World's Largest Ship

Titanic - Courtesy Google Images

In 1912, the RMS Titanic was a state of the art passenger liner. She was 882 feet long and carried 3,547 passengers and crew. In case you missed it, on April 15, 1912, she hit an iceberg and sank, killing more than 1,500 people.

In the years since that 1912 disaster, ships have gotten bigger. The Disney cruise liner, the Dream, is 1,115 feet long and can carry 5,450 crew and passengers. But she’s not the largest liner in the world; that honor belongs to Royal Caribbean’s sister ships, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas. Both ships are 1,187 feet long and can carry 6,296 people.

Wow! 6,296 people is larger than the crew aboard a United States Navy Nimitz class aircraft carrier.

Dream - Courtesy Google Images

Oasis - Courtesy Google Images

There seems to be no maximum of ship size. Freedom Ship International has announced plans to build a ship, Freedom Ship, that would be 4,500 feet long, and twenty five stories high. There would be over 200 acres of recreation space, hospitals, restaurants and a runway at the very top of the ship that would be capable of accommodating forty passenger turboprop airplanes. According to Freedom Ship International, the ship would accept up to
40,000 full time residents, 30,000 daily visitors, 10,000 nightly hotel guests and 20,000 full time crew. Freedom Ship International calls it The First Mobile City at Sea.

The ship would be so massive that no port in the world could accommodate it. It would complete an around-the-world cruise every two years.

The concept for the Freedom Ship originated in the 1990s. According to Business Insider, at an estimated cost nearing a staggering $10 billion, project investors were scarce. The project was scrapped after the financial crisis in 2008.

Freedom - Courtesy Google Images

Business Insider reports that Roger Gooch, a member of the original team, has revived the idea because he believes the financial climate is changing.

I’ve seen the Oasis of the Seas up close and I’ve been on the Disney Dream. Both ships are huge; the Dream is so big that it is easy to get lost and turned around once aboard.

I find it difficult to fathom that something that’s more than ¾ of a mile long and 750 feet wide can float. If built, the Freedom Ship would make the Oasis of the Seas look like a tugboat. And, based on what happened to the Titanic, I wonder how many lifeboats it would take to evacuate 100,000 people.

What do you think; would you take a cruise aboard the Freedom Ship?

Volocopter Update

K-16B General Arrangement

I was going through basement “stuff” and I found a report approved by my father dated September 1961. Dad was the project engineer for the K-16B. The report is titled THE MODEL K-16B V/STOL AIRPLANE RESEARCH PROGRAM, Report B-27.

The introduction to Dad’s report states:

“At the request of the Bureau of Naval Weapons this report has been prepared … to summarize the research program that is being carried out under Bureau of Naval Weapons Contract NOa (s) 56-549c.”

K-16B Scale Model

According to the New England Air Museum, the U.S. Navy contacted Kaman to design and build a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The project was cancelled in 1962. My father said the K-16B program was cancelled because helicopters were approaching the air speeds desired by the Navy.

However, I don’t think the research done in the development of the K-16B was in vain; the same concept was employed in the development of the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey.

K-16B Tie-Down

Finding the K-16B report reminded me of my blog Flying High, July, 2012. The blog discusses the Volocopter, an 18-rotor personal helicopter developed by E-volo. In July, 2012, the company did not have a date when the ‘copter would be available to the public.

In 2012, E-volo won the Lindbergh Prize for Innovation. The Lindbergh Prize for Innovation is awarded by the Lindbergh Foundation and is intended to award people who strive to achieve a balance between technological advancement and the preservation of human and natural environments.

The Volocopter has evolved since my July blog. E-volo has developed the VC200, the first Volocopter to carry two people. On November 17, 2013, E-volo conducted a successful radio controlled test flight of the VC200. According to E-volo, the vision for the VC200 is:

“a cruising speed of at least 100 km/h
a flight altitude of up to 6500 ft
a maximum take-off weight of 450 kg
more than one hour flight time”

Unfortunately, the Volocopter is still a ways off. The Camera Forum reports that it will probably be between 10 and 20 years before the Volocopter is available to the public.

