Henry Zwolf was certain the two musicians would dual. Henry was not a great judge of character, nor was he prone to say much at all. Henry found the easy road through life to be that of a... view more |
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The future (today) as the Navy saw it by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/04 (165 of 341) "The leasing office is this way," Nancy Sofram said to her son Danny. She and her husband Phil, their son between them, entered the huge old Administration Building. Danny tugged on Nancy's hand... view more |
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The island had a well protected little beach by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/03 (166 of 341) "Thank the god's, sunlight at long last." Walking Feet didn't actually say those words, he thought them. Walking Feet was a package of bones, long ago wrapped in many layers of leather and... view more |
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The old bridge was background to the marina by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/02 (167 of 341) Since the Big Quake of the month before Treasure Island was cut off from both bridges. The Oakland side collapsed totally and the new span had not been finished. Some on the island blamed the... view more |
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What better than a toilet on water for a boat race by Bryan Costales posted 2008/07/01 (168 of 341) Kenny Whips had one of those leaky pipes they talked about in the commercials on television. When he had to pee, that was it, period. He had to pee right now. Kenny had avoided drinking anything... view more |
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The abandoned stairway provided him a home by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/30 (169 of 341) His curse was to guard a single stairway. Of course that was over a thousand years ago, long before there even was a stairway. Originally he had been named Wandering Weed because of his height. But... view more |
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A lone photographer awaited a good shot by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/29 (170 of 341) It was overcast and chilly that morning, as he waited. Dixon Millweather was a photographer who sometimes doubled as the right arm for a private detective. Today he was supposed to pretend to take... view more |
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Shoes awaited the arrival of feet by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/28 (171 of 341) Eight pairs of shoes were neatly laid out on the shelf. One pair of clean white socks was tucked into each left shoe. Burt Klintin faced day one of his confinement. "Stupid bet," he said. His only... view more |
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San Francisco could be seen through a small window by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/27 (172 of 341) Ella Wilkey had her turn by the tiny window. Most of the other middle-school kids had been locked, one at a time, in a prison cell. The lesson was to pretend what it was like to be in prison. "Face... view more |
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Mom protected her daughter from a dog shaking off water by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/26 (173 of 341) Van Doyle sat on a wooden bench facing the beach and held his pencil just off the page. "Character," he said to himself. "Dialogue, theme, pacing. Dialogue, theme, pacing." Satisfied with his... view more |
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She waited for her son to get out of school by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/25 (174 of 341) Brenda Bostly called herself, "BB," or was it, "B Bos?" She waited as she did every day for her son to emerge prancing out of school. She didn't realize she had no son. She didn't realize the school... view more |
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Who would have believed an antique baseball could be played by Terry Costales posted 2008/06/24 (175 of 341) The Antique Baseball Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The antique baseball rested in the dark, on a gold pedestal inside a glass dome, on a shelf, inside a sealed room, behind a bricked over wall,... view more |
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Hat envy by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/23 (176 of 341) "Nice hat," said a man's voice. Geo Welt had been watching the penguins at the zoo. He liked their tuxedos, a formal bird waiting for the catering truck to arrive. "Nice hat." Geo looked at the... view more |
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She tried her best to appreciate the flowers by Terry Costales posted 2008/06/22 (177 of 341) Her Voice Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales L'da Ve visited the zoo with her Voice. All children born since That Day were born with a Voice. L'da's Voice had a parrot-like quality. "I wonder what... view more |
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He wondered, just then, at the expense of his sunglasses by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/21 (178 of 341) Doug McCatche paused astride his motorcycle and thought. He wondered when the parade might start moving again. The morning was warm, and the afternoon threatened to become actually hot. He tried to... view more |
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A whistle failed to stop them, so he poked by Terry Costales posted 2008/06/20 (179 of 341) The Poke Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Granny tapped the glass of the old-style computer monitor. Her heavily ringed finger sparkled. "It looks like you're poking that man," she said, her voice... view more |
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The wish was honest, so she willingly granted it by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/19 (180 of 341) Wendy Wells believed she could perform magic. When someone near her expressed a wish, she would wave a wand, or a finger, or a pencil, or whatever was handy, and would grant the wish. Once she... view more |
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No better time to text than during a parade by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/18 (181 of 341) Sousa Albino tried for the third time to text his girlfriend while marching in the Carnival Parade. He completed the message and pressed send. His phone beeped at him again and claimed a network... view more |
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Fruit and squash were available on Saturday by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/17 (182 of 341) Minny Regles roamed the Farmer's Market with her mother and oldest daughter. Her daughter, Chicago Dandor, still used Minny's first husband's last name. Her daughter was a thirty-something and still... view more |
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He was one fellow you would not want to tassel with by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/16 (183 of 341) The man in the mask seemed almost harmless because of the tassels. He was tall and leaned over Brenda Wills a bit too close. His breath smelled of cheap wine and cigarettes. "Gimme a dollar," he... view more |
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Industrial details did abound by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/15 (184 of 341) All had presumed for a century that it was merely an old factory. Nail Monday spent most of his young days exploring the old place, finding fun bits of wire and old coins. Late one... view more |
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The fishing boat was quickly surrounded by gulls by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/14 (185 of 341) "Your toy boat looks so real," the Judge said to young Stephan Fisher. "I especially like the miniature birds flying around it." Stephan puffed his thin chest proudly. "My dad helped me breed the... view more |
