#oeweek

Happy #openeducationweek. Here is the list of 51 Journals which are open access to everyone. You are most welcome to read articles!

For Info https://scidoc.org/Journalatoz

Guy walks into a networking event.  Guy looks around.  Guy does not see anyone he knows.  Guy is not afraid.  Guy goes up to the bar, waves down the server, orders a Guiness, slouches against the bar, receives his drink of choice, and embodies a regular.  A few people look at Guy.  Guy nods their way.  Guy spots his Buddy.

  Buddy and Guy make small talk.  They look around.  Buddy knows someone and both Guy and him venture over to say hello.  Buddy facilitates the introduction and the trio realize they are likeminded souls.  They chat, debate, and engage in the prim and proper comparison of notes.  The event fills and their voices rise.  A call to attention is made.

  “We have a few people to thank,” the voice says, and up goes a glass. 

  There is jubilation and pride.  Almost everyone takes a drink.  Guy gives his a good slug.

  “I’d like to ask (      ) to join me,” the voice says.

  Guy’s ears perk up.  He recognizes the figure labouring towards the podium from the summer months.  The figure was plum then and plumper now.  The figures chin is serving two purposes – chin and face.  Guy shakes his head.  He cannot remember the figure being an orator of value.

  “My, um, pleasure to be here,” the figure says, and sweat claws along his chin.  “It’s events, um, like these…that create such, um,…that create our city.”

  Buddy looks at Guy.  Guy shakes his head.  He remembers the summer months: promises made, information withheld, and the stench of poor business and ethics.  Guy goes deaf.  He notices people start to clap and The Figure attempting a normal smile.  But there is nothing normal about The Figure.

  The Figure has stature and a presence.  He does not need to network with anyone.  People are going to him.  The Figure gives them a recycled smile and gut driven laugh.  That is all.  It is The Figures façade and no one is seeing through it.  No one spots his lack of relevance.  The Figure is entitled and thought after.  Guy stays away.  His thoughts are in the distance.

  “Was going to cost us a pretty penny and then some,” Guy says.

  Buddy inquires how.

  A stranger to the left and rear sport the same inquiring faces.

  “The man just doesn’t get it,” Guy says.  “But there he is - a spectacle for us to bow down to and beg for help.”

  “Little harsh, no?” Buddy says, and stares at The Figure’s multi-purposed chin.

  “Try and run a business with the likes of him around,” Guy says, and his drink his consumed.

  Buddy orders the next round and a new face reintroduces itself to Guy.  Guy smiles and engages in small talk.  The Figure hangs beyond the distance of a firm handshake.  Guy wraps up the small talk and accepts his drink from Buddy.  Buddy notices the steam protruding out of Guy’s ears.

  “Go talk to him,” Buddy says.

  “And ask what?” Guy says.  “How does one fake success and get away with it?” 

  Buddy smiles.  He knows Guy.  They look around and keep themselves busy.  Guy downs his drink to stop himself from shaking his head.  He heads back to the bar.  The Figure is there.  Guy looks away and waits to be served.  The Figure is served first and cracks a joke.  There is laughter and more people get to meet The Figure.  Guy is served and takes a look at The Figure: waste, misunderstood, and lacking vision.

  “Lets go mingle,” Buddy says.

  “Nope,” Guy says, and sets down his fresh drink.  “I should go.”

  There are people to meet – relevant people with relevant ideas.  Off goes Guy.

  “Where are you going, Steve?” Buddy says.