"The Bookstore" a short story by Craig Zimmerman.

The Bookstore was located in a dark corner of the city. Benjamin had been going  to the shop for about half of his twenty years and it had become a part of his regular routine.

As he entered the shop, the old man behind the counter barely acknowledged him. As usual the shop was empty. Benjamin often wondered how they managed to stay in business.

Benjamin immediately went to the shelves that held stacks of dusty paperbacks. He pored through dozens of books with fading covers and forgotten characters looking for the gem that would help him escape his lonely existence for a few hours.

After about an hour, Benjamin became aware of another person nearby. The other customer in the  shop turned out to be an extraordinarily  beautiful girl. 

Benjamin went back to looking through the stacks. A girl like that would never be interested in him. "Do you like science fiction too?" Benjamin was surprised to see the girl right beside him. Benjamin looked into clear blue eyes. "I like the old hard to find stuff."  He answered the girl. 
"My name is Anita" the girl said holding out her hand. Benjamin hesitatingly took the girl's hand and gave his name. 

Over the next few months, Benjamin looked forward to seeing Anita at the bookstore. One day he mustered up enough courage to ask her on a date but was crushed after she said no.

After the rejection, Anita took his hand and looked into Ben's eyes. "I didn't say no because of you Benjamin. You are kind and smart and any girl would be lucky to have you.The problem is me. I can't leave this shop." "What do you mean you can't leave? Ben asked

"Because I am not real" Anita answered. "I am a collection of some of the characters in these old books and for reasons that even I don't understand, I occasionally come to life."

"That's crazy" Benjamin said. Anita shook her head and disappeared. A few moments later she re-appeared.  "So it's true" he said, but what do I do now?" Anita pointed to the exit door. "Go out there and find a real girl and have some fun. I will be expecting some progress the next time I see you."

Just before he went out the door, Benjamin  looked behind him, but Anita was already gone.

Book Review- "Sure Signs of Crazy" by Karen Harrington

"Sure Signs of Crazy" by Karen Harrington is an unusual novel that chronicles the introspective life of twelve-year old Sarah Nelson.

 Sarah is not your typical twelve-year old. Sarah's mother attacked her and her twin brother Simon when both were toddlers. Sarah survived but Simon did not. 

Sarah has no close friends and her father is often drunk so in order to cope she communicates with a plant, her dead brother, and a fictional character in a book. 

Needless to say, some consider Sarah to be a little odd, but she is actually just terribly lonely and there is no one to share her feelings with.

I really enjoyed reading "Sure signs of Crazy" it has depth and Sarah Nelson is a  wonderfully heroic main character.

"Mail-Order Bride" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

From a small rise, Brian Miller surveyed his farm. He had accomplished a lot in five years, but he still  felt  an emptiness that wouldn't go away.

During their last communication, his mother  suggested that he should find a wife. The problem was there weren't many women that wanted to live on one of the frontier planets  light years from home.

It was about six years ago, that Brian had spotted the government ad giving away free land to homesteaders on the newly discovered planet. At the time, Brian was working on his parents farm in Kansas and thought it might be a fun thing to do.

The new planet was named "Minerva" and the government would supply everything Brian needed on the condition that he stay on the land at least ten years.

Minerva was similar to Earth in most respects although it was slightly smaller and the atmosphere had a higher oxygen mixture. The wildlife was as varied as that of Earth. and there were even flying critters that resembled birds. The only truly dangerous creature so far  was a bear-like animal. In his first year, Brian had to shoot one of them after it charged him, but lately everything had been quiet.

Brian continued to think about his mother's not so subtle suggestion about finding a wife.The next day, he posted an ad describing his situation on an inter-planetary classified site. He eventually received about a dozen replies. Most of the respondents were clearly not serious, but there were  a couple that caught his attention.

One was from Earth and the other was from a planet called Xaga. Brian checked the web and found out that Xaga had recently been discovered by explorers and was inhabited by a human-like species. Formal diplomatic relations between Earth and Xaga had already been established.