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There in the distance they spotted Chinatown by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/13 (186 of 341) Windy Breeze and her brother Doubtful Reason had been exploring the city since early morning. The city was clean and white and empty of life. It sparkled as if new, despite being many years older... view more |
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Bryan knew that silly hat meant trouble by Terry Costales posted 2008/06/12 (187 of 341) Jim Spiegal's Last Case Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Jim Spiegal wore the same silly hat. He rode the same cruise boat back, once again at 1:00 in the morning. Jim frowned because this was the... view more |
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If only we had feet, it would be so easy to dance by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/11 (188 of 341) Zin Velata knew magic when he saw it. The two shoes in the store window reeked of magic. Zin looked left, then right, up and down the sidewalk. He appeared to be alone. He grinned a sly grin and... view more |
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The dove of peace proved quite symbolic by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/10 (189 of 341) Don Nopaxian visited the indoor fair with his youngest daughter of ten. They shared garlic fries --not the best-- and potato pancakes --too squishy. Don pointed at the large cloth replica of a dove... view more |
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Although rusted, the great cleat was strong as ever by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/09 (190 of 341) In 1998, Fester Williams stood and enjoyed a smoke. He had just finished painting the cleat white. He felt pride by his small part in reconstructing the old wharf. John, just John, looked old but... view more |
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SF Fire Station number eight by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/08 (191 of 341) Leo Buckenwalker Jr. walked his dog peacefully down Bluxome Street when the sirens blared. Behind him, fire trucks roared from open doorways and sped off the opposite way. "Easy," Leo said to his... view more |
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The bell unrung did not stay silent for thee by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/07 (192 of 341) Almost sunset, almost home. Jersey Framer hitched her collar higher against the fog's cold and watched San Francisco approach. Almost there. If it were not for the children, Jersey believed, the... view more |
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The yellow Bay Quacker looked decidedly odd reflected by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/06 (193 of 341) Yellow was a Bay Quacker, one of a few early models of robot tour vehicles. He awoke at exactly the same time every morning. And every morning he looked at himself in his fender mounted... view more |
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The old windmill still faced out to sea by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/05 (194 of 341) The next photo in the series expanded to fill the wall. Marta nBarington asked her young students, "And what is this?" Berrie eFranks raised his hand first, but Toni gWande behind him was called... view more |
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She waited patiently for the laundry to dry by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/04 (195 of 341) Juan Valamous gazed up at the window. It was the only window in that side of the building. Behind the glass a Chinese looking woman gazed out at something in the distance. Juan turned his head to... view more |
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They expected the signal to change more quickly that day by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/03 (196 of 341) Jane Wing asked the woman next to her, "Will this signal ever change?" "There was a flash, there," the woman pointed at a round plate in the center of the road. "Then the signal got stuck. It's... view more |
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He waved a friendly wave as they entered the water by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/02 (197 of 341) Frank Sitrow sipped beer and waved at the departing boat. "You must be feeling pretty good," his friend and buddy, Wayne Lutzowitz, said. The two men leaned on the rear rail of the small... view more |
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The doll did not trust that yellow light by Bryan Costales posted 2008/06/01 (198 of 341) Only a few knew the myth, and those few considered it a fact. One such believer was Henry Winkle, a book seller in Karlsruhe, Germany. The long awaited phone call came at three in the... view more |
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Last call by Denver Welte posted 2008/05/31 (199 of 341) Shanghaied Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The last word Bob Devlin heard were, "Last call." Then he was blinded by a bright flash. The next words came through a pounding headache. Gruff words,... view more |
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The champagne pleased her greatly by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/30 (200 of 341) On her eleventh birthday, Delta Mellodi's father gave her a single sip of champagne. It tasted tart. Delta celebrated her twenty-first birthday on a Bay cruise with her friends and parents. She... view more |
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The platforms were long, wide, and covered by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/29 (201 of 341) The train, the sign told her, would be five minutes late. Dina Sontag set her lone suitcase by a bench and sat down. She had plenty of time. The transfer in Stuttgart to the Berlin train left twenty... view more |
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As it aged, sadly lavender began to leak by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/28 (202 of 341) Joan Filbert remembered the stage, half built for the play "Yerma," by Federico Garcia Lorca. The sound of hammers and saws, the smell of paint. "Turn out all the lights. Just leave that one on,"... view more |
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The monkey aided the camel for a gentler ride by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/27 (203 of 341) "So children," Miss Jillian the teacher said. She pointed again at the picture of a monkey on the back of a camel's saddle. "What is the moral of the Aesop's story about the monkey and the... view more |
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The leeks grew old waiting to become soup by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/26 (204 of 341) Basta Jolinni, in the darkness before dawn, found the back door to his cafe unlocked and partly open. The words, "I been robbed," leapt from his lips before he could stop them. Worried the... view more |
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She exhibited an early taste for carrousels by Terry Costales posted 2008/05/25 (205 of 341) Snapshot Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Alex TheWhistle found the old snapshot behind the rail yard. The picture had been lovingly wrapped in faded pink cotton, and outside that, had been wrapped... view more |
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They sailed under the bridge without seeing it by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/24 (206 of 341) Sally McPhano was very old. She sat on the back of an San Francisco bound ferry wrapped in her warmest coat. She watched a sailboat in the distance traveling the other way. "That's like my life,"... view more |
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The tuba was caught trying to crawl away by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/23 (207 of 341) "Yo, that's some green hair. Whatcha gonna do? Smoke it?" Danny Dixon was always such an ass. He stood almost seven feet tall when he didn't slouch. He played on the basketball team, and was... view more |
