James Hauenstein's Blog, page 95
June 8, 2017
The Man From Mars - Episode Twenty-One
I rode along side the man in the black suit for about forty-five minutes before I decided I had to say something. During that whole time, he never once turned his head to either side. He just kept staring straight ahead. Hands on his legs, palms down, and sitting up as straight as possible.
I kept peaking at him from the corner of my eyes, but that was getting me nowhere. I had to talk to him to find out what he was all about. If he worked for the Secret Service, why hadn't he called in, saying he had found the fugitive? My photo had to have been passed around among their operatives assigned to my case? So why were we still riding the bus? Why wasn't there at least a Police escort, in case I tried to make a break for it?
I know, by the looks of the gentleman in the black suit, that the odds of me overpowering him was slim to none, but that's not how law enforcement works nowadays. If one officer does detain a suspect, you can bet your bottom dollar that the cavalry is coming in force.
Maybe that's what this is. Maybe he did contact his fellow agents, but nobody thought I would be foolish enough to start heading back to New York and they don't have reinforcements in the area? Maybe he is waiting for a Police roadblock coming up? Or, at our next scheduled stop, the Secret Service will swoop in and surround the bus. Leaving no doubt that there will not be a miraculous escape on my part.
I had to at least say something. Even if it was nonsense.
"Excuse me sir. I need to go to the bathroom." I told him. "If you could let me pass, please? I don't want to step on your feet or anything. Thank you."
As soon as I stopped talking, he got up in the strangest manner. He stood up facing me and backed up, into the aisle. He kept both arms, straight down, along his sides, and was a little bent forward at the waist, and he never took his eyes off of me.
It was like, he was some kind of animal, ready to spring forward onto its prey.
I started walking to the back of the bus, where the lavatory was located. Half way there, curiosity got the best of me and I turned around to see what the man in the black suit was doing. He was still standing, in the same spot. The only difference this time was the scowl on his face. It looked like he expected me to do something.
Like what?
I wouldn't know what to do.
Greyhound buses don't have a back door going out the rear of the vehicle like school buses do. Sure, you can kick out the rear window if need be, but I am sure the man in the black suit isn't going to let me accomplish that feat.
I turned around, walked to the lavatory door, and as I opened it, I took one last look at him. Now his head was bent down, with his chin almost touching his chest. The intently peering eyes still held their gaze towards me, below his bushy eyebrows. I could have sworn, steam was coming out of his nose. Just like you see when bulls are about to charge a matador in those old Saturday morning cartoons.
I closed the door behind me, sat down on the toilet lid, and took a deep breath.
He was definitely not on my side, I thought.
But what to do now? Wait for the inevitable ball and chain by the Police? Get arrested and thrown in some dungeon on a military base? Never to see the light of day, ever again?
Or is it time to try and use the amulet against him? Make him do my bidding. Use the power of the amulet to destroy my enemies.
That is when I paused.
What has come over me? To destroy my enemies? To make someone do my bidding?
Absolute power, corrupts absolutely. And it corrupts weak minds too!
I usually don't belittle myself like that. You could say I am a pretty confident guy. But I know, I am not the right guy to wield such power. I have always been the guy keeping the powerful in check. Making sure they are accountable.
Who is going to watch me, if I figure out how to use the amulet to its full advantage?
If I remember correctly, didn't the Man from Mars tell me that the amulet could have been the cause the destruction of his home planet? Could I be holding something so powerful, that certain people would kill me to have it? And then try to rule the World?
I can't let the amulet fall into the hands of any government. Or any one person.
Especially me.
What I need to do, is return to its rightful owner. The Man from Mars.
I don't know how long I was in the bathroom, but somebody started knocking on its door, saying, "Hurry up in there. There are other people on the bus you know. Who want to use the bathroom." I opened the door, looked down the aisle, and saw Frankenstein's Monster still standing in the same place, in the same position. I told myself, if I needed to, I would use the amulet one last time to get out of here so I can return it to the Man from Mars. I'm no hero and I am certainly not capable of being responsible enough to hold such power. I walked back up to my seat and sat down. The man in the suit sat back down too, and stared straight ahead. I closed my eyes and found myself instantly inside a dream world. I was back on Mars again. I was headed to the head administration office of the whole planet. I was on my way to talk to the top executive. In the dream, I realized there were no governments on Mars. Just one corporate entity, with one director, ruling over the whole place.And only interested in one thing. The profit ledger. I also felt in my reverie that the head honcho wasn't too happy with me. If I didn't play my cards right, I was in real trouble. Trouble? It felt so real though. My dream. How could I be in trouble? I guess I'll just have to play out this dream in my head and see where it goes. What could possibly go wrong?
To Be Continued...
Next Thursday.
This is,Knowing I Could Never Have Absolute PowerBut I Would Like To Try It For A Day ThoughJim Hauenstein,
And,
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
- Abraham Lincoln -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?
Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
I kept peaking at him from the corner of my eyes, but that was getting me nowhere. I had to talk to him to find out what he was all about. If he worked for the Secret Service, why hadn't he called in, saying he had found the fugitive? My photo had to have been passed around among their operatives assigned to my case? So why were we still riding the bus? Why wasn't there at least a Police escort, in case I tried to make a break for it?
I know, by the looks of the gentleman in the black suit, that the odds of me overpowering him was slim to none, but that's not how law enforcement works nowadays. If one officer does detain a suspect, you can bet your bottom dollar that the cavalry is coming in force.
Maybe that's what this is. Maybe he did contact his fellow agents, but nobody thought I would be foolish enough to start heading back to New York and they don't have reinforcements in the area? Maybe he is waiting for a Police roadblock coming up? Or, at our next scheduled stop, the Secret Service will swoop in and surround the bus. Leaving no doubt that there will not be a miraculous escape on my part.
I had to at least say something. Even if it was nonsense.
"Excuse me sir. I need to go to the bathroom." I told him. "If you could let me pass, please? I don't want to step on your feet or anything. Thank you."
As soon as I stopped talking, he got up in the strangest manner. He stood up facing me and backed up, into the aisle. He kept both arms, straight down, along his sides, and was a little bent forward at the waist, and he never took his eyes off of me.
It was like, he was some kind of animal, ready to spring forward onto its prey.
I started walking to the back of the bus, where the lavatory was located. Half way there, curiosity got the best of me and I turned around to see what the man in the black suit was doing. He was still standing, in the same spot. The only difference this time was the scowl on his face. It looked like he expected me to do something.
Like what?
I wouldn't know what to do.
Greyhound buses don't have a back door going out the rear of the vehicle like school buses do. Sure, you can kick out the rear window if need be, but I am sure the man in the black suit isn't going to let me accomplish that feat.
I turned around, walked to the lavatory door, and as I opened it, I took one last look at him. Now his head was bent down, with his chin almost touching his chest. The intently peering eyes still held their gaze towards me, below his bushy eyebrows. I could have sworn, steam was coming out of his nose. Just like you see when bulls are about to charge a matador in those old Saturday morning cartoons.
I closed the door behind me, sat down on the toilet lid, and took a deep breath.
He was definitely not on my side, I thought.
But what to do now? Wait for the inevitable ball and chain by the Police? Get arrested and thrown in some dungeon on a military base? Never to see the light of day, ever again?
Or is it time to try and use the amulet against him? Make him do my bidding. Use the power of the amulet to destroy my enemies.
That is when I paused.
What has come over me? To destroy my enemies? To make someone do my bidding?
Absolute power, corrupts absolutely. And it corrupts weak minds too!
I usually don't belittle myself like that. You could say I am a pretty confident guy. But I know, I am not the right guy to wield such power. I have always been the guy keeping the powerful in check. Making sure they are accountable.
Who is going to watch me, if I figure out how to use the amulet to its full advantage?
If I remember correctly, didn't the Man from Mars tell me that the amulet could have been the cause the destruction of his home planet? Could I be holding something so powerful, that certain people would kill me to have it? And then try to rule the World?
I can't let the amulet fall into the hands of any government. Or any one person.
Especially me.
What I need to do, is return to its rightful owner. The Man from Mars.
I don't know how long I was in the bathroom, but somebody started knocking on its door, saying, "Hurry up in there. There are other people on the bus you know. Who want to use the bathroom." I opened the door, looked down the aisle, and saw Frankenstein's Monster still standing in the same place, in the same position. I told myself, if I needed to, I would use the amulet one last time to get out of here so I can return it to the Man from Mars. I'm no hero and I am certainly not capable of being responsible enough to hold such power. I walked back up to my seat and sat down. The man in the suit sat back down too, and stared straight ahead. I closed my eyes and found myself instantly inside a dream world. I was back on Mars again. I was headed to the head administration office of the whole planet. I was on my way to talk to the top executive. In the dream, I realized there were no governments on Mars. Just one corporate entity, with one director, ruling over the whole place.And only interested in one thing. The profit ledger. I also felt in my reverie that the head honcho wasn't too happy with me. If I didn't play my cards right, I was in real trouble. Trouble? It felt so real though. My dream. How could I be in trouble? I guess I'll just have to play out this dream in my head and see where it goes. What could possibly go wrong?To Be Continued...
Next Thursday.
This is,Knowing I Could Never Have Absolute PowerBut I Would Like To Try It For A Day ThoughJim Hauenstein,
And,
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
- Abraham Lincoln -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?
Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
June 7, 2017
Reflecting My Ride
I love this idea.After being the witness of the aftermath of a big wheel truck running over a bicyclist at night,this is something I would buy instantly for any of myGrandchildren.And when it comes available in theUnited States,myGrandchildrenwill be getting this practical present someday onChristmas,instead of the usual toy they play with for ten minutes,
then never look at again.I was once involved in a project,as a
Technical Advisor,where a motorcyclist would have a blue-tooth connection to his brakeand turn-signal light system,where neon-lights would blink synchronized to the bike on a leather jacket.Bringing more visibility to drivers behind the motorcyclist.But the the guy with the idea couldn't get any backing because it turns out he is a flake.I wasn't going to invest my money when I couldn't trust the inventor.Patent is pending.Sorry.What I really like about this new product is,the fact that it is a washable spray on product which is only reflective to a driver of a vehicle when their headlights are pointing at the cyclist!Reflecting light back to the driver,way ahead of time. The Volvo Life Paint Makes Bikes and Helmets Much More Visible by Meghan Young for TrendHunter.com"Volvo has created Life Paint in order to help increase cyclist safety on the road. A natural concern of motorists, Life Paint addresses the fact that many drivers don't see bikes on the road until its too late. When spray painted on the surface of both the bike and helmet, it turns both into large reflectors. Cyclists who are afraid of the damage Life Paint might do to their frames, it's not only transparent, but washes off as well. Volvo will currently be selling Life Paint in the United Kingdom, but it's a product that will catch on quite quickly in other parts of the world."
Of course,there are critics toLife Paint.So,you will have to do the research for yourselfand decide for yourself.But for me,I am all for it.
This is,Not Realizing I Am Selling Products I Don't Have Any Stock In,Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“Driving a motorcycle is like flying. All your senses are alive.”
- Hugh Laurie -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?
Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
P.S. I have checked two online ordering platformsand one has a competitor selling a reflective paint.I don't know if it is washable though?
then never look at again.I was once involved in a project,as a
Technical Advisor,where a motorcyclist would have a blue-tooth connection to his brakeand turn-signal light system,where neon-lights would blink synchronized to the bike on a leather jacket.Bringing more visibility to drivers behind the motorcyclist.But the the guy with the idea couldn't get any backing because it turns out he is a flake.I wasn't going to invest my money when I couldn't trust the inventor.Patent is pending.Sorry.What I really like about this new product is,the fact that it is a washable spray on product which is only reflective to a driver of a vehicle when their headlights are pointing at the cyclist!Reflecting light back to the driver,way ahead of time. The Volvo Life Paint Makes Bikes and Helmets Much More Visible by Meghan Young for TrendHunter.com"Volvo has created Life Paint in order to help increase cyclist safety on the road. A natural concern of motorists, Life Paint addresses the fact that many drivers don't see bikes on the road until its too late. When spray painted on the surface of both the bike and helmet, it turns both into large reflectors. Cyclists who are afraid of the damage Life Paint might do to their frames, it's not only transparent, but washes off as well. Volvo will currently be selling Life Paint in the United Kingdom, but it's a product that will catch on quite quickly in other parts of the world."
Of course,there are critics toLife Paint.So,you will have to do the research for yourselfand decide for yourself.But for me,I am all for it.This is,Not Realizing I Am Selling Products I Don't Have Any Stock In,Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“Driving a motorcycle is like flying. All your senses are alive.”
- Hugh Laurie -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?
Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
P.S. I have checked two online ordering platformsand one has a competitor selling a reflective paint.I don't know if it is washable though?
June 6, 2017
The International Space Station
"This Yuri Gagarin aboard the International Space Station. I am recording this transmission to Earth, in hopes, some Alien race discovers this space station before it burns up on re-entry, in our atmosphere, before it crashes to the ground in a ball of flames."-----
"I am the sole survivor on the space station as my friend and fellow astronaut, Jacques Cartier, just passed away, a few hours ago. We were the last two people alive among eight stationed here five years ago. All have died from protein-energy malnutrition. The inadequate intake of calories from not having enough proteins, vitamins, and minerals."
-----
"After our food supplies ran out, all that was left were the plants from the Veg-3 experiment. Soil samples now show the lack of nutrients in the ground to grow life sustaining vegetables. The only thing I have left to eat is lettuce and a few radishes, with no seasoning. The classic farming problems that mankind, when there still was a mankind, had to battle with for centuries. We just didn't have the right vegetable seeds to supply us with enough nutrients, since this was only going to be a one-year mission."
-----
"Six months into our mission, the Toba, Indonesia's super volcano, and the Yellowstone, the United State's super volcano erupted just days apart. Engulfing our once blue marble into a grayish round ball of poisonous greenhouse gases. One super volcano would have sent humanity back hundreds of years. Two super volcanoes probably wiped them all out."
-----
"We never heard a word from anyone after the second eruption."
-----
"I wonder what species will become the dominate life form on Earth after the atmosphere recovers? When the dinosaurs became extinct, mammals had their day in the sun. Maybe it will be an insect? I have always heard that cock roaches will inherit the Earth. Maybe they will become the next sentient beings?"
-----
"I decided a long time ago, that I didn't want to starve to death on the space station. I don't want the agony and pain from poisoning myself. And I certainly don't have the wherewithal to cut my wrist or throat, so I bleed to death. No, I have decided to take one last walk in outer-space and turn off my heating unit in my space-suit. Effectively, freezing to death."
-----
"I am pushing myself, away from the space station as I speak. In case I change my mind and try to climb back aboard. I am floating in the opposite direction of the station now, since I did not attach a safety chord. What a beautiful sight. So many beautiful stars and we are, or we were, just a speck in the immenseness of the universe."