On a whim, Brian decided to answer the reply from the new planet. A few hours later, he received an answer. "Lachla" gave a brief description of herself and her abilities. Brian was intrigued and decided to find out more about her. 

 Lachla's knowledge of English was limited, but they were able to communicate. After several months of corresponding via email (there was as yet no direct communication between Minerva and Xaga) Brian asked Lachla if she would like to visit him  for a few days. She  agreed, but arranging the trip was more complicated then Brian imagined. After several weeks of work, he was able to secure a berth for Lachla on a freighter. 

Brian  put on his best clothes the day Lachla was to arrive. He felt like a teenager going on his first date. After some cargo was unloaded from the freighter, the only passenger  descended down a ramp. Lachla resembled a human female, but there was something exotic and wild about her. Brian thought she was beautiful.

Lachla attempted a smile as Brian came up to her, but it didn't quite come off. "How was the trip?" Brian asked. Lachla searched for the right word. "Long" she finally answered. "I'm sorry. I wish something else had been available." Brian said sincerely. This time Lachla did smile.

When they got to the farm, Brian gave Lachla a short tour of his land and then he started dinner. "On my world, the men never prepare the meal." she said. "What do the men on your world do?" Brian asked. "Give orders and compete with other men for status." Lachla answered simply.

After dinner, Brian showed Lachla photos of his family. "What does "Love" mean?" Lachla asked after she noticed the word on a 
 photo from his parents.  
"Love is a strong affection that  people have for each other." Brian answered. Lachla frowned "On Xaga there is no love. For the women, there is only work and pleasing the men.

After a few days, Lachla and Brian settled into a comfortable routine of working on the farm and sharing a dinner in the evening. One night, Lachla decided make one of her native dishes. Brian thought the meal was delicious and gave Lachla a light kiss on the cheek in appreciation. Lachla touched her cheek. "Why did you touch me like that?   Brian smiled "That's called a kiss. Humans do it to show affection." Humans are strange, but I have to admit that it was pleasant." Lachla commented.

The next evening, Lachla looked up from her dessert and smiled at Brian. "I have been reading about this kissing custom of yours. There is a great deal of literature on the subject." Brian laughed. "I'll agree with that. Love and its various rituals are a big preoccupation of the human race." "What does love feel like? Lachla asked. 

Brian thought for a moment before answering. "Most of the time love feels pretty  good." Lachla looked miserable. "I have never loved anyone before. I'm not sure that I even can." she said." Brian took her hand. "There is no hurry Lachla. Let's just get to know one another and see what happens."

The next day, Brian was inspecting his crop when one of the bear-things came out of the forest and charged him. Brian shot at the beast, but missed. The bear-thing attacked and Brian fought back, but  he was quickly overwhelmed by the superior strength of the animal.

In the barn, Lachla finished feeding the stock and then looked to the fields. She could see immediately that Brian was in trouble. Lachla raced to the unequal fight and pulled the animal off Brian. The bear-thing was strong, but Lachla had encountered much  tougher beasts on Xaga and the fight was soon over.

Brian was badly hurt and Lachla carried him to the house and put him in bed. She immediately called the settlement Doctor, but he was over a hundred miles away on another call. Fortunately there  were some bandages in the house and Lachla cleaned and dressed Brian's injuries.

Lachla stayed with Brian until the Doctor arrived hours later. The Doctor administered antibiotics and treated the deep cuts left by the Bear-thing, but Brian remained unconscious.

Day after day, Lachla nursed Brian and treated his injuries .A week after the attack, Brian  finally woke up to see a  very worried Lachla sitting by his bed. Brian smiled at her. "That was some fight you had with the bear-thing." he commented. "You saved my life." Lachla took Brian's hand. "I think I understand what love is now." she said. Brian leaned toward Lachla  kissed her on the lips. "I think I do too."

"The Colony" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Michael noticed the blue spot on his leg  when he was taking a shower. The spot  was on his thigh and  was about the size and thickness of a quarter. Michael pressed down on the spot and found that it was as hard as glass.