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A stunning view for visitors of the dead by Denver Welte posted 2008/05/22 (208 of 341) Damn You Ace Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The view from the cemetery had always seemed just too spectacular for words. Fran Corbran walked up the hill one last time before flying back to the... view more |
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He was surprised to find the mouth so soft by Denver Welte posted 2008/05/21 (209 of 341) Inverted Planet Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The new planet was full of surprises. Dave Hogan marveled at the soft lip of the horse-like creature, when the creature opened its mouth and bit off... view more |
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A block inside was the starting chute by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/20 (210 of 341) Carol peered down the road at the starting gate. "I guess this is the closest we can get." Ted had knelt down and was stuffing his camera back into its case. "This situation stinks." "I know. I... view more |
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Beyond the door she wished for tropics but found Alaska by Denver Welte posted 2008/05/19 (211 of 341) The Doorway Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales The man guarding him turned his back. Jeff Hayjack was ten years old and was beginning to feel a little chilled. He watched the man from the dimness just... view more |
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David Lopez about to ride Funny Papers in the 6th race by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/18 (212 of 341) "Who'd you bet on?" John jumped at the voice so close to his ear. He turned and found an elderly woman in a bright green outfit sitting next to him. People, he noted, seemed to come and go from the... view more |
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Fog began to roll in near sunset by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/17 (213 of 341) "Fog schmog," Del Woxman said to his date. "So far today, you've complained about the heat, complained about the noise, and complained about the crowds. Now, if I hear you right, you're about to... view more |
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The drinking fountain was disguised as art by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/16 (214 of 341) The heat that day weighed heavily on old Ben Haad. The sun seemed a hot frying pan in the sky. Ben was bent from age, but felt bent further by the heat. Ben walked up Lytton Street toward the... view more |
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The mayor's car was strangely absent a mayor by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/15 (215 of 341) The Mayor rode in the back of his limo. He was on his way to the Saint Patrick's day parade. For some reason --perhaps it was the soft rush of air-conditioned air, or perhaps it was the dim... view more |
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The conversation became lively, then frantic by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/14 (216 of 341) Stella Tsaf noticed she was talking awfully fast, so she stopped. She listened to her friends chatting around her and they sounded normal. Stella spoke again and felt like she was rattling out words... view more |
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The tour ended back at the wharf by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/13 (217 of 341) James Dorfs had turned 64 just that summer, but his mind fled years before. Bad alcohol they thought. Or maybe siphoning gas. "Yes, yes. I'm wrong. I remember now. It was bowling balls. Yeah, that's... view more |
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The next morning always caused her amazement by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/12 (218 of 341) "Damn," Charlene Tahcigam muttered on her way home. She'd lost her bus pass and all her cash so had to walk home. The sun had risen an hour ago, but Sunday morning found south of Market still... view more |
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Monte exhibited disdain for back seat shooter by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/11 (219 of 341) Sure, Dad was a slow driver, after all he was very old and just getting older. Gina in the back seat was late to her soccer game. She knew she shouldn't talk to her Dad when he drove, so she asked... view more |
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While afloat, the pine needle had befriended feather by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/10 (220 of 341) His edge was gone. He felt it float away. Spiny had been his nickname. He remembered that but not his real name. His eyes remained closed but he saw anyway. Spiny looked up through water at the... view more |
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Horse inspired design for future carrousel by Terry Costales posted 2008/05/09 (221 of 341) The Horse Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Brenda E. Quine remained after the other art students had left. She'd sketched the pretty horse several times but couldn't get her concept down on paper.... view more |
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Graffiti on wall spoiled his idyllic walk by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/08 (222 of 341) On warm afternoons, Hans Ledom liked to sit on the bench in front of his house. There he would lean on his cane and watch the people walking past. Occasionally, a walker would pause and point a... view more |
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A tiny plaque shows the carrousel was built in 1909 by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/07 (223 of 341) First snow fell softly on the crazed group of starving people frantically pulling washed up logs away. Under the rotting branches they'd spotted a section of white wall and broken glass. "A grocery... view more |
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Car parked at the edge of town by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/06 (224 of 341) In 2010 the cost of gasoline hit $12.00 per gallon. Geo Adnoh decided on that day to park his old car at the back of his apartment building. He looked at it, swore he would never drive again, then... view more |
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Gondolas suspended over churning water by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/05 (225 of 341) "How long have we been stuck here?" young Nellie Erusserp asked her mom. "I gotta pee." "An hour and thirty-five minutes," Ben Erusserp, her dad, said. "Nope make that an hour and thirty-six... view more |
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Ball lamp hovers over exhibits by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/04 (226 of 341) They danced the night away. Each so in love with the other that nothing could possible intrude into their universe. Unknown to them, however, the lamp overhead was a camera. Every kiss, every... view more |
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A plant with hundreds of peace signs by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/03 (227 of 341) Julie Renetsil concealed a tiny digital recorder near the base of a thorny tree. She hid it as a class project but without permission from the Conservatory of Flowers. After editing out the awkward... view more |
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Three benches huddle against a brick wall by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/02 (228 of 341) The old, abandoned hospital was full of operating equipment, chemicals, and powerful drugs. Knives, saws, and cutters of all sorts littered counters, tables and floors. The hospital was a... view more |
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Frightened bird hides below a bar by Bryan Costales posted 2008/05/01 (229 of 341) A poet and an artist were on their way to the train station for holiday. Carrying overnight bags, they descended the steps leading to a tunnel under a busy road. There the artist stopped. "Wait,"... view more |
