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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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Mannequins: 2 of 56

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...
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. ...
Politics, News & Issues > US Elections US elections 2008: Why Barack Obama epitomizes the American dream: 2 of 17

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...
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Lawn care: 1 of 7

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...
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Create your life list: 12 of 83

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...
Travel > Travel Diaries & Adventures (Other) Travel experiences: Adventures into the unknown: 8 of 42

Fifty Hours in Leadville Leadville doesn’t mind if you come, but don’t look for out-stretched arms. This old Colorado mountain girl has seen too many booms and busts to go gaga over a tourist, and though she’ll accept the patronage, she is okay without it. Her people need less of everything than the rest of...
Politics, News & Issues > US Elections US presidential elections 2008: Presidential candidate pros and cons: 3 of 15

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...
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: Interviews: 2 of 9

Interview with a Cat Toby is a large white house cat with caramel splotches: one on each ear, two on his torso, and one that covers the tail, except near the end where it breaks apart into rings. He is perched on a pillow placed in a chair, facing me across a small kitchen table. A bowl of crunchie treats sits before him, an...
Society & Lifestyle > North American Culture Greed, lust, pride and the fading American dream: 6 of 23

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...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Dark soul: 33 of 120

Winter’s House Dirty lies December snow Under January skies, Whose waxen suns with pallid glow Lay gray glaze down On the lawns and grounds Of a Kansas town Where winters come to die. A hunter framed in yellow panes - He’s lost the trail of reason – Fights to quell the sirens’ bane But contemplates Wh...