In a few days, Michael went to see his Doctor about the spot. His Doctor injected a local anesthetic and tried to remove it , but was unable to. X-rays showed that tendrils from the object extended deep into his leg.

The Doctor frowned. "I have a friend at the university that might have a better idea of what we are dealing with here." The Doctor wrote a name on a slip of paper and handed it to Michael. "Professor Abrams is an old friend of mine. I will call and explain the situation."

Professor Abrams turned out to be a woman which was more then a little embarrassing for Michael. Unfortunately, he had few options. Professor Abrams looked closely at the spot and then pressed it hard. "I have never seen anything like this." she said to herself.
"What do you think it is?" Michael asked. Professor Abrams shook her head and retrieved a large magnifying glass and again examined the spot. "It looks like a tiny city." "A city? that's crazy." Michael said. "Maybe, but that's what it looks like. I will have to do more tests. she answered.

Over the next few weeks, Michael spent almost every evening at the Professor's lab. "I have discovered a few things." Professor Abrams told Michael one night. First of all, the object in your leg is some kind of city composed of  very tiny  alien creatures.  Secondly, the city sustains itself by drawing energy from your body. "You mean it's a type of parasite?" Michael asked. Professor Abrams shook her head. "It only draws a small amount of energy from your body. Not enough to do you any harm."

"One more thing", the Professor added. "The object is sending out radio signals and I am trying to decipher them." It took months for Professor Abrams to interpret the radio signals.

Professor Abrams looked up from a computer printout at Michael. The radio signals from the object on your leg are mostly a message of gratitude directed at you." "Gratitude for what exactly?" Michael asked. "For the temporary use of your body." Professor Abrams answered. "Apparently, this is a common arrangement where these creatures originate from."

Michael shook his head. It was hard to believe something so fantastic. "So what do we do now?" he asked. "I am formulating a radio message in the creature's language asking them to leave your body." the Professor answered.

A week later, the Professor broadcast the message to the creature's tiny city and in about an hour the colony exited Michael's leg without even a scar left behind to remind him of his intimate encounter with alien life.



  

Book Review- "Up Periscope" by Robb White

I am a big fan of Submarine novels and "Up Periscope" by Robb White is one of my favorites. 

The story begins when Navy Lieutenant Ken Braden is given a top secret assignment to find a Japanese code on a remote Pacific island during World War Two. The submarine USS Shark is given the task of transporting Braden to the island.

 Author Robb White served aboard several types of vessels during World War Two (including submarines) and he writes of real men and how they deal with life and death combat situations. White's descriptions of The Shark being depth-charged hour after hour by the Japanese are especially harrowing.

"Orion" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

After an especially bad beating from his father, Brian ran out the door and into the forest behind his house. For hours, he walked among the trees.

Eventually, Brian came to a clearing where he noticed a tall man cutting leaves off plants and putting them in containers. Brian watched the man for several minutes before he  mustered the courage to talk with him.

Brian shyly walked up to the man. "What are you doing Mister?" Brian asked. Bright blue eyes turned on him and the tall man smiled. "I am collecting samples for my work." he said. "Are you a scientist or something?"

"You might say that." the man said.  "Can I  help you find plants?" Brian asked "My name is Orion." the man said " and yes you can help me." What is your identity?" Orion asked. Brian held out his hand "Brian Wagner." Orion  frowned for a moment and then shook Brian's hand. For the rest of the day, Brian showed the tall stranger where  the best plants were. 

Brian was having so much fun that he forgot how late it was . His father would be very angry if he were late. Brian said goodbye to Orion and ran for home.

When Brian ran in the door, he saw his father sitting in front of the TV.  Brian tried sneaking up to his room, but his father grabbed his arm and pulled him into the living room. The beating went on until his father was too drunk to continue.

In the morning, Brian crawled into the woods. It took hours, but he finally found Orion  once again  clipping the leaves from plants. The bright blue eyes turned to him and the stranger rushed to Brian's side. "What has happened to you?" he asked  "I fell." Brian replied automatically. It was an excuse he had used dozens of times before.