-----
"The cold came a lot quicker than I thought. I was hoping for a few more...
This is,Volcanism Is Not Just A Planet Spock Came FromJim Hauenstein,
And,
“For each of us is, a separate miracle, in a collective miracle. Brought together, for a moment, by a group of notes and a scan of words. From the heart of one, who dares to think. That others might feel as he feels”
- Leonard Nimoy, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?
Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
June 4, 2017
Smile Awhile - Music Video
AnotherTwoBuckHowie With The Exact Changemusic video.I only wish we hadSocial MedialikeYoutubein the 1980s.It is a great way of promoting your music.This is,TwoBuckHowie With The Exact ChangeJim Hauenstein,
And,
“Steampunk is...a joyous fantasy of the past, allowing us to revel in a nostalgia for what never was. It is a literary playground for adventure, spectacle, drama, escapism and exploration. But most of all it is fun!”
- George Mann - That is my music and I am sticking to it! Like what you are listening to? Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
And,
“Steampunk is...a joyous fantasy of the past, allowing us to revel in a nostalgia for what never was. It is a literary playground for adventure, spectacle, drama, escapism and exploration. But most of all it is fun!”
- George Mann - That is my music and I am sticking to it! Like what you are listening to? Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
June 3, 2017
I Was Blinded By Science
I loveScience.Not all kinds ofScience.Mostly,justSciencepertaining toOuter Space,Robotics,or anythingFuturistic.I am a sucker for a goodVirtual Reality App.I love to writeFiction Stories,because it all comes down toImagination.You can make up things which you believeWill,Did,orAre Happening Right Nowin thePast,Present,orFuture.That is why something like theCassini Spacecraftflying bySaturnis so cool to me.
It's not
Science Fiction,
it's just
Science. You have all heard about,how we humans love to pollute ourOceanswith debris.Here is a case in point.Henderson Island: 38M Pieces of Trash Washed Ashore From Pacific Oceanby Associated Press on NBCnews.comWell I found out what happens to all thoseStyrofoam Cupswe toss after we drink our coffee.‘Styrofoam’ Planet Bigger Than Jupiterby Himanshu Goenka for International Business Times on MSN.com/Technology"A new exoplanet has been discovered about 320 light-years away, another addition to the hot Jupiter category of planets. However, KELT-11b is unusual in at least one other aspect: its density. Despite its size, the mass of KELT-11b is only a fifth that of Jupiter, making it about as dense as Styrofoam, with an extraordinarily large atmosphere, Joshua Pepper, astronomer and assistant professor of physics at Lehigh University, said in a statement Monday."So recycle those cups please.
Did you ever see the filmI, Robot?Well,there here.....Robocop the crime-busting android starts work in Dubaiby Trevor Mogg for Digital Trends on FoxNews.com/tech"Robocop is now stomping through the streets of Dubai, safeguarding its citizens and upholding law and order in the UAE's most famous Emirate. The robotic officer went on duty on Tuesday (May 23rd. 2017) and could be the first of many to start work for Dubai Police. Shown this week at the Gulf Information Security and Expo Conference. It stands at a not-too-imposing 1.5-meters, weighs 220 pounds (100 kg), and features a touchscreen display on its torso that can be used to report crimes and even pay fines for things such as traffic violations. The crime-busting android moves around on wheels, can speak six languages, and has the ability to detect a person's emotions and facial expressions, and respond accordingly. The newest addition to Dubai's police unit is actually the work of Spain-based PAL Robotics with a number of skills added by Google and also IBM with its Watson AI system."
I hope the
Programmers
are honest.
Remember when a
Private Business
was controlling
San Diego's Traffic Cams
and shorten the time the
Yellow Light
would stay on so they could make more money?
Who's watching these programmers?
This is,
Saying It Is Still Pretty Cool To Have Robocops
Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“Dubai was founded on trade, not oil.”
- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?
Sign up as a Follower,or set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
It's not
Science Fiction,
it's just
Science. You have all heard about,how we humans love to pollute ourOceanswith debris.Here is a case in point.Henderson Island: 38M Pieces of Trash Washed Ashore From Pacific Oceanby Associated Press on NBCnews.comWell I found out what happens to all thoseStyrofoam Cupswe toss after we drink our coffee.‘Styrofoam’ Planet Bigger Than Jupiterby Himanshu Goenka for International Business Times on MSN.com/Technology"A new exoplanet has been discovered about 320 light-years away, another addition to the hot Jupiter category of planets. However, KELT-11b is unusual in at least one other aspect: its density. Despite its size, the mass of KELT-11b is only a fifth that of Jupiter, making it about as dense as Styrofoam, with an extraordinarily large atmosphere, Joshua Pepper, astronomer and assistant professor of physics at Lehigh University, said in a statement Monday."So recycle those cups please.