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An Easter baby bunny wears a cap by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/30 (230 of 341) Berger Stamreul awoke and crawled to his knees inside his cardboard box. He scratched because he itched like crazy. All at once, the air around him seemed to speed by like a roaring jet. Berger... view more |
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Trashcan waits to kiss the next passerby by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/29 (231 of 341) Ten year old Klaus Kaltmann was taken by his mother to view free art. He remembered what his mother had told him just that morning. "Art should be felt. If you look at art and feel nothing, the art... view more |
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A stunning view of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/28 (232 of 341) Only four of the travelers were allowed awake at a time. It was a great honor, and a necessary one, because the starship needed constant care. Toni5 and Bill34 alternated their time with the other... view more |
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Picnic area on section of small beach by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/27 (233 of 341) Sitting around the Remembering Circle, it became old Jeffrey's turn to speak. He lowered the fur wrap from his mouth and felt the bitter cold sting his lips. Wood for fire was running low and nobody... view more |
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The Neckar river runs through town by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/26 (234 of 341) The "I Can Walk On Water" disease struck so many that they had to shut down access to the river. As the disease spread, lakes and ponds became closed. The strange sickness moved through France,... view more |
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Woman kneels with pitcher to get water under trees by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/25 (235 of 341) An earthquake rattled the town just before dawn. Brook of Sandy-Beach ran to the edge of town to get out from under anything that might fall. There she met Stone of Distant-Thunder, her... view more |
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Fake flamingos out for an afternoon stroll by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/24 (236 of 341) On her 200th birthday, Emma Swanson took her great-granddaughter's great-granddaughter, Sophia Godi, to Lake Merritt, in Oakland. Emma thought she would begin the trip with a brief history lesson.... view more |
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Man sits in window to enjoy the fresh air and smoke by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/23 (237 of 341) The window was never found open in the morning. After all, the neighborhood was just a bit too sketchy. Hans Streiker ignored the open window, because he was too anxious to light up his morning... view more |
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Graffiti inspires morning conversation by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/22 (238 of 341) Their neighborhood had succumbed to a wave of graffiti, which upset Norma Slizika no end. "Damn it all to hell," she would lament to her husband as they walked to their places of work, "The place... view more |
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Two trees perform a graceful dance by a pond by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/21 (239 of 341) Some families dump all their old photos into a box in the closet, others into a drawer, and others into an old steamer trunk. In the attic of the old house just inherited, Toby Williams was bored... view more |
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Man rehearses in basement of Symphony Hall by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/20 (240 of 341) Hans Greizlig couldn't afford an instrument of his own. So he would spend every night in the basement of Symphony Hall. There, the instruments were free to check out and use. The Symphony Hall... view more |
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Pro Chinese flags waived with gusto by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/19 (241 of 341) The pro-Chinese were waving their red flags with gusto. The effect was dramatic. All the red flapping appeared like a fire. A heat became manifest from their energy. A young boy, not quite tall... view more |
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Spider revealed by window in distance by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/18 (242 of 341) Emma Jones, at 75 years, was fearful of most anything. She feared falling. She feared food too large to swallow. She feared traffic and bicycles of all kinds. She feared big dogs and little dogs... view more |
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A cowboy hat on a cowboy loading a horse into a trailer by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/17 (243 of 341) John was a man with three last names. For most of his life named John Lobonski, he now struggled to pull his horse, named Tinfoil, aboard the horse trailer. "Git up," he said. "Come on now. Load... view more |
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Symbolic of protests unvoiced by politicians by Terry Costales posted 2008/04/16 (244 of 341) Mightier Then The Pen Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Sally Yee had always been taught by her father, Sam Yee, that, sure, the pen is mightier than the sword, but silence is even mightier than the... view more |
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Fluttering heart waits to be swatted by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/15 (245 of 341) The moon moth was a tale of youth. It was a pure black moth that only flew when the moon was full. Nobody had ever seen a moon moth. If you saw its heart-shaped silhouette against the moon you were... view more |
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The gift shop has much to see also by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/14 (246 of 341) Margie Butternert and her teenage daughter Sue browsed the little gift shop. Like the entire museum, it too was dimly lit and a little dusty. Margie thumbed through faded antique cards while Sue... view more |
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Teens hang out and smoke pot under the bridge by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/13 (247 of 341) Carol Donley and Vince Westerman were teenagers and artists. They liked to just hang out under the road along Pleasanton's Centennial Trail. Carol was into odor art, like perfumery but broader.... view more |
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Maze (foreground) insures pedestrian face oncoming trolley by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/12 (248 of 341) Zelda's husband Ace walked with a cane. He generally didn't like to walk all that much, and preferred to ride the trolley whenever possible. As they approached the platform for the U14, Ace asked,... view more |
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Big yellow trams (trolleys) where seen everyplace by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/11 (249 of 341) Polly Whanakraker had alway had a thing about the color yellow, so it was no surprise that she was influenced by the yellow of the trolley that afternoon. She debarked unaware she had been bent to... view more |
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Dimly lit stairway down into an unknown place by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/10 (250 of 341) When Donna Fitzright died, she felt herself sputter and float. Barely aware, she flitted like a moth who was also the flame. A bright light loomed ahead of her and she wiggled slowly toward it. The... view more |