Orion nodded and pulled a small device from a satchel he was carrying and pointed it at Brian. "Do not be afraid. This is a tool for healing." he said. In a few moments, the pain from the beating was gone and Brian could stand again.

"How did you do that?" Brian asked amazed "It was invented by one of our scientists a couple of centuries ago in your measure of time." Orion said.

"Where are you from Orion?" Brian asked. Orion hesitated for a moment and then answered. "I am from a planet circling one of the stars you see at night. I was sent to this planet to do research."

"You don't look like those aliens in the movies." Brian commented. Orion laughed. "I'm sorry that I am so disappointing." 

"When you leave can you take me with you?" Brian asked suddenly. Orion frowned. "What about your family?"   "I have no family. My father beats me every chance he gets." Brian answered bitterly. "So it was your father that caused your injuries." Orion surmised. Brian nodded.

"It is generally not permitted to remove sentient beings from their home world. but perhaps we can make an exception in this case." Orion said. 

"When do we leave?" Brian asked. " Today. I have a few more samples to collect and then we can go. Is there anything you wish to get from your home?" Orion asked. "My Mother's photo" Brian replied.

Brian looked at his house from the woods. With any luck, his father was seriously drunk. As quietly as he could, Brian entered the house and gathered his mothers photo. Suddenly, a fist came out of the darkness and sent him sprawling. Brian's father screamed in anger as he brutally  whipped his son with a belt.

Brian was about to lose consciousness when Orion lifted his father from the ground and tossed him like a rag doll. "It is time to go." he said. In less then an hour, Brian watched the blue planet called Earth recede into the blackness. 

Film Review- "Victims for Victims: The Theresa Saldana Story."

In the 1984 TV film "Victims for Victims: The Theresa Saldana Story." Actress Theresa Saldana gives the performance of a lifetime as herself just a couple of years earlier.

On March 5, 1982, Ms. Saldana was attacked and nearly killed by a mentally ill stalker. Theresa spent months in the hospital recovering from her injuries and in that time she not only endured terrible physical pain, but also crushing depression and the terror of the attack.

During her recovery, Saldana is not always a  sympathetic figure. She complains, she is demanding at times, and at one point, gets into a serious argument with a nurse. It takes a brave person and actress to be willing to show themselves in such a negative light.

Theresa Saldana is well known for her performance in "Raging Bull" but in my opinion, her best work as an actress was as herself in "Victims for Victims."

Theresa Saldana passed away on June 6, 2016 at the age of 61.

Book Review- "The First Woman Doctor." by Rachel Baker

"The First Woman Doctor" by Rachel Baker is the remarkable story of Elizabeth Blackwell the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States.

Elizabeth Blackwell was born in England in 1821 and later moved with her family to America. In 1847, Elizabeth was accepted to Geneva Medical College in New York. Elizabeth faced many challenges as the only female in the class.Among other problems, some did not want her to examine male cadavers, but  Elizabeth did eventually prevail and graduated first in her class.

After graduating in 1849, Elizabeth had trouble finding a position. A woman medical doctor was just unheard of at the time. After some time in Europe, Elizabeth returned to New York and opened a clinic for the poor which was also quite unusual for the period.

In the 1860s, Elizabeth Blackwell opened her own medical college for women.  

I read The First Woman Doctor some years ago, and I found the story fascinating and well worth reading. I am still a little surprised that Doctor Blackwell does not get the recognition today that she so much deserves.

Book Review- "Signal Zero" By George Kirkham

The law enforcement profession has been in the news quite a bit lately and I was reminded of an excellent book that I read several years ago.

"Signal Zero" by George Kirkham is the true story of a college professor (Kirkham) who actually became a police officer as part of a research project.

 Criminology Professor Kirkham thought that  he was fairly knowledgeable about police work until he is confronted by the brutal reality of the streets.

Signal Zero is somewhat dated since the events in the book occurred four decades ago, but it still gives a graphic and  unflinching look at what police officers deal with everyday.

