Articles written by Jim Mcinvale

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About me - Jim Mcinvale

I am a registered professional engineer with a 28 year career in the commercial nclear power industry. I have published a number of articles, short stories and essays, both fiction and non-fiction, in trade journals andon-line publications. Running,

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Society & Lifestyle > North American Culture Greed, lust, pride and the fading American dream: 1 of 33
The overhead lights went out, turning the podium to a golden island in a sea of darkness. The crowd noise subsided and all eyes turned to the stage. A nondescript middle-aged man walked to the podium and clipped on a mike. He opened a notebook and started reading without an introduction. "Had Dante Alighieri written his Divi... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Poets: 1 of 26
Bad Poets on the Road The engine cranked over but didn’t catch. Dylan, the driver, released the key and frowned. He turned to the passenger next to him and looked over his shoulder at the two heads in the back that were intermittently flashing blue halos. Dylan raised his voice to be heard over the loud at the window. ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Mannequins: 3 of 57
Your Frozen, Flawless Face Waxen skin and cloudy eyes - I don't buy it Frozen stare and absent smile - don't even try it. A bead of sweat slips from your face And splatters on the floor Starburst diamonds at your base Betray that act of yours. Exploding passion, unleashed lust Lights out, the store retires Wild abandon, live... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 US elections 2008: Why Barack Obama epitomizes the American dream: 2 of 18
Barack Obama and the American Dream Hope, of course, is why this man embodies the American dream. More than any other shared belief or common value, hope unifies us. It is at the center of America as a concept. The first Europeans that came fleeing tyranny or seeking adventure were driven by hope. Africans kidnapped and drag... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Religion: 8 of 69
Walter Finds His Way Walter peered over bifocals and rubbed a hand over his thinly bristled scalp. The shoulders of his charcoal gray suit sported prominent hanger marks and a layer of dust that made them look faded. A familiar but indistinct pressure brushed the nape of his neck, so he glanced back. Lorraine stood at the cl... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Heroes: 4 of 34
A Hero With American Cheese The darkness of the auditorium blinded us at first, but when our eyes adjusted we began catching glimpses of it. Intermittent lasers of gold pierced the serving line procession and snatched our attention, like a dollar bill in the dirt, or a flash of bare flesh. When we made it up to the front, wh... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Create your life list: 11 of 91
You already have it of course. No one is completely listless. We each have a list of things to do before the dark-hooded, sickle-wielding drill sergeant of life comes in with our orders and it's time to ship out. A friend tells you about his recent vacation and evokes a familiar fantasy. A book or magazine article sparks a m... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Lawn care: 1 of 6
The Mole Wars Vladimir scored again last night. That's my pet name for my mole trap - Vladimir. Like his Transylvanian namesake, his enemies know him as 'The Impaler'. I dug up the skewered little lawn terrorist and buried him deep in what I suspected was the main nest - you know, to send a message. I pictured a bearded patr... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 US presidential elections 2008: Presidential candidate pros and cons: 4 of 19
A Renaissance of Hope This election season energizes voters, new and old, more than any in recent memory. Hope, of course, is the reason. It is the center of America as a concept. Hope drove Europeans fleeing tyranny to America, and it sustained African slaves and displaced natives. Hope draws new immigrants, melding dispara... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: A cat's perspective on life: 18 of 56
Sebastian saw the cat coming, but not clearly. An undulating image cloud floated slowly along a tracer string of fuzzy still frames that wound across the floor and sprouted up onto the counter. The whole thing was in flux, fading at the far end and coalescing from nothing on its approach. Definitely a cat, but more like a we... More..