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A reflecting pool by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/09 (251 of 341) The reflection was perfect. Jerry Five had been born and raised on the moon and had never seen such a broad expanse of water before. He knelt down and looked across the reflecting pool with... view more |
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A Moorish design to the windows by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/08 (252 of 341) "Isn't this nice," Sandy Wilson said to her husband Bob. "The way they emulated Moorish architecture." Bob hadn't been right in the head since the "Incident," of some years prior. He took off his... view more |
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The restaurant not yet open in spring by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/07 (253 of 341) I am retired from the recycled steel game. Back then I was always amused by good steel being misused as decoration. On our various trips through Europe, I would too often see steel used for lattice... view more |
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Mustachioed pair in soft hats by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/06 (254 of 341) Ellie and her dad liked to dress up resembling the French detective Clouseau. Her dad's mustache was real, albeit augmented upon occasion with black cotton. Ellie's was always fake. She, and a... view more |
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Solace given by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/05 (255 of 341) Linda McDermott could comfort others. She had this ability for so long as she could remember. A Star Trek fan, she thought of herself as an empath. She could sense the suffering of others, and by... view more |
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Tiny, but fancy marmosets were there too by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/04 (256 of 341) "Mommy. That monkey looks like grandpa." "It's not a monkey. It's a marmoset." "It still looks like grandpa. All hairy and small." "How many times have I told you not to talk badly about... view more |
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A street of curved buildings by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/03 (257 of 341) Karl Zeiletz was a crooked man. Because of lower back problems that always caused him pain, he walked with his torso in a S shape. "What could be more appropriate," he asked himself as he walked... view more |
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Delightful chit chat makes for a pleasant game by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/02 (258 of 341) Tom Deismond was a superb chess player with a gimmick. He had developed the skill of holding his hand up, as if to make a point, and freezing it in place. No matter what he said, nor how he... view more |
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Irish wolfhounds enjoy the fair too by Bryan Costales posted 2008/04/01 (259 of 341) Nancy Freundlich took her two Irish wolfhound puppies, Donner and Blitzen, to all the fairs and festivals. They were just too cute for words, and provided her the means to meet people. That's how... view more |
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Yellow sea horse rocks by Terry Costales posted 2008/03/31 (260 of 341) Yellow Sea Horse Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Several sea horses were on display in a clean, well lit aquarium. One was a bright yellow. While most floated upright, the yellow sea horse flipped... view more |
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A bust of Handel stands just outside a store by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/30 (261 of 341) Henry Wösig contemplated opening his umbrella in the light but cool rain. He hesitated, because he would just have to fold it again when the trolley arrived. Umbrellas were just a bother. From... view more |
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Parked bikes line an entry-way by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/29 (262 of 341) Wendy Griffs waited in the hallway. Her son, Jeffrey, had passed through the doors at the far end almost four hours earlier. He was being interviewed for special placement in an advanced school... view more |
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The parade makes ready on First Street by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/28 (263 of 341) bZilboly47 materialized in the air slightly above a heavily constructed area on the third planet of the 1932-965-2E5 system. Below he found underway a celebration of sorts. bZilboly47 dropped lower... view more |
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A traveler about to enter the station by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/27 (264 of 341) The last photo we ever saw of dad was sent to us in an unmarked envelope postmarked Stuttgart, Germany. It showed him mounting the steps into the train station. A large clock overhead showed the... view more |
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How to loiter correctly in a mall by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/26 (265 of 341) Digby Flemming leaned against a railing on the second floor of the indoor mall, and mused. He was seventy years old and found indoor malls, well, just plain wrong. Digby noticed a young boy lean... view more |
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Ducks float near boy on shore of lake by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/25 (266 of 341) Weather ClearEyes emerged from the dark woods into a clearing. Ahead he saw a small lake and, at the edge of the lake, a platform on which to sit and rest. He walked out onto the platform and... view more |
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Grounds are littered with blooming blue flowers by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/24 (267 of 341) Freda and her husband Dan walked the palace grounds. He was color blind so seldom enjoyed the sights as much as she. One Sunday morning, the lawn was awash in bright blue flowers. "My God," Freda... view more |
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Coca Cola, Kebab, and Pizza by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/23 (268 of 341) The note just said, "10:00 at Coca Cola, Kebab, and Pizza, Brauerstraße." That was all. No hint of why, or who, or even the day. Not that this worried Paul and Brenda. They were only in town... view more |
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German spy on way to work by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/22 (269 of 341) Hans Pfugler walked to work every morning at 8:00 precisely. Rain or shine, wind or snow, he never varied his routine. Sometimes he over slept and couldn't take his morning bath. And today was one... view more |
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Electric high-speed train arrives at station by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/21 (270 of 341) iEzat materialized on a hill expecting another dead planet. Instead he found himself looking down on a populated city. He held fast to the surface on which he landed because it was curved. iEzat... view more |
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Viewing lions that have gradually bent bars outward by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/20 (271 of 341) Joan and her pre-teen daughter Margo quietly watched the lions pace at the Karlsruhe zoo. They were inside because the morning was still early and the outside exhibits had not yet opened. "Look at... view more |
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Small flamingos dine inside by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/19 (272 of 341) Young Mikie stood holding his mother's hand and watching the flamingos at the zoo. Mikie knew from television that flamingos were pink because they ate shrimp. "Mom," Mikie asked. "Do flamingos... view more |
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Note wall (to right) that morning by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/18 (273 of 341) Frieda Alwerken rode her bike home after a terrible night out. She'd woken in a strange house, curled against the side of a cold fireplace, her blouse crusted with her own vomit. As she peddled she... view more |
