From: mdm@sparc2.Prime.COM (Michael D. McAfee)
Subject: names and hellos and Utopiae and music
Organization: Yale CS Mail/News Gateway
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 20:45:04 GMT


		The dark elf enters Callahans from a snow-filled
	Boston.  "Woof, busy week.  Being a SF con volunteer (ObPlug:
	Arisia '93, Jan 15-17, Boston, MA, email me for info) can
	take a lot out of ya.  But hopefully I can catch up on
	conversation."

		First, the elf talks to /* about the pronounciation
	of his name.  "When I first saw your name, I thought you'd
	been influenced by the Cluster series by Piers Anthony.  The
	intelligent species in the Andromeda galaxy had names like /
	(slash), * (ast), # (pound), etc.  And in _Barlowe's Guide
	to Extraterrestrials_ by Wayne Barlowe, the slash is colored
	purple.  If I had thought of it, I would have mentioned
	_Barlowe's_ during the book thread, because it was one of the
	first books I ever wanted, and it led me on to other books."

		Next, the elf turns to greet some new folk.  "Hello,
	Dalek.  Hmm, do Daleks have individual names?  They made one
	up in ST:TNG for the Borg in 'I, Borg.'  How about Dale?  Just
	a thought."

		Likewise, a big welcome back to Alfvaen.  "What do you
	mean _I'm_ the funnier on the net?  Your four-word stories
	alone show you have the better talent.  Although, I'm probably
	funnier in real life...:)  But anyways, glad to have you back."

		The elf then hears Big Al talk about Utopiae.  "Hmm,
	perfect worlds, huh?  Well, I'd be happy enough if flight were
	available.  I don't mean airplanes and helicopters and whatnot.
	I mean to be able to fly from, for example, my house to my office.
	Or over to Providence or Springfield whenever I wanted and
	could afford the reaction mass to go (of course, a true Utopia 
	would have reactionless drive, but I won't get picky).  And personal
	space travel.  With landing bases on the moon or on Mars.  A
	coworker of mine says that, judging from the way technology
	has been developing, the human race wants to eventually develop
	the TARDIS and the holodeck.  The TARDIS to explore and discover
	new things, and the holodeck to play around with what we know
	about.

		"Oh, dear, I've rambled.  I better stop before the
	soapboxes get me.  But there is one last thing..."

		The elf quickly calls up Radio Free Colorado and makes
	a request.  He then gets a hot chocolate, drains it, and throws
	it in the fireplace.  "To Brumby and Robyn and their new baby
	gal."  <KRASH!>  The radio then starts playing, by request:

		KOOKS
		written by David Bowie, 1971
		lyrics reproduced without permission

		Will you stay in our Lovers' Story
		If you stay you won't be sorry
		'Cause we believe in you
		Soon you'll grow so take a chance
		With a couple of Kooks
		Hung up on romancing

		We bought a lot of things to keep you warm and dry
		A funny old crib on which the paint won't dry
		I bought you a pair of shoes
		A trumpet you can blow
		And a book of rules
		On what to say to people when they pick on you
		'Cause if you stay with us you're gonna be
			pretty Kookie too

		Will you stay in our Lovers' Story etc.

		And if you ever have to go to school
		Remember how they messed up this old fool
		Don't pick fights with the bullies or the cads
		'Cause I'm not much cop at punching
		Other people's Dads
		And if the homework brings you down
		Then we'll throw it on the fire
		And take the car down town

		Will you stay in our Lovers' Story etc.

	
		"Hope you enjoy."

	Michael, the Chaotic
	if you see this post, please send a note so I know it's getting out
Newsgroups: alt.callahans