Punk Noir Magazine

 by Paula Gail Benson

Punk Noir Magazine

I discovered a great online publication: Punk Noir Magazine. James C. Jenkins, the July editor, accepted submissions with the theme corruption. Following are the stories, the first two by favorite authors: “Wait a Minute” by Kaye George; “The Medicine Show” by John M. Floyd; “Town Ain’t What It Used to Be” by Jay Bukowski; “Export Issue W/R/T/ Poison Inner Sleeve” by Clem Flowers; “Heart of Darkness” by Daniel Schultz; “Why Slagfield, Texas, Gave Up Football” by Stephen Sossaman; and three flash fictions: “New Borns” by L.P. Ring; “Las Cucarachas” by Ron Riekke; and “The Other Cheek” by Matthew R. Davis.

Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit!

Brenna Bunt/Getty Images/Readers Digest

by Paula Gail Benson

Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit! In Great Britain and North America (particularly New England) repeating “rabbit” or saying “white rabbit” upon waking on the first day of the month was considered a way to ensure good luck or presents. According to Wikipedia, such diverse sources as Trixie Belden and President Franklin Rosevelt indulged in the practice. While some thought of rabbits and a rabbit's foot as lucky, others view them less favorably. In the 19th century, fishermen would not say the word while at sea. Similarly, seeing a white rabbit could mean a gravely ill person in the village would die soon.