Technology evolves and one advancement builds on the one before. I’d like to think that the work my father’s team did on the K-16B played some small part in the development of the VTOL technology and subsequently the Volocopter.

So, what do you think, would you use a Volocopter for your work commute?

We’re a Nielsen family!

If you’ve never watched television or you’ve lived under the proverbial rock for sixty years, you might have no idea what a Nielsen family is. Nielsen is a company that samples television viewing households to determine what television shows Americans are watching. Nielsen describes a Nielsen family as panelists that enrich their “… view of the marketplace and ensures that our research accurately reflects consumers' shopping and media habits.”

According to Nielsen Ratings TV History, the ratings service originated in 1930 to measure radio program audiences. In 1950, it evolved to measure television audiences.

Usually ratings are collected via metered sets in selected households. The target family receives a device that connects to the television set that transmits actual channel selections to the Nielsen headquarters on a daily basis.

A second collection method is the TV Viewing Diary. We received the TV Viewing Diary. It asks a variety of questions including race, gender and age of the household viewers, number of TVs in the home and method of broadcast signal (cable, dish or over-the-air).

The diary requests that we capture our viewings for seven, twenty four hour days. Nielsen wants to know who’s watching which program on what station. Also, if the TV is on and no one is watching, they’d like us to record this as well.

There’s a section at the back of the diary to list program information for shows that are recorded for viewing at a later time. If we watch a recorded show, we list it in the viewing log and annotate it as a recorded program. (We’re even listing shows we watch on Netflix and Hulu.)

We’re completing the diary for our most used television in the house. Nielsen asks that we keep a separate log of programs viewed on the other TVs (I created a spreadsheet to collect this data).

On the surface it’s seems like a lot of work, but it’s not.

When we received the diary, I thought of an episode of Night Court (I am unable to find the episode number) where a guy was on the witness stand and revealed that his family was a Nielsen family. He was upset because he and his family went out for the evening and didn’t watch a particular program. He believed his night out was the reason Punky Brewster was cancelled.

I’m not that obsessive, though I’ve been accused of taking the survey too seriously. It’s just that I subscribe to the theory that garbage in equals garbage out, so I’m trying to make the diary as accurate as possible. Besides, maybe my participation could get the Kardashians cancelled. (I can dream, can’t I?)

Has anyone else been involved in a Nielsen survey? Let me know how it went for you.

New Spy Plane on the Drawing Board

Courtesy Google Images

Fans of Marvel Comics’ X-Men are familiar with the team’s SR-71 Blackbird. However, marvel-movies.wikia.com surmises that movie franchise dropped the term Blackbird in favor of the X-Jet. X-MEN FILMS speculates that the X-Jet will make an appearance in X-Men: Days of Future Past due out in May, 2014.

When I was a kid, I didn’t realize the Blackbird was a real plane. I just thought it looked really cool!

The Blackbird is an actual stealth aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin. According to Lockheed Martin.com, the Blackbird (so named because it was painted black to help dissipate heat) was conceived by a team of developers at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works® in Burbank,California.

The first iteration of the Blackbird is the A-12 which had its maiden flight on April 30, 1962.

The next production model Blackbird is the SR-71 whose maiden flight was December 22, 1964.

SR-71 Courtesy Google Images

According to U2SR71Patches.co, the Blackbirds operated out of Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan from March 9, 1968 to January 21, 1990. When I was stationed in Japan in 1982 I never had an opportunity to view an SR-71 up close. But the locals always seemed to know when a bird was preparing for takeoff. Many Japanese lined the outer perimeter of the runway, off base property, and photographed a plane as it launched.

SR -71.org says the SR-71 had its final flight in October 1999.

Skunk Works® is in the process of developing the next generation of spy plane, and you know what? It looks really cool!