Book Review- "Alexander Hamilton The Outsider" by Jean Fritz

With the success of the Broadway musical "Hamilton" Alexander Hamilton is getting some much deserved modern recognition. For those interested in Alexander Hamilton's actual life story try the book "Alexander Hamilton The Outsider" by Jean Fritz.

Alexander Hamilton was born in 1755 or perhaps 1757 in the West Indies. After his mother passed away, Alexander moved to New York to pursue his education.  In 1755, Hamilton joined a militia and eventually became an General Washington's aide.

Like most of The Founding Fathers, Hamilton was a true Renaissance man and  author Jean Fritz does a good job of detailing his many

 accomplishments which include: writing a majority of The Federalist Papers , the founding of America's financial system, The U.S. Coast Guard, The New York Post,The New York Bank, The Federalist Political Party, and was America's first Secretary of the Treasury.

It is probable that Alexander Hamilton would have eventually become president, but he was sadly killed in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804.

Book Review- "Mao Zedong" by Whitney Stewart

Mao Zedong was one of the most powerful men of the Twentieth Century and perhaps the worst mass killer in history.

"Mao Zedong" by Whitney Stewart is a  brief narrative of the long and complex life of the founder of Communist China.

Mao Zedong was born in 1893 and tried several occupations before he became a political revolutionary. Ms. Stewart brings to light some details of Mao's personal life such as his failed marriages and abandoned children, but somewhat glosses over his undeniable military leadership abilities.

In 1949, Mao Zedong became the Communist Dictator of China. Mao did achieve some progress, but his arrogance and unwillingness to listen to criticism also created chaos and mayhem especially during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s.

"Mao Zedong" is a fair introduction to the founder of Communist China, but unfortunately it's short length  leaves out many vital details of Mao's life.

"They Came In The Night." a short story by Craig Zimmerman

They came in the middle of the night as the secret police often do. In just minutes, Michael was taken from his bed to a waiting car and whisked away to an unknown destination.

After about two hours in a dark cell, an armed guard escorted Michael to an unadorned office. Some sort of commander sat behind a desk and he motioned for Michael to sit.

"Do you know why you are here?" the commander asked. "Maybe you should tell me." Michael replied.  The commander gathered together a sheaf of papers and dumped them on the desk in front of Michael.

"Are those your writings?" The Commander asked. Michael looked at the papers. Apparently they had gathered together all of his internet posts for the last several years. Michael nodded.

The Commander shook his head.  "You probably think we are monsters, but we are actually very tolerant. We let you post pro-Bill of Rights crap for years, but lately you have developed a following and now that must end." The Commander said.

"What is going to happen to me?" Michael asked the Commander. The man behind the desk smiled. "You are going to make an emergency visit to a very ill old friend. Eventually, we will put out the story that the visit became a permanent move."

In the next few weeks, Michael's car was disposed of and his house was put up for sale. His employer was sad to see him go, but his position was filled within a week.

A few people thought Michael's sudden move was odd, but even those questions stopped after a few weeks.

"The Hermit" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

When he was thirty five, John Riley bought several acres in the northern Rocky Mountains and turned his back on civilization. In the beginning, John still needed to drive the forty miles to the nearest town, but as the years went by, he became more self-sufficient and eventually gave up even  that last minor connection to humanity.

While John went about his daily routine, the rest of the world engaged in the intrigues and violence that humanity had practiced from the beginning.

One day, the mad plan of a mad scientist went too far and almost every fertile male in the world was wiped out. John didn't now anything of the cataclysm until he received a procession of visitors.

All of the arrivals were women. The apparent leader of the women told John what had happened and that since he was one of the few healthy males left, it was John's patriotic duty to replenish the earth with humans.

John wasn't so sure that was such a good idea and told them so. The women offered him riches and the most beautiful women in the world.

John thought about the offer and added a few conditions of his own.  The leader of the women grudgingly accepted the conditions and that is how John the Hermit became the King of The United States.

Old Photo

I have an old photo that I inherited from my Mother. In the photo, a young man with a bandage over part of his face is standing in front of a severely wrecked car. 

I am assuming the young man was the driver of the car  and judging from the damage done to the vehicle, it is a wonder that he survived.