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So many flowers, so little time by Terry Costales posted 2008/03/17 (274 of 341) Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Gerald Jans was a man of precise habits and a personal schedule. He awoke every morning precisely at six a.m. At nine a.m. he had bathed, dressed and eaten,... view more |
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Car accommodations are comfortable in second class by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/16 (275 of 341) Johann Dietzen fell asleep on the inter-city express between Berlin and Frankfurt. He had reserved seats and slept with his ticket exposed between his thumb and the book he was reading. So when the... view more |
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Skull fell far too fast into a sidewalk by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/15 (276 of 341) Grodendask was pure evil. He flew through space from planet to planet and devoured all life he encountered. As he approached a new planet he would assume the appearance of the dominant species.... view more |
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Palm trees basking in the sun by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/14 (277 of 341) Despite graying at the temples, his long black hair flowed like water in the light wind. His muscles moving greased with sweat, Jero Famotte, neared his final goal. He carried a heavy pack filled... view more |
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Shadow of man hangs among the weeds by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/06 (278 of 341) Bob Wonyhw lost his shadow one sunny afternoon. He noticed it first when he turned away from the sun and noticed everyone around him had a shadow, but he didn't. But this is not Bob's story, it is... view more |
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Young boy with protective eyewear dines by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/03 (279 of 341) Little Billy Cutter didn't like fish. His mother thought he was just being silly. His dad would often become angry and say, "Eat what's on your plate and like it." One afternoon, his folks took him... view more |
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Toilet seat people wait patiently outside hotel by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/02 (280 of 341) "The gall of them," Urinal Man said to his wife. "Imagine what it would be like back home if they were allowed to beg on the streets." "Yes dear," she clanked on his pipe. "Now don't start to get... view more |
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Woman is a natural on a Segway by Bryan Costales posted 2008/03/01 (281 of 341) Tracy Coatalils traveled the country in her Airstream mobile home. She went from town to town looking for Segway tours. They were always a bit pricy, but that was okay because she had invested... view more |
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Rainbow hues peek from center of splash drops by Terry Costales posted 2008/02/29 (282 of 341) Today's episode, copyright 2008 Bryan Costales, concludes yesterday's story In the year 2000 post rebirth, the great scientist Yman One spoke to a young audience on the tenth anniversery of the... view more |
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Well commented doorway by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/28 (283 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Alpham awoke to his mother knocking on his bedroom door. Alpham lived with his adopted parents in a bad part of town. The streets were narrow and... view more |
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Ashly's yellow tennis shoes by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/27 (284 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story The new assistant grew into a young woman, living up to her name, CloudLining, because she always offered all she met a profound hope. Creek spent many... view more |
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Man in moose hat with dragon behind by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/26 (285 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek was somewhere around eight hundred years old. He lost track of his exact age a while back. Because his legs were beginning to ache, he tended... view more |
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One kayak battles with another mid lake by Terry Costales posted 2008/02/25 (286 of 341) Today's episode, copyright 2008 Bryan Costales, continues yesterday's story The first Council of Elders set in law three main concepts. Killing, even in war, is a crime. There shall only ever... view more |
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Reproduction of rare broken tablet by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/24 (287 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek walked into the cool, shaded room to see how Pebble was doing. The old dog was six hundred years old, and near the end of his life. He had been... view more |
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Woman walks in tunnel under tracks by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/23 (288 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story For the past four hundred years Creek had continued to name every child born. But as the humans increased in numbers and as they spread far and... view more |
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Man shows size of fish he didn't catch by Terry Costales posted 2008/02/22 (289 of 341) Today's episode, copyright 2008 Bryan Costales, continues yesterday's story Creek led Firstboy and Pebble through the now-abandoned first building. It was dark and smelled damp. "How can I fight... view more |
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Porticos line the east end of the lake by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/21 (290 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek met Firstboy under the shade of porticos that had been constructed on the lake's shore. They provided an area of meditation, nearest the first... view more |
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Sunshine encourages some to nap by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/20 (291 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek thought that perhaps one of the larger children was napping in the answer room again. Half heartedly, he accompanied Snowball up the stairs in the... view more |
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"You won't beat me," the second duck calls by Terry Costales posted 2008/02/19 (292 of 341) Today's episode, copyright 2008 Bryan Costales, continues yesterday's story Creek stood looking at the birds flying over the glass dome when Snowball pulled on his sleeve. "A door!" Snowball said... view more |
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Vaillancort Fountain echoes mood of photographers by Terry Costales posted 2008/02/18 (293 of 341) Today's episode, copyright 2008 Bryan Costales, continues yesterday's story Creek walked among the children naming them. He would stop by each where he and the child would study each other.... view more |
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Last minute phone call to spread the word by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/17 (294 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek asked the projection, "Why do the children understand Pebble, and I do not?" The projected woman said, "One moment." She vanished. Another... view more |
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Stairs by fence lead to locked gate by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/16 (295 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire awoke as usual just after dawn. He wandered out of his cabin and found his large dog Pebble already up and supervising the children. A year... view more |