SR-72 Courtesy Google Images

Lockheed has dubbed the plane the SR-72. ExtremeTech.com reports that conceptually, it will about 100 feet long, unpiloted, and reach an altitude of 80,000 feet. It will be capable of traveling at 4,567 miles per hour—Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound. Holy crap! That’s faster than anything that isn’t attached to a rocket.

I can envision the military applications. The obvious use being aerial reconnaissance. ExtremeTech.com states that if the SR-72 were deployed aboard aircraft carriers, we’d have what would essentially be a giant drone that could provide surveillance of any part of the world in about an hour. The technology used to propel the SR-72 has the capability of reaching Mach 10 (7,612 miles per hour). The website also reports that Lockheed hasn’t secured funding, but still hopes to have one built for test by 2030.

I wonder if there are commercial applications. Imagine getting from Los Angeles to New York in about 30 minutes … that … would be cool!

What do you think? What applications are there for a craft that can travel at Mach 6 and beyond? Is it possible an SR-72 will replace the SR-71 X-Jet in future X-Men movies?

Copper to Clean Smog

According to Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, there are 100 easy ways you can improve the environment. For example, to conserve energy in your home you can use warm or cold water instead of hot water to wash clothes, or you can lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.

Remember my October 2012 post Not Captain Kangaroo’s Green Jeans? I wrote about the possibility of wearing jeans sprayed with microscopic particles of titanium oxide as a pollution buster. Researchers are continuously attempting to find innovative ways to cleanse the environment. The jeans are still under research but we may be changing the way we dress in the future.

So what’s the latest idea?

Treehugger.com reports that Dutch artist/designer, Daan Roosegaarde, has developed a device that he hopes will suck the smog from the atmosphere. His idea is to bury copper coils in the ground and use an electrostatic charge to attract the smog particles to the coils. Gizmodo.com states that once the particles are pulled from the sky they can be compressed and repurposed.

The theory is sound. According to Pocket-lint.com, scientists at the University of Delft in The Netherlands have cleared the air of one cubic meter in a five cubic meter room.

Beijing smog – Courtesy Google Images

It would be impractical to try and build a smog-sucker large enough to clear an entire city. Therefore, Roosegaarde plans to install the system in a section of a city park in Beijing, China, and clear a small sector of Beijing sky. According to Gizmodo.com, the device should be able to create a 22,500 square foot area of clear sky and Roosegaarde, hopes it will show the locals what life could be like without the pollutants.

Beijing is among the smoggiest cities in the world. I’m sure any relief would probably be welcomed.

How cool would it be if technology advanced to the point where we could build super-sized smog suckers? I know this isn’t a solution to the problem of air pollution but in combination with prevention efforts, maybe my grandkids’ kids won’t have to worry about wearing respirators to play outside.

I wonder, could the copper coil/electrical currents have adverse effects on other parts of the environment? Is clean air a pie in the sky dream?

Disney World adds Avatar Land

“Two great tastes that taste great together.” That was the Reeses’s Peanut Butter Cup’s slogan thirty-plus years ago. And they’re right … who doesn’t enjoy peanut butter and chocolate (unless you’re allergic)?

Courtesy Google Images

When I saw a news report that Disney was going to create an attraction based on James Cameron’s Avatar my first thought was, “Two great tastes that taste great together.”

I love Disney World in Orlando, FL. When we visit the in-laws in Dade City, FL, we make a point to get to Disney World for at least one day. (My bride’s favorite park is EPCOT; mine is Disney Hollywood Studios.)

I really enjoyed Avatar. (I’m looking forward to the three sequels … the first being Avatar 2 in 2016.) I like the world that Cameron created and when the movie ended, I wanted to know more about Pandora and its people and culture.

The expansion of the Avatar lore will be furthered explored in a series of books by Steven Charles Gould (author of the Jumper series). According to avatarmovie.com James Cameron has tapped “… noted science fiction author Steven Charles Gould to write four novels base upon Avatar and its three sequels.”

Courtesy Google Images

And now Disney and Avatar will be joined … just like peanut butter and chocolate. The Avatar attraction will become a part of Animal Kingdom. According to FOX NEWS, it will be the largest expansion in the history of the park.

