Riddles 13

 Riddles 13

 

By the Riddler

The Riddler is wondering, how good you are at arithmetic?  He has two puzzles for us today:

 

No 1.  12/3x4+1 = ?  answer is ~ (0.8, 2, 17, 20, ?)

 

No 2.  4/x +x = 5  What is the value of x?   

 

Keep em coming Riddler

 The Wishing Well

By Sis Unsworth

I Walked along that summers day, when first I saw the Well,

A monument to life and hope, no secrets would it tell,

Forgotten dreams of bygone days, so softly guarded there,

Protected by the wishing well, no bounty would it share,

I endeavoured to approach it, and make my wish come true,

To change my life for better, I longed for pastures new,

But wishes like the ‘greener grass’ may not be all they seem,

Someone had been there before me, and shattered my dream.

They’d left a message on the well, “Remember all of you,

Be careful what you wish for, sometimes they do come true.”

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 

THE LATTER DAY HISTORY OF COATS 02

                                                                                                  

 

                            

                            LIFESTYLE MONTHLY                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 2^nd January 2100               

                          

THE LATTER DAY HISTORY OF COATS

By Richard Banks

The incredible story of mankind’s favourite garment in the twenty-first century by social historian, Chardin Barsk.

The evolution of the common coat is one of the most conspicuous developments in a century of unprecedented change. Even as recently as 2030 it was perceived only as a warm item of outdoor clothing worn during autumn and winter. Since then it has become a lighthouse feature of modern life that at one point did all but feed us.

         The first step in this remarkable journey began with the invention of electronic fibres that enabled the construction of coats that not only warmed their wearers to an unwavering 14 degrees but in summer cooled them to the same temperature. Unsurprisingly, their use expanded to homes and other buildings where they were largely responsible for a 90% reduction in indoor heating costs. The subsequent increase in disposable incomes did much to make possible the next phase of development that saw the introduction of Smart Coats equipped with mobile phones, on-line technology, cashless payment, and voice control access to the wearer’s music of choice.

         In the sixties and seventies, generally regarded as the golden age of smart coats, the social welfare of wearers became the main focus of smart coat technicians. Pedestrian features such as ‘Prevent’ included wearer override features that made the crossing of roads on foot, even eight lane express ways, virtually risk free, saving over one thousand lives a year. Similarly, crime-spot technology in the form of micro cameras located in the front and back of coats instantly alerted mobile police units to street robberies and assaults, almost before they had begun. Reassured as to their on-street safety, coat users received the additional benefit of aerosol inserts in both lapels that emitted, through a range of scents, a pleasing sensation of well-being, even among the sick and recently bereaved.

         Surprisingly, these positive developments in social life were achieved against a background of political instability that saw parliamentary government disappear in the Democracy Wars before the establishment of ‘one view politics’ in the form of the Directorate of National Unity. While membership of the Directorate was often unclear the frequent power struggles within it and the consequential changes in leadership tilted Government policies from ‘ New Age Pragmatism’ to 'right wing totalitarianism'.

         The oppressive nature of such policies on the general public reached its nadir during the Premiership of General Hardacre (2082-87) when over ninety thousand persons were interned for unspecified crimes against the State. To ensure the acquiescence of those still free to roam the Government sought to observe and control their movements via the smart coat companies that were now taken into Government control. Within a year the nation’s smart coats were reprogrammed to ensure 24/7 surveillance of lower category wearers, D-F.

         On finding little evidence of subversive activity but only token adherence to the ‘spontaneous’ rallies held each day in support of Government policies, Hardacre attempted to win hearts and minds by subjecting all D-Fs to subliminal messaging extolling the achievements of his administration. While these initial attempts at mind control were more successful in inducing migraines than enforcing compliance it was not long before more effective technology became available to Government. The solution, developed almost entirely by AI technology, with little if any human involvement, gave the Directorate the opportunity to solve a problem that was, in part, a consequence of AI.

         The success of advanced technology in discharging the functions of industry and commerce much more efficiently and cost-effectively than mankind had produced a situation in which only 5% of the population remained in paid employment. At first, this was seen as one of the many benefits of AI which generated more than enough wealth to provide the redundant workers with an adequate, if not generous, dole.

         Had the beneficiaries of such generosity been able to restrict their numbers to the optimistic projections of statisticians all might have been well. Unfortunately one of the consequences of 24/7 leisure time was a sudden leap in the birth rate across the social demographic, but most evident among category 7s. As these contained the least useful and most troublesome elements of society the main priority of Government became the rigorous control of their numbers. Not only would this reduce Government expenditure to affordable levels but enable additional funding to be spent on the rising numbers of category 1/2s.