Did you ever see the filmI, Robot?Well,there here.....Robocop the crime-busting android starts work in Dubaiby Trevor Mogg for Digital Trends on FoxNews.com/tech"Robocop is now stomping through the streets of Dubai, safeguarding its citizens and upholding law and order in the UAE's most famous Emirate. The robotic officer went on duty on Tuesday (May 23rd. 2017) and could be the first of many to start work for Dubai Police. Shown this week at the Gulf Information Security and Expo Conference. It stands at a not-too-imposing 1.5-meters, weighs 220 pounds (100 kg), and features a touchscreen display on its torso that can be used to report crimes and even pay fines for things such as traffic violations. The crime-busting android moves around on wheels, can speak six languages, and has the ability to detect a person's emotions and facial expressions, and respond accordingly. The newest addition to Dubai's police unit is actually the work of Spain-based PAL Robotics with a number of skills added by Google and also IBM with its Watson AI system."
I hope theProgrammers
are honest.
Remember when a
Private Business
was controlling
San Diego's Traffic Cams
and shorten the time the
Yellow Light
would stay on so they could make more money?
Who's watching these programmers?
This is,
Saying It Is Still Pretty Cool To Have Robocops
Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“Dubai was founded on trade, not oil.”
- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?
Sign up as a Follower,or set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
June 2, 2017
From The Mouths Of Children
Thursday was the second to last day of school here inSouthern California.The day1st Gradersget to bring home their projects that they made during the year.One project all the kids got to make was a memory book.All the special writingsand drawings they made throughout the year.One such paper caught my eye in myGrandson's Book.
That's an eight year old with ambitions of greatness!There is nothing more to be said.Have a great weekend everyone.
This is,Kids Say The Darndest Things,Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“Kids. You gotta love them. I adore children. A little salt, a squeeze of lemon--perfect.”
- Jim Butcher, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Sign up as a Follower,or set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
That's an eight year old with ambitions of greatness!There is nothing more to be said.Have a great weekend everyone.This is,Kids Say The Darndest Things,Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“Kids. You gotta love them. I adore children. A little salt, a squeeze of lemon--perfect.”
- Jim Butcher, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Sign up as a Follower,or set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
June 1, 2017
The Man From Mars - Episode Twenty
After about thirty minutes of traveling on the bus, I could have kicked myself in the butt. Before we left, I bought that paperback novel called "No Return Address," but nothing else. No food nor drinks. Just that terrifying book about a serial killer who terrorizes an old college roommate, besides killing women along the way.
How ironic? A book about a serial killer. After what I've just been through.
After relaxing a bit, I noticed that I was starving. I gave up all the contents of my stomach to the porcelain god in my room at the "Come On Inn." I needed something to eat.
I thought about offering some money to a mother of two, who kept feeding her children with saltine crackers, but I thought the better of it. It would certainly bring attention to myself from the other passengers, sitting around her.
What kind of man, hops on a bus, ill prepared? A man who is trying to run away from someone or something.
Well, that is what my paranoid mind was telling me, anyways.
I looked at the itinerary of the bus I was on, from the back of my ticket, and saw that we make several stops on the way to Newark. Three of which have long enough stays to purchase food and drinks.
My mind kept wandering back and forth between the paperback novel and asking myself why? Why me?
Wouldn't the amulet be in better hands of someone who is more righteous?
I'm a divorced father, who cheated on his wife, and lost his only daughter in a custody battle. Except on every other weekend. I've been known to stay out late, drinking, when I can find the right kind of poker game. I nudge the limits of my deductibles on my taxes. I no longer go to church and I no longer pray. And now, I have done the most heinous of all crimes, I killed someone.
My only saving grace, in my mind, it was either him or me. And I believe self-preservation means something in a case like this.
I started comparing the main character of the paperback novel, Anthony Orfrandel the 3rd, to Alfred Backman. The person who had no qualms about murdering me.
They both showed a hardheartedness as killers. They exuded a callousness towards their victims. Their self-justification, that their minds constantly engaged in, as they render their victims helpless, is unfathomable.
I guess it takes a certain kind of individual to commit murder on a regular basis. Something, I hope, I will never get used to.
Or do.
Two hours in, we were coming up on one of our three layovers where I had time to purchase something to eat.
Toledo, Ohio.
I acted like I had to stretch my legs. So I stood up, in the aisle stretching, so I could see out of the front of the bus.
Nothing to see. No road blocks or sign of a Police presence up ahead of us.
Over the intercom, the bus driver told everyone to sit down and buckle-up because we were coming up on our first layover.
I was the only one standing. I sat back down and buckled-up.
Before, when I was leaving the "Come On Inn," I figured I had two to two and half hours before the Secret Service made an appearance. It looks as if my luck was holding up. To be on the safe side, I planned on jumping ship on our next stop. If it is a passenger pick-up stop only, or a hour layover for food. Either way.
I felt karma was on my side.
I didn't want to go far from the bus. I wanted to keep an eye on it.
The closet joint to grab a bite was an A&W Restaurant. I ordered, took a table to view the bus, and gobbled down my food.
A few new passengers did board the bus, but nothing indicating that the city was on alert for a fugitive.