Of all the Disney World parks in Orlando, Animal Kingdom is my least favorite. I think it’s claustrophobic. The main walks are lined with vegetation and if you happen to be going “upstream” when a show lets out, the mass of humanity coming at you can be overwhelming.

WDWMAGIC.com reports that Avatar Land is expected to open in 2016. The addition of Avatar Land might just be enough to entice me to return to Animal Kingdom.

Anyone interested in planning a trip to Orlando in 2016? Take me with you.

Snow Fun

The first day of winter is December 21st but as New Englanders, we are all too aware that the seasons don’t pay attention to the calendar. It’s just as likely to snow in October (2011 ring a bell?) as it is in December. Therefore, it’s not too early to think about winter preparedness.

We have our generator in place (finally got that hooked up) so we won’t be powerless for an extended period of time. Now, it’s time to focus on a snow blower.

I had a 2003, Toro, 6.5 HP snow thrower. I abused that thing and not in a bad way. That snow thrower got me through the winter of 2010-2011. Remember that winter? It seemed like it snowed every other day. The piles of snow bordering my driveway were up to my chest. But that little Toro performed admirably. It finally died on February 9, 2013, the day after an epic snowfall. Unfortunately, I had just started clearing the driveway and had to finish with shovels (fortunately, the kids were visiting so I wasn’t stuck shoveling by my lonesome).

I discovered there are a lot of snow blowers on the market, such as Honda, Cub Cadet, Toro  Craftsman, Ariens, Husqvarna and Snapper. I had no preconceived notions regarding the manufacturer. All I knew was I wanted something capable of clearing 6 – 8 inches of snow.

Ariens - Courtesy Google Images

I am not an expert when it comes to anything with an engine. I pretty much rely on the opinions/knowledge of friends and online comparison sites, such as Consumer Reports and Top Snow Blowers.

I evaluated the posted opinions of purported snow blower users and compared prices and reliability reports of various brands.

Cost was a huge factor. I wanted reliability but I didn’t want to “break the bank” getting it. I narrowed it down to the Ariens Compact 24 inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower and the Toro Power Max 724 OE 24 inch Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower. They were comparable in price and performance.

My New Toro

I settled on the Toro for two reasons.

1) The performance and reliability of my previous Toro
2) Toro’s S’NO Risk™ Guarantee
According to Toro.com, “If it snows less than 10% of your market's average this winter, you get your money back and you keep your Toro snowblower.
If it snows less than 50% of your market's average, you get a 10% refund and keep your Toro snowblower.”

Considering how much I despise winter and snow, I have a dual incentive to root for a mild winter.

Check out this short video for a fellow who found an interesting snow removal tool.

Fall 2013 Science FictionTV to Watch

The best show on TV … I’ve heard this from many different sources; my kids, some co-workers, my friends and television pundits. No … not Breaking Bad … The Walking Dead. The fourth season of The Walking Dead premieres on Sunday, 10/13/13 and I’m somewhat ashamed to admit I’ve yet to watch an episode. I’d always thought it was a show about zombies and I’ve never been a big fan of zombie movies because I’m not a big fan of gore. I can only recall watching two zombie movies: Warm Bodies (2013) and Shaun of the Dead (2004).

Many people have told me that The Walking Dead is less about zombies and more about more about relationships. Is this accurate? I don’t know, but I like character driven shows so I guess I’m going to have to get caught up via Netflix.

I probably watch way too much TV and the following are four science fiction shows that I plan to follow this season so I doubt I can fit in another show, even one as allegedly good as The Walking Dead.

Courtesy Google Images

1. Revolution, NBC, 2nd season debut 9/25/13
Revolution takes place fifteen years after a world-wide blackout. The U.S government has collapsed, and multiple factions are vying for control of the country. I like this show because no character is safe. During the last few weeks of the spring 2013 season two main characters got terminated. I think it adds an element of suspense when the viewer isn’t certain who will survive.