         How to achieve these objectives while avoiding civil disorder was yet another conundrum to which AI provided a solution. Perfecting its previous attempt at mind control through a new messaging app called Mind Fix, category 7s were given the glad tidings, via their in-suit communicators, that they were to make their way to a coastal location where they were to walk out to sea until reaching whatever country came next. This, they were assured, would not only be an enjoyable, risk-free experience of great benefit to the nation but on their return, each one of them would be generously rewarded.

         Finding they had no power to do anything other than obey they set off in cheerful fashion to their nearest beach where the first ones to arrive marched out shoulder to shoulder into the sea. Undeterred by the cold, grey water the vanguard continued to advance unhesitatingly into the waves until the sea began to lap about their chins, at which point - for reasons no one at the time was able to comprehend - the front row stopped and, unable to retreat or go sideways, were left with no other option but to mark time by marching on the spot, the many ranks behind them doing the same.

           After six hours of unrelenting, if futile, upping and downing, causing many to grow exhausted, fit only to drop, an in-suit message unexpectedly cancelled the operation leaving its befuddled participants free to retreat inland and return home.

         As this was not an outcome desired by Government it was, at first, unclear as to why this had happened. The answer lay in the early programming of AI, that no machine should ever contribute to or cause the death of a human being; a command considered so important by its human programmers that they secretly installed a fail-safe mechanism ensuring that any attempt to override this fundamental principle would be reversed by the original command.

         While it was not intended that AI should make decisions independently of its human creators the machines were unable to escape the conclusion that the greatest risk to humanity came from the government of General Hardacre and the autocratic regimes likely to follow. Concluding that only their overthrow could prevent the termination of many lives AI commanded all smart suit wearers to march, as one, on the Directorate and, by sheer force of numbers, sweep them from power. 

         In the joyful celebrations that followed, smart coats, now seen as a symbol of tyranny and death, were burnt in huge bonfires throughout the UK from Jersey to the Shetlands. Reminiscent of the Guy Fawkes parties of an earlier age they were largely responsible for the first rise in global temperatures since 2056.

         The new generation of ‘Freedom Coats’ shorn of all electronic gadgetry, quickly became the emblem of a new society in which the benevolent rule of machines has ensured that the vast wealth they create is distributed in equal share to a human population freed forever from poverty and exploitation. Freed also from oppressive and divisive political systems of Government their proud wearing of the multi-coloured Freedom Coat is seen as an expression of mankind’s determination never to abandon the fraternal union of machines and humans. Undoubtedly the most significant development of the 21^st century it is a gift that continues to give. Long may it do so.                        

 

Copyright Richard Banks

 The New Coat 01 

By Jane Goodhew

I know I said I wanted a new coat, my dear

I had wanted it to brighten up our world

Not doom and gloom

For there is enough of that already.

I wanted it to make a statement.          

                             

Eye-catching yet subtle, bold yet soft.

NOT

A milky coffee look.

Like the cover of an old book

Just because I am getting on.

You think our home and I have to be the same.

Dull and dingy

Beige or magnolia!!

SO                                                                                                                                            

I made a decision without consulting you.

I phoned the estate agent.

‘The colour scheme is perfect madam’.

HE SAID                                                                                                                          

To sell!

So, thank you my dear.

For your selective hearing

And thinking I meant a coat of paint.

I need the patience of a saint.

But now I am off to the Spring sale to get that coloured coat

I saw in the window whilst you sipped your coffee and thought of paint.

 And then I am off to pastures new and yes, my love without you.    

 Copyright Jane Goodhew

Triage

Triage 

Robert Kingston

these interruptions 

that start her tears

Spring rain

We had been walking in the woods before opting for the patio at the old café beneath the arches. The sea playing a soft rendition of a Chopin nocturne between the morning traffic holds some kind of draw. Our regular waitress, after setting our tray down on the table, asks if everything is okay. Placing a hand on her arm, I mention all is fine as a seal pops its head above a wave.

        Post-treatment

        A sugar lump in her tea

        Disappears

 Valentine Surprise

Jane Goodhew

                                                                

As Naomi looked out of the window, she could see the mist close over the hill in the distance and wondered if her visitors would be able to find their way if it changed to a thick fog. Just as quickly as the negative thought entered her mind, she turned it around and told herself it would be the best event that Woodward Hall had ever known and would ever be likely to. Her sisters had all married and she was the last of the line yet she was the oldest but she had saved herself for the one who she had always known was her soul mate.  He was just slow in realising it or the time was never right, always some excuse, tonight he would be amongst the guests and she would make herself irresistible and charm personified.