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A fitting conclusion to Irish Coffee by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/15 (296 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek had found some packages labeled, "Instant coffee." Mixed with warm water the taste was bitter, but had a similar effect to the purple drink he'd... view more |
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Ferral cat gazes with disdain at camera by Terry Costales posted 2008/02/14 (297 of 341) Today's episode, copyright 2008 Bryan Costales, continues yesterday's story At last, Creek and his large dog Pebble made it up into the library on the third floor. The floor was filled with large... view more |
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Fire escape hidden behind denuded tree by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/13 (298 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story The projection led Creek and his large dog Pebble through the barren landscape. The light was dim causing Creek to watch the ground and walk carefully... view more |
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Leafs observe shadows of brethren by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/12 (299 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story The train ran for two days and two nights before at last stopping at a platform much like the first. Creek and his large dog Pebble emerged from the... view more |
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Bay Point station at night by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/11 (300 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire and his large dog Pebble rested for a day. The second afternoon a man opened the door and leaned in. "All ready for your next step?" he... view more |
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Wooden blinds reveal a totally false exterior by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/10 (301 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire came upon a room that, at last, appeared restful. A chair and small table sat against a wall under windows covered with horizonal sticks.... view more |
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Motorcycles in blue by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/09 (302 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Today, Creek Fire stood on another bridge in another alcove. He leaned over and watched a road underneath. Thousands of huge machines... view more |
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Shooting the bay with a flash in daylight by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/08 (303 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire found many more side rooms in this corridor. The stone texture of the corridor walls prevented him from noticing any until he was upon one.... view more |
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A once but no-more phone by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/07 (304 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire walked but a single day to find another opening. A small room opened off the corridor, warmly lit inside. Creek stepped in and looked... view more |
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A universal kiss within Universal steam by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/06 (305 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire walked the long corridor for what felt like days. Whenever he became hungry, he just thought about the fish meal he had eaten and, like... view more |
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Terry gives Silvie a hug by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/05 (306 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire and his large dog Pebble arrived surprisingly refreshed at the next landing. "That meal must have been really fine," Creek said to... view more |
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Some bow with respect before entering a bar by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/04 (307 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire and his large dog Pebble arrived tired and hungry on the next landing. "Was that more steps than last time?" Creek asked himself more than... view more |
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That old dog loved to play guitar and sing by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/03 (308 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Creek Fire and his dog Pebble had descended more stairs than either of them had ever seen in their entire lives. They had found the source of the... view more |
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Mirror catches unwary boy in the act by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/02 (309 of 341) Today's episode continues yesterday's story Doug Goshkin heard a boom from the back of the railroad museum. Because he was a kid, he looked around to see if his folks had heard the boom. But they... view more |
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Statue of a hug near the carriage ride by Bryan Costales posted 2008/02/01 (310 of 341) Creek Fire had been walking since he had become a man. His hunting dog, Pebble, trotted along, always on the side opposite his walking staff. Creek had been traveling for two years and had visited... view more |
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Pyramid-like building across river by Terry Costales posted 2008/01/31 (311 of 341) The Pyramid and the Buddha Copyright 2008 Bryan Costales Stan was a friend of mine who worked in Old Town. He wasn't the sharpest stick in my quiver of friends but he was loyal. So it never... view more |
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clowngirl by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/30 (312 of 341) Mary Turgen's handle on the makeadate.com web site was clowngirl. She had arranged to meet her date, a shaggy haired lad named Dave, whose handle on that dating site was nonbeliever. She waited at... view more |
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Posted Rules by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/29 (313 of 341) Wendy was at the carousel with two friends and the French daughter of her parent's friends. The French girl's name was Eva and she spoke pretty good English. The other two girls, Donna and Sue were... view more |
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Human Size by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/28 (314 of 341) Tom Filworthy approached the building where he worked. Out front stood huge vertical rulers used to measure the growth of young giants. Tom entered through a door in the center that was his size,... view more |
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Stout Steel by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/27 (315 of 341) Steve and Stuart Eisen were into the stoutness of steel. The brothers were on a bicycle tour (riding aluminum bikes, go fig) around the great state of California. They intended to visit all things... view more |
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School Girls Race by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/26 (316 of 341) Nancy Dibbs was the ring leader. "It's so cold out, so lets hang in the train museum." The other four girls thought that was a fine idea, so they all went in at student rates. "We'll take turns,"... view more |
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Mail Car by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/25 (317 of 341) Paula Baystone whispered to her baby, Sally, while touring the old mail car. "Hard to believe," she said softly. "It took four weeks for a letter to cross the country by train. Imagine that." Her... view more |
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Egress To Birds by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/24 (318 of 341) Wendy Roy exited the Sacramento Amtrak station when an elderly woman in a bright pink sweater just stopped in front of her. Wendy stopped too and a man bumped her from behind. "Don't stop in a... view more |