Courtesy Google Images

2. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, ABC, 1st season debut 9/24/13
This show takes place after the battle for New York in the 2012 movie, The Avengers. Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) leads a section of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. Their mission seems to be hunting down powerful artifacts and potentially dangerous individuals before said items or persons can menace society.

I’ve seen two shows. I think there’s room for the show to grow. I’m not certain if the show’s creators plan to focus on action and gizmos or character development. I hope they opt for character development and allow the “tech” to supplement the story not drive it.  But, since the show is part of the Marvel universe and is directed by Joss Whedon I’m willing to give it a little leeway.

Courtesy Google Images

3. Arrow, CW, 2nd season debut 10/9/13
Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) has returned to Starling City after being stranded on an island for five years. He assumes the guise of the vigilante the Arrow (Arrow is Green Arrow of DC Comics). The show has grown on me. It has gotten better with age; the creators have allowed for growth in the characters of Arrow and Oliver Queen.

Courtesy Google Images

4. Grimm, NBC, 3rd season debut 10/25/13
A detective, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) discovers he is the descendant from a long line of Grimms, hunters of creatures that come straight out of the Grimm Fairy Tales. I like the show; there’s ample suspense and construction of character relationships and the continuing story arc links each episode. It makes me want to come back next week to find out what happened.

I think the four shows I’ve presented are worth a view. But, I probably watch too much TV as it is so I ask you … should I make room for another show and add The Walking Dead to my viewing line-up?

Does anyone wish to share a show they’re looking forward to? (It doesn’t have to be science fiction.)

The Devil You Know - Episode X

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode IX Videl informs Barney that he has discovered Barney’s deception.

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“Wait, are you saying if you beat the Devil you have to work for the Devil?” Barney asked.

“Not quite,” replied Videl. “I’m saying, you beat the Devil you become the Devil.”

Barney was stunned. He was certain he had misheard Videl.

Videl continued, “Throughout the ages, many men and women have assumed the role of the Devil. You’ll just be another in the line of succession.”

“I never agreed to this,” complained Barney.

“It was implied when you opted to craft your own agreement.” Videl flipped the pages of the guidebook. “It’s in here.”

“That’s not fair. I didn’t know it existed.”

“You didn’t ask.”

“Because I didn’t know.”

“No one can possibly know everything where the Devil is concerned. In all that literature you consulted, did you read anything that indicated anyone has ever won? You may have beaten me . . . but you did not win!”

“I won’t do it,” Barney avowed.

Videl nodded knowingly. “Oh, at first you’ll try to shirk your responsibilities; we all did. But, trust me; it’s not a viable option.” Videl paused and shuddered. “The pain will be excruciating.” He lowered his voice, “It’s like nothing you’ve ever imagined. The more you fight, the more intense the agony.

“Eventually, you’ll immerse yourself in the . . . role. Each new soul decreases your pain and increases your pleasure until you’ll manage to relegate thoughts of your former life to the depths of your unconscious mind. You’ll revel in your conquests until you become wholly and solely the Devil.

“But the desire to return to a normal human lies at the periphery, waiting for that moment of reclamation. I’ve been watching you for a very long time, Barney. I knew you had the potential to be my One when you acquiesced to Dirk so easily.” Videl nodded his head. “It was time.”

“But,” stammered Barney, “I’m a child; an innocent.”

“Ha, young you may be but”—Videl’s eyes widened—“innocent you are not.”

“I’ve never harmed anyone,” said Barney.

“What about Dirk and his friends? You never once considered their fate.”

“That was you.”

“At your behest.” Videl pressed, “Do you care about their families’ anguish? Their friends? You never asked what happened to them.”

“I’ve been busy with school; I didn’t even go home for the summer; I’ve been out of touch.”

“Excuses. Truth is, you don’t care. You got what you wanted and everything else be damned. You will make a fine successor.”

Barney’s shoulders slumped. He hadn’t given a thought about Dirk or his friends. That doesn’t make me . . . evil?