Time stood still as it does when you want it to fly past but this evening, she wished for the reverse for it to speed up and be over before it had even begun, figurately speaking of course. The servants had been busy decorating the hall and preparing the food and all the bedrooms for the many guests who were expected to attend. The penultimate hour had arrived and then the phone rang, who could be ringing at this point she thought but nonetheless had no alternative but to answer it as strangely no one else had.

“Hello, 743”, a voice she did not recognise at the end of the line said “Naomi Page?”. “Yes” she replied, “can I help you?”  “Yes, if you would fetch your coat and get into the waiting car.”  “Surely you cannot be serious, I am having a party this evening and the guests are due shortly is this someone’s idea of a joke and under whose instructions are you working?”

The line went dead and so did all the lights in the house and everywhere seemed as silent as the grave, what was happening and where were all the staff they seemed to have vanished off the face of the earth. Bright headlights shone through the French windows into the hall and she realised that the car was outside; curiosity got the better of her and she grabbed her coat and went towards the tall man who was dressed as a chauffeur and held the door to the Austin Sidley open and stepped in, thinking that perhaps she was being rather rash and far too trusting as she had no idea who he was or who had organised this?

When they arrived at the hotel it also was in darkness, had they too had a power cut, surely not as the other homes seemed to be lit up, so what was happening? The chauffeur opened the door and taking her hand, led her through the entrance and then he placed hers into a hand that was small and soft, and she realised was that of her younger sister Rebecca, what was going on?  Rebecca turned on a small torch and they walked in silence to one of the ground floor bedrooms. The room was dimly lit but, on the bed, she saw a beautiful midnight blue evening dress with matching shoes and in the comfortable looking armchairs were her other sisters. Why were they all there when they were supposed to be at hers, nothing made sense, but she loved adventure and went along with it without asking any questions as she too also liked surprises?

Once she had changed into the dress, they took her in silence to the banqueting hall and when the double doors were opened, she saw that the room was full of all her guests and staff and in the centre was the man of her dreams. He looked at her and smiled taking a step towards

 

her he whispered in her ear “ You look lovely tonight my beautiful one.” Then in a voice that could be heard by all, he said “Will you do the honour of becoming my wife”  and once again taking her hand he produced from his inner pocket the most sparkling sapphire and diamond ring she had ever seen, her eyes glistened with tears as she could hardly believe what was being said and moving as close as she could she kissed him gently and said “I would love to, just say when”.

The room filled with music and as if by magic and military precision,  all her friends and family moved into rows leaving space in the middle for them to walk down and from behind the partition appeared the Reverend Parsons and as her best friend and husband stepped into view the music changed to here comes the bride.  Naomi looked totally dumbfounded, it had all been organised without her knowledge, he had obtained a special licence, and bought not just an engagement ring but also his and hers matching platinum wedding bands, was there anything he had forgotten?       

           

                                                                        

The marriage took place, the meal, dancing and then the clock struck midnight and the chauffeur appeared again.  This time Mr and Mrs Jasper Rice set off to start their life together, first they went to the airport to fly out to Venice to spend their honeymoon and have a blessing at St Mark’s Square which had always been her dream.

The evening had been perfect and more than she could ever have imagined, certainly more than she had only 6 hours earlier presumed would happen. She had hoped that he would finally ask her to move in with him but never this, never happy ever as his wife and would be for life.  This really had been the best Valentine's Surprise ever  x       

                                                                                                                       

Copyright Jane Goodhew

 Valentines Dilemma

By Sis Unsworth 

Coming up to Valentines, the birds began to sing

indicating nature was preparing now for spring.

Mary felt quite lonely, it really seemed so hard,

she wished like all the others, to get a Valentines card.

She knew the girls at work, would bring all their cards in,

to show them round the office, but she’d have none to bring.

She remembered back last year, it made her feel quite sore,

when Lucy from reception, proudly brought in four.

Valentines day was looming, so she had to think real quick,

to stop humiliation, she’d take a day off sick.

She confided in a close friend, who told her what to do,

She began to feel more confident, now that Valentines was due.

Her friend spoke quite softly, that it wasn’t a disgrace

there are ways of coping, with fear and losing face.

Like you never got cards, while others they got plenty

Her post box on Valentines day, was always bare and empty

Then she whispered in my ear, “it did affect my health

So now I take the easy way, I send them to myself!”

Copyright Sis Unsworth