There is no caption to the photo, but from the young man's expression, I think he is saying: "Look what I survived."

I do not know the identity of the man in the photo. I would like to think that a man with that kind of guts was a member of the family.

Book Review- "The True History of the Elephant Man." by Michael Howell and Peter Ford

"The True History of The Elephant Man" by Michael Howell and Peter Ford is a short but thorough chronicle of the life and times of Joseph Merrick AKA "The Elephant Man." 

Joseph Merrick was born in Leicester, Great Britain in 1862. For the first few years of his life, Joseph developed normally, but then began showing signs of a still unknown genetic abnormality.

As he got older, Joseph's skin and bones began to thicken and become deformed. Even though it must have been incredibly difficult, Joseph attempted to work at various jobs, but in the end was forced to put himself on exhibition in order to earn enough money to live.

After being robbed by his manager, Joseph willingly put himself under the care of Dr. Frederick Treves and had his own room at London Hospital where he remained for the rest of his life.

At the hospital, Joseph became friends with aristocrats and ordinary people and apparently found a measure of happiness until he passed away at the age of 27.

The story of Joseph Merrick is more than a terrible congenital disease. It is also about the remarkable character of Mr. Merrick himself who remained  a kind soul even after all of the suffering he endured during his life.

Book Review- "Logan's Run" by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson

"Logan's Run" by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson is a science fiction satire of what might happen if the sex, drugs, and rock & roll youth culture of the 1960s actually ran the world.

Sometime in the distant future, mankind lives in domed cities that resemble giant shopping malls. Pleasures of all kinds are available in the domed cities, but only for twenty one years. ( The film version of the novel extended it to 30) After your time is up, the crystal embedded in your palm turns to red and you must submit to euthanasia or "Sleep" as the city authorities like to call it.

Those who  rebel against  euthanasia are called "Runners" and are hunted down and killed by a  police unit called "Sandmen."

"Logan 5" is a Sandman  who goes about his duties until  one day he is given a special assignment to find a mythical destination for runners called "Sanctuary."

Logan's search for sanctuary leads him to discover that the system he has served so faithfully is all based on lies.

Logan's Run is one of my favorite science fiction novels and I think  an enjoyable read for anyone that likes the genre.

My UFO Experience by Craig Zimmerman

When I was eleven years old, I was waiting to catch the school bus when I spotted an unusual flying craft about a half-mile to the north.  Even though it was early, the sun was up and there was no visibility problem. The craft had the classic shape of a "flying saucer" as UFOs were once called and was absolutely not an airplane or any other man-made aircraft that I have ever seen.

The UFO headed west at a relatively slow speed and was soon gone. 

It is fairly easy to speculate about what I saw that day. Was it a secret military aircraft? possibly, but I doubt it.

My own feeling is that the flying craft I saw that day came from another world.

Book Review- " Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse

"Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse is a grim, powerful story of a family of Oklahoma farmers trying to survive the Dust Bowl years of the Great Depression.

For those who don't know, "The Dust Bowl" was the result of poor farming practices and a severe drought. Terrible dust storms that sometimes went on for days, ravaged farms and towns.

After a fire kills her mother, young Billy Jo tries to make a home for her father and herself. In addition to the scars left by the fire, Billy Jo must cope with the endless dust and the near hopelessness of her father's attempt to raise a crop.

Out of the Dust is at times hard to read because of the unrelenting hardships of the period, but there are some happy moments scattered throughout the novel and the story ends on a hopeful note.

"The Dark Pool"- a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Brian found the pool by accident while hiking deep in the hills. The pool was almost a perfect circle surrounded by smooth rock He liked the spot so much that he decided to have his lunch there.

Brian drank a bottle of orange juice and idly wondered how deep the pool was.After a  time, Brian dozed off. When he awoke he disturbed the orange juice bottle and it rolled into the pool. Moments later, Brian was startled to watch the bottle come flying out of the pool.

As an experiment, Brian tossed the bottle into the pool. Once again, the bottle was discarded by the pool.  Brian could not come up with any explanation for the riddle of the pool, but it occurred to him that it would be a fun  place for a party.