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

Barney hardly noticed that Raz walked past Videl and took up station to Barney’s right, a few paces behind. He wouldn’t have even noted the handoff had he not felt a slight tingle travel from his hand though his entire body when his fingers wrapped around the guidebook’s binding.

He felt dampness on his hand; the snow was falling and the wind picked up as the temperature dropped. The winter thaw ended as abruptly as it had begun.

Pain began to radiate through Barney’s body as Videl strode away. He watched each step until Videl wasn’t even a pinprick on the horizon. He waited for a flash of light or a puff of smoke but it never occurred; Videl just disappeared and Barney knew it would be forever this time.

END – THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

Barney was so close to attaining his dream but when you play with fire… well, you know the rest.

Did you enjoy The Devil You Know? Please, let me know what you think.

The Devil You Know - Episode IX

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode VIII Barney seals the deal with Videl and enrolls at M.I.T.

Attired in baggy cargo shorts, a tee and sandals, Barney lagged behind a pack of students making their way to morning classes. He was lost in thought as he strolled along the path…

Barney heard from behind, “Pretty proud of yourself?”

He smiled. He had been expecting this visit. “Yeah.” He turned to face Videl. Raz stood behind the Devil to the right.

“Still wearing the sunglasses,” purred Videl.

“Figured I’d be seein’ you,” quipped Barney.

“Did, huh?”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“When did you figure it out?”

“This morning. When Raz brought it to my attention. I,” Videl paused, “realized things were going to change. That little caveat you buried in the EEA . . . magnificent!”

Barney stood a bit more erect; his shoulders pushed back. “I know, I wrote it!”

Videl hummed briefly. “So you’re enjoying school.”

“I’m not treated like some freak of nature here. I’m able to concentrate on my studies. I’m triple majoring.”

“A triple major,” Videl nodded appreciably. “Impressive. It would have been interesting to see you accomplish that feat.”

“Of course I’ll accomplish it,” Barney sneered. “I have a four-point-oh.”

“You had a good run here. You got to experience what you always longed for; that’s more than most people three times your age can say.”

Barney stepped closer to Videl, “I don’t know what you’re playing at, but I won; you lost. Go away!”

Videl chuckled. “You are so naïve. Do you think you’re the first person to beat the Devil?”

“What are you babbling about?” Barney widened his stance.

Videl exhaled slowly and smiled. “People have been making deals with the Devil for centuries. Napoleon, Hitler, Madoff; they all had one thing in common; they thought they could outsmart Beelzebub.

“But,” Videl paused to reflect. He pressed his palms and fingertips together and tapped the outside of his index fingers against his lips. “Every couple centuries, there comes someone who actually does it.”

“It sounds like you’re happy you lost,” said a confused Barney.

“Happy?” started Videl. “I’m ecstatic. I’ve been doing this for a very long time.” He sighed.

“So, you’ve been a good little soul snatcher. Hooray for you.” Barney twirled in index finger. “What’s your point?”

“You’re bright; I suspect you’ll figure out the rules quicker than any of us.”

“Rules?”

“Yes, rules. I have to do everything in my power to collect souls to keep the fires of Hades burning. My staff and I scour the earth for souls. Once they’re identified, I close the deal. I have no choice.

“It’s all in here.” Videl held up an ancient looking book.

“What’s that?” asked Barney.

“This?” Videl held the text in an outstretched hand. “This is the guidebook. A few centuries ago, I stood where you are, on the cusp of greatness. I had grand aspirations. I was an accomplished violinist. I practiced and practiced but my skills only allowed me to get so far. I had about resigned myself to that fact when I met a woman who promised me everything. I didn’t like the deal she offered, so I convinced her to let me write my own. It was . . . brilliant; I was brilliant.” Videl stared into space, lost in a momentary reverie. “That’s the way it works.”

“Wait, are you saying if you beat the Devil you have to work for the Devil?”

END – EPISODE IX

In next week’s finale we discover Videl’s true intent. Is Barney as smart as he thought?

The Devil You Know - Episode VIII

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode VII Barney constructs a contract that he believes will allow him to get what he wants without giving up his soul.

