Two: The Waiting Room

     The waiting room was dull, as if deliberately designed to ensure maximum boredom.  Only one person occupied the room at a time.  Despite this, there were several different chairs from which to choose.  Although choose is probably not an entirely accurate description, since the chairs were in fact identical.  All of them were slightly uncomfortable, not so much as to distract, but just enough to not allow the sitter to completely relax.   The view from each of the chairs was essentially the same .
    From ceiling to floor the entire room consisted of shades of beige, so close in tone that they might be read as the same without close inspection.  The decorator failed to take into account textures as everything was flat without the benefit of any light reflection at all.  From  the featureless carpet to the bland ceiling the waiting room was one sad sweep of beige.  Even the ceiling failed to hold one's interest, with no distracting ceiling tiles to count.
     There was a coffee table, but without magazines, even outdated ones to read.  The table had no interesting coffee stains to interpret, no dust to write secret messages on,  nor sharp edges  to finger.  It sat far enough away from the chairs so as to be useless for resting feet.  But not far enough away to create space for pacing around.
      What happens next?  Please use the comment section to add to the story.

Starter Number One: Oxygen Leak

     Why does it always seem that just before things go horribly wrong there is a brief moment of recognition but by then it is just too late to do anything about it?
     "Yes, Yes, I know the oxygen is getting low, but that siren is not helping me think,"  she shouted to the computer.
     The computer did, of course, not answer.  The newer more sophisticated models were equipped with voice response, but that really was just overpriced bells and whistles.  Such a computer would not have detected the oxygen leak any sooner, nor would it have been able to come up with any solutions.  After all that was why people were needed to run the ships, to solve  unexpected problems.  Sure a computer could run basic systems, and navigate, but it couldn't wrap tape around a faulty wire, or tie down cargo that shifted during a rough take off.
     It had started as a tiny leak in the rear cargo bay.  Something that required her attention, but these thing happen, and it certainly was not life threatening, at first.
      What happens next?  Please use the comment section to add to the story.

A New Idea: Story Starters

I have come up with a new idea, for me at least.  I am pretty good at thinking up scenes, or vignettes, or I am not sure what  - story starters maybe, but not really very good at writing the rest of the story.  So I thought I would write them up here and then other people could use them.  Maybe someone out there can finish the story, or start the story, or even just add to the story. 

So if anyone is interested, or even actually reads this I suppose there should be some rules.  Please no pornography! I do not want to be embarrassed.  If someone decides to take something to use somewhere else, like a short story for class, please do not pretend that you came up with the idea all by your self, that is called plagiarism, and it is very bad.  Feel free to take my ideas and use them in exciting new ways, but mention Nailgun somewhere, perhaps in the introduction of your best seller.

Be a Patriot, Learn Civics!

Why is it that those who claim to be the greatest patriots actually seem to know the least about how our government actually works?  Many people in my acquaintance seem to be completely clueless about how the three branches of the government operate, and what falls under their jurisdiction. Yet these same people often literally wear their patriotism  on their sleeve or lapel, waving a flag in place of real knowledge. 

 I am truly amazed by how many people fail to understand the basic principle of the three branches of government, and the check and balance system.  This is something every eight grader should know, but for some reason seems to have slipped away from adults.  I suspect part of the issue lies in avidly watching campaign ads without bothering to listen critically.  Other issues include: wanting to assign blame, not wanting to admit a lack of understanding, and desiring easy solutions to complex problems.  This however, is no excuse for Americans to be oblivious to their government.

I have several mini lectures ready on hand for those who fail to comprehend how our country actually works.  The one I seem to use most often is, "The President has nothing to do with the fact that you did not get a cost of living increase on your Social Security."   Another popular one is, "The President does not make laws."  This does not make me fashionable with the complaint crowd, in fact I imagine it has taught some of them to not grinch so much around me.  But that is not such a bad thing.  I do not give these lectures for the sake of being pedantic, but because I genuinely believe in the importance of the informed voter.  

Granted sometimes our system does not work completely as advertised, but do not make it easier for those who try to distort it.  Do not be fooled by people who make statements designed solely for the purpose of  getting people riled up. Complex problems cannot be solved by simplistic answers that do not take into account how our government actually functions. One of the most important acts a true patriot can do is to learn civics.  If you claim to love our country show that love by knowing actual history and understanding what is written in our Constitution. 

Canned People Food

It is possible to buy 100% nutritional food for cats, dogs, and even monkeys, it should therefore be possible to buy 100% nutritional food for people.  While I enjoy eating, sometimes the "what's for dinner?" is  really trying.  It would be nice to be able to open a can of people food and find one serving of a complete and balanced meal.  Granted, it would probably not be that thrilling taste-wise, But still think of the convenience.

I have tried canned monkey food, and it was actually rather tasty, banana flavored, with whole grain pieces in it.  So I'm thinking that people food would not be that different.  It could come in different flavors besides banana.  It needs some sort of solid texture, not sloppy or too wet, to make it neater to eat.  Preferably canned people food would be something that did not need to be heated either.  That way bachelors, who do not know how or want to cook, could pop open a can and be good to go.  They would not need to own any kitchen items but a spoon.

Canned people food would be handy for emergency situations as well.  Canned items keep well, every household could store a few days worth of food.  People who live in cold climates need to keep emergency food in the car, throw in some pop top cans for such times.  During a major disaster, trucks full of canned people food could be sent to the scene.

I really think I'm on to something here.  The applications for canned people food are numerous. Food company executives take note of this idea.  After while the public would wonder why someone didn't  think of this before.  It would be convenient, neat, and simple.   And, the cans could be recycled.  

Book Review: When the World Spoke French

The book, When the World Spoke French, written by Marc Fumaroli and translated from French to English by Richard Howard, is well written and engaging. Each chapter of the book covers a different eighteenth century Enlightenment writer. These brief biographies encompass a wide number of individuals,such as,Francesco Algarottias well as perhaps lesser know lights including Lugi Riccoboni.  Along with the biography is a sample of writing.  These writings are quite often personal letters, and portions of essays.  Many of the writers were not in fact French, but wrote in French and where highly influenced what was happening in France.  

Anyone who is interested in eighteenth century history should read Fumaroli's book.  I appreciated finding out more about what was taking place in the rest of the world while America was stirring towards Revolution.  It really put things into perspective.  Fumaroli's writing style makes the people in the book come alive.  The adding together of all these individuals and their writing make for a sweep through European history that is far more interesting than the typical history book.

Book Review: Polo in the United States: a History

 Polo in the United States: a History by Horace A. Laffaye is precisely as explained by the title.  The book is divided into chapters covering the various eras, geographic locations, polo in art, indoor polo, and current events in polo.  The smaller sections within each chapter describe specifics.  Early history of polo section of this book typically list places, names of founders, and may contain a brief description of the polo field or clubhouse.  Some of the sections are lightened by brief anecdotes.

This book is certainly not for the polo virgin.  There is no explanations of rules, play, etc., I am not even sure how big the field should be.  While I found this book quite a slog to read, polo fans would doubtless find it more interesting.  Laffaye's book makes for good reference material for someone interested in quick facts about various players and the founding of clubs.