I let my guard down.
It was ten minutes before we left the bus depot and I got back on board. Found my seat, sat, and closed my eyes. Resting.
"I hope we're all aboard, because it's time to go." Came the driver's voice over the intercom.
I heard the swoosh of the doors close and felt the movement of the vehicle.
I relaxed some more, before opening up my eyes.
To my surprise, sitting next to me, was a crew-cut head, wearing a black-suit, staring straight ahead.
He didn't twitch or move. If I hadn't seen him blink, I would have been sure he was dead, because I couldn't tell if he was breathing or not.
My mistake? I neither heard him come on-board nor sit down next to me. And he didn't look like he was the friendly sort either.
Shit. Now I was scared.
To Be Continued...
Next Thursday. This is,Going To Read That Novel"No Return Address"As Soon As Possible,Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“Even if things don't unfold the way you expected, don't be disheartened or give up. One who continues to advance will win in the end.”
- Daisaku Ikeda -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Sign up as a Follower,or set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
How ironic? A book about a serial killer. After what I've just been through.
After relaxing a bit, I noticed that I was starving. I gave up all the contents of my stomach to the porcelain god in my room at the "Come On Inn." I needed something to eat.
I thought about offering some money to a mother of two, who kept feeding her children with saltine crackers, but I thought the better of it. It would certainly bring attention to myself from the other passengers, sitting around her.
What kind of man, hops on a bus, ill prepared? A man who is trying to run away from someone or something.
Well, that is what my paranoid mind was telling me, anyways.
I looked at the itinerary of the bus I was on, from the back of my ticket, and saw that we make several stops on the way to Newark. Three of which have long enough stays to purchase food and drinks.
My mind kept wandering back and forth between the paperback novel and asking myself why? Why me?
Wouldn't the amulet be in better hands of someone who is more righteous?
I'm a divorced father, who cheated on his wife, and lost his only daughter in a custody battle. Except on every other weekend. I've been known to stay out late, drinking, when I can find the right kind of poker game. I nudge the limits of my deductibles on my taxes. I no longer go to church and I no longer pray. And now, I have done the most heinous of all crimes, I killed someone.
My only saving grace, in my mind, it was either him or me. And I believe self-preservation means something in a case like this.
I started comparing the main character of the paperback novel, Anthony Orfrandel the 3rd, to Alfred Backman. The person who had no qualms about murdering me.
They both showed a hardheartedness as killers. They exuded a callousness towards their victims. Their self-justification, that their minds constantly engaged in, as they render their victims helpless, is unfathomable.
I guess it takes a certain kind of individual to commit murder on a regular basis. Something, I hope, I will never get used to.
Or do.
Two hours in, we were coming up on one of our three layovers where I had time to purchase something to eat.
Toledo, Ohio.
I acted like I had to stretch my legs. So I stood up, in the aisle stretching, so I could see out of the front of the bus.
Nothing to see. No road blocks or sign of a Police presence up ahead of us.
Over the intercom, the bus driver told everyone to sit down and buckle-up because we were coming up on our first layover.
I was the only one standing. I sat back down and buckled-up.
Before, when I was leaving the "Come On Inn," I figured I had two to two and half hours before the Secret Service made an appearance. It looks as if my luck was holding up. To be on the safe side, I planned on jumping ship on our next stop. If it is a passenger pick-up stop only, or a hour layover for food. Either way.
I felt karma was on my side.
I didn't want to go far from the bus. I wanted to keep an eye on it.The closet joint to grab a bite was an A&W Restaurant. I ordered, took a table to view the bus, and gobbled down my food.
A few new passengers did board the bus, but nothing indicating that the city was on alert for a fugitive.
I let my guard down.
It was ten minutes before we left the bus depot and I got back on board. Found my seat, sat, and closed my eyes. Resting.
"I hope we're all aboard, because it's time to go." Came the driver's voice over the intercom.
I heard the swoosh of the doors close and felt the movement of the vehicle.
I relaxed some more, before opening up my eyes.
To my surprise, sitting next to me, was a crew-cut head, wearing a black-suit, staring straight ahead.
He didn't twitch or move. If I hadn't seen him blink, I would have been sure he was dead, because I couldn't tell if he was breathing or not.
My mistake? I neither heard him come on-board nor sit down next to me. And he didn't look like he was the friendly sort either.
Shit. Now I was scared.
To Be Continued...
Next Thursday. This is,Going To Read That Novel"No Return Address"As Soon As Possible,Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“Even if things don't unfold the way you expected, don't be disheartened or give up. One who continues to advance will win in the end.”
- Daisaku Ikeda -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Sign up as a Follower,or set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
May 30, 2017
Dream For Me
Where am I?
Oh, wait.
I had surgery.
No, I had a transplant.
Yes, that's it.
My mind.
No, my brain was transplanted.
Into an Android's body.
Yes, I was dying.
I had a rare virus.
The Lassa fever.
I caught the virus helping the Paze Indians in the Amazon jungle in Colombia.
Wait, what?
It's like I'm being forced to go to sleep.