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

He turned to find Videl, attired in a black suit, standing in the center of the bathroom. Behind him another man stood to his right. Slight of build and several inches shorter than Videl, the other man had thinning grey hair combed straight back. A leather briefcase dangled from his left hand.

“What’s with the shades?” queried Videl.

“Like ’em?”

“Not particularly.”

“I don’t want anyone reaching into my inner spirit. Who’s he?” Barney nodded at the briefcase bearer.

“That’s Raz. He’s my legal counsel.” Videl smirked.

Barney chuckled. “Legal counsel? What do you need a lawyer for?”

“To be sure everything conforms to convention. It’s not as if there aren’t an abundance of barristers where I come from. Do you have it?”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

Barney handed the flash drive to Videl who passed it to Raz who plugged it into an electronic tablet. An awkward silence followed as Videl’s attorney reviewed the electronic document. Finally, Raz handed the tablet to Videl.

“Well,” he demanded. Raz uttered a sound that was barely audible. Videl’s eyes widened, “Really?” he said to which Raz blinked once.

“Impressive,” stated Videl. “Raz says it’s the best EEA he’s ever seen.”

“You got all that from a grunt and a wink?” Barney raised an eyebrow.

“It was a very meaningful grunt. He wants me to offer you a job.”

“Think I’ll pass,” said Barney. “Do we have a deal or not?”

“I prefer to look my clients in the eye when I consummate a deal.”

“Do we have a deal or do I walk?” countered Barney.

“Not much for small talk. Fine, we have a deal.” Videl pressed his thumb against the tablet’s screen and handed it to Barney. Before he signed, Barney scanned the document to ensure Videl had not made any alterations. Satisfied, he applied his thumbprint to the appropriate spot and handed the tablet to Videl who handed it back to Raz.

“We’re done?” queried Barney.

“We’re done,” replied Videl. “See you in 80 or 90 years.”

Barney turned for the door. “Not if I see you first,” he quipped. He didn’t expect a reply; he knew Videl had already vanished.

***

It was an unseasonably warm February morning. New England had been in the grasp of a Nor ’Easter that was predicted to last a few more days. However, Boston had been spared. While the majority of New Englanders were cursing their decision to live in the North East, Beantown was enjoying seventy-plus-degree weather. Forecasters were at a loss to explain the phenomenon.

Attired in baggy cargo shorts, a tee and sandals, Barney lagged behind a pack of students making their way to morning classes. He was lost in thought as he strolled along the path. Edward Witten’s most recent revelation regarding String Theory swirled through his mind. Barney had been on the M.I.T. campus for a little more than a year. On a daily basis, he interfaced with people of equal intellect and no one made fun of him or bullied him; he was living his dream. In all his nearly twelve years, he had never felt so stimulated.

From behind he heard, “Pretty proud of yourself?”

END – EPISODE VIII

Barney thought he was rid of Videl. Come back and find out what Videl is angling for.

The Devil You Know - Episode VII

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode VI Videl agrees to allow Barney to craft an Even Exchange Agreement.

“I’ll tell you what. I like you, so I’ll give you one week to draft an acceptable agreement. If you haven’t done so by then, you will sign this.” Videl held up the electronic tablet and extended an index finger into the air. “One week….”

And then Videl was gone.

A week wasn’t much time. Barney studied literature, opera and movies that pertained to dealings with the Devil. He ascertained that the Devil had high intellect and immense linguistic prowess. No atrocity was too heinous if it helped him achieve the Devil’s goals.

Barney read the Essentials of Contract Law and consulted the online Harvard Law Library. He barely ate. He didn’t sleep; he focused on creating the perfect contract.

His newly transformed mother knocked on his locked bedroom door and begged him to get out for fresh air. “You need to relax, Honey.”

“This will determine my future,” he said.

“Nonsense, you’re ten.”

Eventually she gave up and left Barney to draft his contract. On the seventh day, bleary eyed but relaxed, Barney pushed back from his desk. He was certain he had done it; he had written an EEA that would grant him everything he wanted, less any of the ghastly consequences. He was going to do what no one else had ever done; he was going to beat the Devil.