The next weekend, Brian and several of his friends made the long hike pool. After, the party got started, Brian casually tossed a beer bottle into the pond and laughed at the reactions of his friends when the bottle came flying out. Soon everyone was throwing things into the pool. 

At first, the objects were returned immediately, but gradually the effect slowed and trash accumulated in the pool. Bored by the lack of action, the campers drifted away. 

The next morning, a being that the young people had never seen before floated lifeless in the pool, surrounded by the litter from the night before.

Book Review- "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson

"Fever 1793" is an exceptional novel about an actual Yellow Fever epidemic that  occurred in 1793 Philadelphia.

Young Mattie Cook and her family run a Coffeehouse in late  eighteenth century Philadelphia when the epidemic strikes. When Mattie's mother is infected with the disease, Mattie is sent to the countryside with her grandfather.

Eventually Mattie herself becomes infected and she goes through a terrible ordeal trying to survive not only her own illness but also the near breakdown of  authority in the city.

Filled with historical detail and memorable, realistic characters, Fever 1793, transports the reader back to a time that young people today would barely recognize.

"The Long Day" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Michael arose at 11:30 on Wednesday. Now that he no longer had a job, there didn't seem to be much reason to get up early anymore.

A sensor in his bed automatically sent a signal to the house robot so his breakfast was ready and on the table by the time he went downstairs.

The house robot was a remarkable device that took care of all of the household chores. Michael didn't have to lift a finger. After breakfast, Michael thought about what to do with the rest of the day.

Some days  he would go for a walk, but he found it too depressing to see all the others like himself wandering around with nothing to do.

For twenty years, Michael worked as mechanical engineer. Now a machine did his job and the government sent him a "displaced worker" check each month.

He had everything he needed, but he was miserable. A government-appointed therapist suggested that he try one of the virtual reality work simulators.

The simulators could duplicate the sensation of hundreds of different jobs from coal mining to CEO of a multi-national, but it wasn't the same thing as actually having a job.

Not long after he was "retired" Michael tried one of the day labor agencies. The agency sent him on a few jobs, but eventually even those dried up when it became more cost effective to use a machine.

Later in the evening, Michael made a decision and switched off the house robot. The next morning, he awoke at 8:00 AM and made his own breakfast. The eggs were a little burned, but it was still the best breakfast he ever had.

Mr. Boehm

Mr. Boehm was young, which may be why his methods were a little different then the other teachers at Panther Lake Elementary School.

One of the first things that Mr. Boehm did was to replace the 
classroom desks with several large round wooden tables.
Around these tables, students discussed politics, world affairs, history, and many other subjects.

Study and  reading time was often done to the accompaniment of Simon and Garfunkel and Classical music.

On frequent field trips, we visited museums, The Seattle Symphony and Opera House, and the University of Washington campus. While waiting for the bus after a visit to the Pike Place Market, we struck up a conversation with some men who were drinking on the side of the road. I think our parents would have been horrified.

Mr. Boehm loved Shakespeare and when we had a little extra time, we would go to an auditorium and he would perform all the parts of one of The Bard's plays.  

I have only seen Mr. Boehm once since Elementary school, but wherever he is now, I hope that he is doing well.

Book Review- "When Comes the Spring" by Janette Oke

I don't really care for women's romantic fiction, but I am a big fan of writer Janette Oke. Ms. Oke's novels are chaste compared to most women's modern fiction, but she is extremely skillful at portraying the intimacy between a husband and wife even without the graphic descriptions of sex.

In Ms. Oke's novel "When Comes the Spring", young schoolteacher Elizabeth marries Wynn- a Canadian "Mountie" and they move to a  northern Canadian territory.

Most of the residents of the couple's new home are natives and Elizabeth has trouble adjusting to a different language and culture.There are also the inevitable conflicts that arise in a new marriage.

Ms. Oke's faith in God is part of her writing, but she doesn't sugar coat anything. There are hardships and not always easy answers, but there is an assurance that with love and a little faith, things can get better.