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Music In His Head by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/23 (319 of 341) Dahl Robertson sat on an abutment and awaited his train's arrival. He thought of Janis Joplin and the music she sang. Too bad she died young. Imagine, he thought. Being blind-sided by death like... view more |
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Rightmost Door by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/22 (320 of 341) Carley Bennet bore her wealth and advanced age well. She dismissed the nurse from her aged mother's room and stood holding a child decorated box of old photographs in her hands. She placed the box... view more |
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Monkey's Fist by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/21 (321 of 341) During a far past, before humankind walked this earth, a monkey god ruled over all monkeys. A particular monkey, let's name him Bob, awoke in a tree. Bob slipped from a wet branch following a... view more |
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Thawed Cat by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/20 (322 of 341) One day, long, long ago, a cat slept on the deck of a boat. Back then, it was not uncommon for Medusa to stroll among mortals. Her snakes were mere worms, so by keeping her head covered, she... view more |
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Mid-Block by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/19 (323 of 341) Bryan and Terry were dressed to the nines in tux and gown. They stood mid block, waiting for traffic to clear so they could jay walk. They had tickets to Man of La Mancha and were running a bit... view more |
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Sub-Sub-Basement by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/18 (324 of 341) When the elevator opened in the sub-sub-basement, Bob Temple stepped off and found himself in a long, dim corridor. He heard the elevator close behind him and said, "Strange. I didn't know this... view more |
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Sally's World by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/17 (325 of 341) Sally Fielding ran up steps to the top deck of the ferry. She found a bench to sit on and sat and pouted. Her parents were going to buy a Sausalito houseboat and that made Sally unhappy. "Why would... view more |
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Boat Out Back by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/16 (326 of 341) Ted Knowbote loved boats but had never owned one. He lived in the Richmond district of San Francisco and often saw the ocean but seldom saw boats. On a whim, one day, he decided to visit the... view more |
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Posh Posh by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/15 (327 of 341) Wendy and Rick Locke approached the houseboat at the end of the narrow dock with trepidation. They didn't know what to expect. Whenever they bought an item off craigslist, the trip to pick it up was... view more |
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Fire Plug Rain by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/14 (328 of 341) Wayne the seagull passed away as a hero. Because of his heroic status, he was bumped up one notch when reincarnated. Wayne was reborn as a brand new, shiny fire plug. At first, he could only think... view more |
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Fake Horse by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/13 (329 of 341) When Terry's family returned home from their Disneyland vacation, Terry button-holed her mother at once. "Mom," Terry said. "Please don't let anyone see that picture of me on the horse. I would be... view more |
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Diamond Fork by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/12 (330 of 341) This is the last photo ever taken of Stan Graves. That is, of course, in this reality. Just before this photograph was taken, Stan rounded a corner in Paris and spotted a twinkle in the gutter. He... view more |
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Trapped In A Photo by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/11 (331 of 341) Who would have ever thought that those primitive natives would prove right. Not Granny, of course, raised by a preacher father during the great depression. But there she was, her ghost trapped in... view more |
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Ball Noses by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/10 (332 of 341) Every Saturday night, the elders of Church of Gea would gather all the balls and globes in town and lock them up. It was, under their religion, forbidden to play or study with any likeness of the... view more |
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Chipped Fairy by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/09 (333 of 341) Little Sally Saltnick stood with her mother outside the junk store window. Sally lived in a magical city somewhere in the west. "Look," Sally said to her mother. "A fairy, a fairy. Can I have... view more |
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Skate Board Dreamer by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/08 (334 of 341) Drad Simons didn't like living in Sausalito. He hated his small school. The town was boring to death. Drad longed to live in San Francisco just across the bay. Drad's folks were Franciscofobes.... view more |
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Puddle In Pothole by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/07 (335 of 341) Ace reporter, Jerry Watchly, was hit by the death ray and reduced to a puddle in asphalt. "Hey," objected Billy. "That's not fair. How can I finish the story when your turn does that?" "Lack of... view more |
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A Good Jog by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/06 (336 of 341) Donny Dasher knew that his red umbrella would protect him from rain. But he had no idea that it would also protect him from fate. Donny went for a combined brisk-walk and periodic jog every... view more |
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Creepy Crawlies by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/05 (337 of 341) Dr. Dan Flemmer, or at least he recalled once being a doctor. Dr. Dan Flemmer awoke wrapped in cardboard on the sidewalk under a bright, too bright, mural. "Great God almighty," he said, as he set... view more |
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Un-Wined by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/04 (338 of 341) The late afternoon sun cast shadow light across the marina. Betty and her pal Paula were late because two accidents had impeded the bridge traffic. Betty felt frazzled. Paula felt the worries of the... view more |
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Irish Green Accent by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/03 (339 of 341) Patrick Finn believed himself to be Irish through and through. So it came as a wee bit of a shock for his wife to announce otherwise. It happened on New Years Eve of all times, during a cruise of... view more |
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George Retired by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/02 (340 of 341) George McPhee had worked the docks his entire life. He sported dozens of tattoos, a half dozen scars, and an artificial knee to prove it. The company for which George had worked the last thirty... view more |
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Mental Energy by Bryan Costales posted 2008/01/01 (341 of 341) Wayne the sea gull was flying alongside a boat when something stopped him in mid air. He just hung there, suspended and helpless. All he could think was, "!!." Evil genius Jesse had recently... view more |
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