by Andrew Nostvick

Created on: March 14, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

The calculator, everybody uses one, it has become a staple in American culture, ever since it arrived on the scene during the 20th century. Whether you're a sweaty 7th grader trying to figure out a tough algebra problem, or a 50-year-old arrogant accountant working with a six figure income, the calculator is always there to assist those who need the help.

The Texas Instrument 34 II, it sits on a desk in a college dorm room, hardly ever used. It yearns for the old days of algebra and geometry, now its used to determine what the inquiring student got on a test. The TI-34 II just wishes to see those days where its buttons would be pushed all the time. If it could do it itself, it would, except it doesnt have any fingers.

If the TI-34 II could talk, it would cry out in pain over its lack of use and how it constantly competes with a Compaq desktop. The TI would have a name, he would be called "Tim."

Tim would talk about how useless of a life he lives, he is aware that he isn't like you and me, he can't brush his teeth, make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches or launder money.

But one thing that Tim is good at is math. He is a math whiz and scored an 800 on the Math SAT's, but was disqualified upon learning that he wasn't allowed to take the math section.

But for now it sits on the desk, just collecting lots and lots of dust. Waiting for that moment of glory that it had experienced in years past. Waiting for his buttons to be pushed.

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