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Lunar Datebook

Maine-based short fiction, essays, and interviews. Hosted by Jennifer Ellsworth.
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Now displaying: Category: History

Welcome to Lunar Datebook...

Nov 18, 2017

Episode 91—November 18, 2017

People will go to great lengths to keep darkness at bay, including shifting time. Host Jennifer Ellsworth discusses the history, intent, and limitations of Daylight Saving Time. She also describes the dim after-effects of marijuana use, and reads a short story about a woman who wants to light up her life. It's called "Your Smile Signals the World."

"...Sixty monthly payments of $50 at 0% interest. Doreen’d made three and the world was opening up. She’d been the transfer station attendant for eight years. She was quick about it always, jawing on with Ivan, sure, about who took what from the swap shop, but stepping up to vehicles while they talked and flagging at the cars how much to back up to the dumpsters..."

Moon Astrology: New Snow Moon in Scorpio: self defense

A Benjamin Franklin brainstorm, moon landings, and the sound of silence.  

Nov 25, 2015

Episode 51- November 25, 2015

Weather may be the only safe conversation topic in some company.  On Thanksgiving Eve, host Jennifer Ellsworth describes a brief history of American weather forecasting and shares Maine's record breaking snows: perfect tidbits to accompany your giblets.  She also tells about an unusual Thanksgiving spent in a fondly remembered "crackhouse" and reads a short story about a fearless boy and an operatic ogre, called "The Boy and the Ogre."

"...Once upon a time there was a boy who lived with his mother in a house on the edge of the woods.

            Perhaps you saw their house, when it was still there...."

Moon Astrology: Full Snow Moon in Gemini:  Talk it up!

76 degrees on July 4, 1776, Burning Down the House and a Dream Juice mother.

Sep 27, 2015

Episode 47- September 27, 2015

Tonight is a Super Moon Total Lunar Eclipse.  Host Jennifer Ellsworth celebrates life in the shadows with stories of darker moments.  She tells a true story about abandoning a distressed stranger, and reads a short story featuring a woman scorned called "Lobster Lake."

"...Sarah loved the straddle seasons best. Days that began in long johns and by noon had you striped to shorts and a tee-shirt. That had been the weather last year when Sarah and David had gone fishing at Lobster Lake...."

Moon Astrology:  Full Harvest Moon in Aries: Rebellion brews.  

Columbus visits the north coast of Jamaica, Clinton Fair Truck Pulls and Trout filets.   

Aug 14, 2015

Episode 44- August 14, 2015

Today's New Moon welcomes a humble vegetable with great significance.  Host Jennifer Ellsworth discusses corn's metaphorical and historical value to Maine.  She also tells a true story about a bad boss in a blueberry field and reads a fictional tale about two men debating holy matrimony called "Back on the Chain Gang:"

"....'He's the only one that accepted my dinner invitation so I'm voting for him.'

Charles loved his mother, but this logic made his brain rot.

'Mom, it was a dream,' Charles said, lowering the driver's side visor to impede the glare blaring in over Belfast...."

Moon Astrology:  New Corn Moon in Leo:  Roar.

Slavery ain't for sissies, a $10 million industry, and the best motorcycle ride ever.

 

         

May 3, 2015

Episode 38- May 3, 2015

Moonshine!  Host Jennifer Ellsworth explains how hooch came to be named after the moon's glow.  She also shares a song by The Rugged and reads a story about springtime love called "Bishop's Maibaum."

"Frau Schmidt had explained to Bishop’s class how young German lovers proclaimed their affections which had been checked under the glare of winter but, come Spring, could no longer be contained...."  

Moon Astrology:  Full Milk Moon in Scorpio

Moonrakers chasing cheese, Nascar's birth story and visce beatha- water of life.

Mar 5, 2015

March 5, 2015- Episode 34

Busy, busy, busy.  Calendars date back tens of thousands of years.  Host Jennifer Ellsworth discusses the moon's role in Muslim, Jewish and Chinese calendars.  She also reads a story about Wanda, and this new nurse's first day on the job.  

"I was twenty-two when I met the doctor in the lobby at the County Hospital.  He’s not very attractive, and he wasn’t then either.  I didn’t know it at the time, but he’s part Indian.  His grandmother was a full-blooded Wabanaki and they’re short, dark people.  If we were ever standing toe-to-toe I’d be able to kiss his eyebrows.  To be fair, I’m not delicate.  In my younger days I could work the hay crew just about steady with most men, and complain a lot less..."  

Moon Astrology:  Full Sap Moon in Virgo: God is in the details.  

Halaqims, yin wooden sheep and clouds delaying the month's beginning. 

 

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