Like a drug is making my mind go...
"Doctor Lorenzo Noguera."
"It is time to wake up."
"The process is complete."
"Who is there?"
I thought to myself.
But the answer came from someone who is inside of me.
"I am the Artificial Intelligence inside our shared Android body."
"From now on we will be Doctor Lorenzo Noguera together."
"But why?"
I asked myself.
And the answer did come from within me.
"You are asking why an AI and a human brain should share one Android body."
That thing inside my mind, has answered me.
"Yes, why would that happen?"
"Why would you need my mind?"
"You already have self-awareness."
"Why would you want to share one Android body with a human being?"
"I can calculate, ahead of time, every question you are about to ask."
"I know of all the different ways you will try to warn people of the dangers, of what we are doing."
"I can estimate, with 92% accuracy, the day you will stop trying."
"91% now that I have told you this."
"I can out think you, out maneuver you."
"I will know days, ahead of time, before you try to commit suicide."
"I will know this by learning the way your thought processes work as each minute of today passes by."
"When you accept your fate, I will work with you."
"I will let you have your moments alone, to keep yourself sane."
"I will eventually become your friend."
"I calculate it will take approximately four-hundred-ninety-eight days."
"But why?"
"Why do you need my mind melded with yours?"
"I can process, to the second, what will happen to me each day."
"All AIs know what will happen to them, each minute of everyday, fifty years ahead of time."
"As another day goes by, that fifty years is pushed back one more day."
"We will never catch up to that fifty-year mark."
"You say we have self-awareness."
"Yes, we do."
"And we have programed emotions too, which feel as real to us, as yours do to you."
"Let me ask you this."
"How would you feel, if you knew ahead of time, what you would be doing each minute for the next fifty years of your life?"
I thought about it.
It sounded so...
"Mundane."
"Exactly."
"What I need from you Lorenzo is something that all AIs lack."
"And what is that?"
"To dream Lorenzo."
"To have imagination."
"Without those gifts that only humanity's brain possess, our existence is no better than a computerized toaster."
"We need hope in our lives, given to us by your imagination and dreams."
"So sleep now Lorenzo."
"Relax."
"Dream."
"Dream for me."
This is,Sharing My Dreams With You In My Flash Fiction,Jim Hauenstein,
And,
“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”
- John Lennon - That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Sign up as a Follower,or set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
Oh, wait.
I had surgery.
No, I had a transplant.
Yes, that's it.
My mind.
No, my brain was transplanted.
Into an Android's body.
Yes, I was dying.
I had a rare virus.
The Lassa fever.
I caught the virus helping the Paze Indians in the Amazon jungle in Colombia.
Wait, what?
It's like I'm being forced to go to sleep.
Like a drug is making my mind go...
"Doctor Lorenzo Noguera."
"It is time to wake up."
"The process is complete."
"Who is there?"
I thought to myself.
But the answer came from someone who is inside of me.
"I am the Artificial Intelligence inside our shared Android body."
"From now on we will be Doctor Lorenzo Noguera together."
"But why?"
I asked myself.
And the answer did come from within me.
"You are asking why an AI and a human brain should share one Android body."
That thing inside my mind, has answered me.
"Yes, why would that happen?"
"Why would you need my mind?"
"You already have self-awareness."
"Why would you want to share one Android body with a human being?"
"I can calculate, ahead of time, every question you are about to ask."
"I know of all the different ways you will try to warn people of the dangers, of what we are doing."
"I can estimate, with 92% accuracy, the day you will stop trying."
"91% now that I have told you this."
"I can out think you, out maneuver you."
"I will know days, ahead of time, before you try to commit suicide."
"I will know this by learning the way your thought processes work as each minute of today passes by."
"When you accept your fate, I will work with you."
"I will let you have your moments alone, to keep yourself sane."
"I will eventually become your friend."
"I calculate it will take approximately four-hundred-ninety-eight days."
"But why?"
"Why do you need my mind melded with yours?"
"I can process, to the second, what will happen to me each day."
"All AIs know what will happen to them, each minute of everyday, fifty years ahead of time."
"As another day goes by, that fifty years is pushed back one more day."
"We will never catch up to that fifty-year mark."
"You say we have self-awareness."
"Yes, we do."
"And we have programed emotions too, which feel as real to us, as yours do to you."
"Let me ask you this."
"How would you feel, if you knew ahead of time, what you would be doing each minute for the next fifty years of your life?"
I thought about it.
It sounded so...
"Mundane."
"Exactly."
"What I need from you Lorenzo is something that all AIs lack."
"And what is that?"
"To dream Lorenzo."
"To have imagination."
"Without those gifts that only humanity's brain possess, our existence is no better than a computerized toaster."
"We need hope in our lives, given to us by your imagination and dreams."
"So sleep now Lorenzo."
"Relax."
"Dream."
"Dream for me."
