Articles written by Jim Mcinvale - Page 2

Where Knowledge Rules

What is Helium

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,

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: A cat's perspective on life: 20 of 55
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..
Sciences > Astronomy 57 alien species: Are we alone in the universe?: 44 of 116
The Visitors Sergeant Clifford Stone, in a 2001 conference address, noted fifty-seven alien species that the military had cataloged at that time. He has, in fact, understated the actual number here on our planet, and he neglected (for fear of inciting panic) to discuss the purpose of their presence. It is, in a word, coloniz... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Work: 88 of 202
Between the Womb and the Tomb - Day 2 Tuesday is the angry day. Even the old hands are not immune. They've been through this countless times, they know how to use their wit and humor to deflect the outrageous, and they have padded their minds with cushions of apathy. But it all falls apart on Tuesday. Tom called the meeting,... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Self-reflection: 174 of 372
Aftershock Afterthoughts An earthquake rattled the Midwest this week. It was quite tiny by west coast standards, measuring a meager 5.4 on the Richter scale, with no injuries and little property damage. Still, earthquakes are a novelty here in the excitement-starved plains, and the topic dominated discussions in homes and of... More..
Education > Educational Philosophy Should teaching Darwin's theory of evolution be mandatory in all schools regardless of religious beliefs: 1 of 2
Those gosh darned Darwinists, always wanting to cram their silly theory down out throats. As if that hair-brained Newton and his theory of gravity, or that lunatic Maxwell with his theory of electromagnetism weren't bad enough. Don't even talk to me about a theory of relativity - that's nothing more than the rantings of a de... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Travel advice: Traveling during pregnancy: 1 of 1
The first thing you'll want to do is make accommodations for your wife. - after all, she is the one that is 'technically' pregnant. Your role is to porter, cater, humor, and above all, take the blame when things go awry. After all, you are responsible for this predicament. The first and last part of the adventure is the trav... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Environmental Awareness How to live green by example: 22 of 39
Imagine it's Saturday, and your weekly gasoline ration coupon arrives. It is good for one gallon. After cursing and fuming at your gas rat, as the ration cards are known, you start to think about practical matters, like, for instance, how to get to work on Monday. You'll weigh different options: maybe get the old bike down o... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Funerals: 24 of 38
On Death and Ceramics The mood at the gathering was a bit solemn - but then it was a funeral. Still, it really was no more somber than my workplace. I actually saw more happy faces there than I do at work (a sad fact but another story altogether.) Technically, this was a memorial service and not a funeral. The deceased was a... More..
Jobs & Careers > Office Politics Humor: True stories of employment experiences: 9 of 13
Between the Womb and the Tomb Everyone from pop psychologists to air guitarists knows about the five stages. They begin when the doctor looks down at his clipboard and exhales before giving you the news. A jolted soul can't handle it all at once, it needs some time to adjust. I bet that spirits approaching life go through th... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Two hearts: 105 of 142
Our souls Fast fashioned of sea foam Caught in the smooth of the troughs Where between rolling hills of soft froth They form spinning swirls in the surf. A slow rolling swell In a quickening surge climbs Lifts first your soul, and then mine. Passing close, to touch in time. A wave breaks, Its churning wash erases And leaves ... More..