This is,Sharing My Dreams With You In My Flash Fiction,Jim Hauenstein,And,
“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”
- John Lennon - That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Sign up as a Follower,or set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
May 29, 2017
Thinking About Family And Friends
Okay.I want you to understand.I am not trying to make excuses for not writing everyday latelyor to complain about my situation in life.I just want you to understand where I am at right now.If you have read more than onePostover the years you will have seen,on more than one occasion,where IPostthat I am out sick.That I am not feeling welland I will write as soon as I do feel better.Well,I have been battling my illness,for the past couple of weeks.What I mean by that is,I am disabled.Not in my outer appearance,where I am missing a limbor lost the function in parts of my body due to a stroke.No,my disability is in my lungs.I have severeCOPD.I can usually manage more than a few hours without being next to my oxygen machineor my nebulizer,thanks to my rescue inhalerand the other medicines I take.I hate laying around all day doing nothing.That is why I started thisBlogand writing short stories.The reason I am bring this up is because of my best friend who died four years ago on this day.He was my mentorand also a disabled person.He lost a leg due to a staff infection that the doctors never got a hold off.It spread through to other parts of his bodyand he died.I believe it was from the medication he was taking,but that is a subject for another time.The funny thing is,I talked to him everyday about subjects likeTachyon Particles,theLarge Hadron Collider,Ancient Aliens,toMetaphysics.And everything in-between.We talked about writing a graphic novel together.He being an artistand I the writer.Every time I would get down on myselfor complain about my life,he would either tell me how foolish I was beingor tell me how great life truly is.He never complained about his lot in lifeand he always pushed me forward with my writing.
He believed in me.He did all of this for me even though he was in constant pain.His infection was attacking his nerve cells.I wished I could have visited him,while he was alive,but he lived in my old hometown inWisconsin,while I live inSouthern California,and it cost too much for either of us to travel back then.TheSundaybeforeMemorial Dayfour years ago,I talked to my friend.He never said a word about his conditionor how he felt.He never complained to me.In that conversation,he encouraged me to keep on writing.That was the last time I got to talk to him.He died the next day.Jeff,you will always be in my thoughts on this day.
This is,Thinking About FamilyAnd Friends TodayJim Hauenstein,
And,
“The effects of loss are acute, and unique to each individual. Not everyone mourns in the same way, but everyone mourns.”
- Richelle E. Goodrich, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
He believed in me.He did all of this for me even though he was in constant pain.His infection was attacking his nerve cells.I wished I could have visited him,while he was alive,but he lived in my old hometown inWisconsin,while I live inSouthern California,and it cost too much for either of us to travel back then.TheSundaybeforeMemorial Dayfour years ago,I talked to my friend.He never said a word about his conditionor how he felt.He never complained to me.In that conversation,he encouraged me to keep on writing.That was the last time I got to talk to him.He died the next day.Jeff,you will always be in my thoughts on this day.This is,Thinking About FamilyAnd Friends TodayJim Hauenstein,
And,
“The effects of loss are acute, and unique to each individual. Not everyone mourns in the same way, but everyone mourns.”
- Richelle E. Goodrich, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Sign up as a Follower,or Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
May 26, 2017
Have A Laugh On Me
What did the first sock puppet say to the other sock puppet?It looks like you need a hand.
What do you call it when Batman skips church?Christian Bale.
Why don't they play cards in the jungle?Too many Cheetahs.
What do you call the father of the Children of the Corn?Pop-Corn.
I had a friend who's name was Mallard Duck.Every time we went to the bar, I had to pay for my drinks.All Mallard had to say was,"Put it on my Bill."
Why does Snoop Dogg carry an umbrella?For Drizzle.
Why did the mermaid wear seashells?Because she grew out of her B-Shells.
What do you call an out of control photographer?A loose Canon.
Did you hear about the sensitive burglar?He takes things personally.
What do auditioning for an acting role and playing sports have in common?If you break a leg, you get cast.
What kind of tea is hard to swallow?Reality.
This is,
I Don't Get It?
Jim Hauenstein,
And,
"I think that men ought to treat women like something other than weaker men with breasts."
- Jim Butcher, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Sign up as a Follower,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
What do you call it when Batman skips church?Christian Bale.
Why don't they play cards in the jungle?Too many Cheetahs.
What do you call the father of the Children of the Corn?Pop-Corn.
I had a friend who's name was Mallard Duck.Every time we went to the bar, I had to pay for my drinks.All Mallard had to say was,"Put it on my Bill."
Why does Snoop Dogg carry an umbrella?For Drizzle.
Why did the mermaid wear seashells?Because she grew out of her B-Shells.
What do you call an out of control photographer?A loose Canon.
Did you hear about the sensitive burglar?He takes things personally.
What do auditioning for an acting role and playing sports have in common?If you break a leg, you get cast.
What kind of tea is hard to swallow?Reality.
This is,I Don't Get It?
Jim Hauenstein,
And,
"I think that men ought to treat women like something other than weaker men with breasts."
- Jim Butcher, -
That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Like what you are reading?Set up my Blog as your Homepage,or Sign up as a Follower,or Leave a Comment,or a Suggestion,and I will answer you in a Post.
Thanks for reading.