***

Barney got to school early. He had no inkling where the meeting would take place. He had a copy of the EEA on his thumb drive and another on the hard drive of his laptop.

The atmosphere at the school was muted. It had been a week since Dirk and his cronies had been seen. The boys’ parents had pooled their resources, offering a substantial reward for any information leading to the safe return of their children. Barney had a fleeting moment of guilt when he saw the tear-stained face of Dirk’s mother on television.

Law enforcement personnel postulated that the teens had left school grounds in Dirk’s Land Rover, since it had not been found on the Goethe campus. The missing Land Rover could not be located. Barney wondered what Videl had done with the jocks. Not that he cared. He decided they probably got what they deserved.

Barney made for a restroom. The moment the door closed behind him he noted a silence. The clamor of Goethe High did not penetrate the stillness of the bathroom. He opened the door a fraction and

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

was hit by a wave of heat. He reached into his pocket and donned a stylish pair of mirrored sunglasses. He turned to find Videl, attired in a black suit, standing in the center of the bathroom. Behind him another man stood to his right. Slight of build and several inches shorter than Videl, the other man had thinning grey hair combed straight back. A leather briefcase dangled from his left hand.

END – EPISODE VII

Barney’s got the EEA … will Videl be satisfied? Only way to find out is come back next week.

The Devil You Know - Episode VI

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode V Videl informs Barney that he can guarantee that Barney will attend M.I.T. When he gets home from school, Barney finds Videl and his mother together in the living room.

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“Mom, what are you doing?”

“Celebrating, silly,” sang Mary. “Mr. Videl, your new school administrator, stopped by this afternoon. Looks like you’re going to M.I.T. I already signed the consent form. Come sit with me and have a glass of sparkling cider.”

Barney gave a blank stare, but sat next to his mother on the couch.

“I didn’t do anything to her,” Videl swore the next day.

“There’s something different about her. She has a new look in her eyes.”

“Yes, Barney, I imagine there is. The eyes are the windows to the inner spirit. I reached through that window and reignited a passion that years of single motherhood had extinguished.” Videl tapped his left breast, indicating the permission slip was in an interior jacket pocket. “She signed. Now we just need you to sign the EEA.” He pulled a small electronic device from another pocket and proffered the screen toward Barney. “Just put your thumb print right there.” He pointed to a spot on the screen.

“I know better than to sign anything without reading it first.”

“What’s to read?” asked an exasperated Videl. “It’s all very boilerplate stuff. Substitute a name and a request, yada yada.”

Barney shook his head. “Not signing ’til I read.”

“Fine.” Videl handed the device to Barney who scanned the document, muttering the occasional “Tsk” or “Hmph” or “No way.”

“You’re joking, right? Where’s the real EEA?” asked Barney.

“That is the actual EEA,” growled Videl.

“I’m not signing that piece of crap,” laughed Barney. “Near as I can tell, there are so many loop holes, I’d be lucky if I even got within a thousand miles of Massachusetts, never mind M.I.T. I could write a better contract,” challenged Barney.

“You, a ten-year-old,” sneered Videl.

“A ten-year-old with an IQ of 198, third highest of all time,” countered Barney.

“Well,” Videl hesitated, “it’s highly unusual.”

“I’m not usual,” stated Barney.

“That you are not,” replied Videl. “I’ll tell you what. I like you, so I’ll give you one week to draft an acceptable agreement. If you haven’t done so by then, you will sign this.” He held up the electronic tablet and extended an index finger into the air. “One week.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem.” Barney glanced in the mirror. “Where do I meet you?”

There was no reply.

“I really wish he’d stop doing that,” Barney muttered to the empty room.

END – EPISODE VI

Barney seems so close to attaining his dream. Will he be able craft an EEA that Videl will buy into?

The Devil You Know - Episode V

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode IV Videl explains the difference between the soul and the human spirit.

“Those tales of human souls suffering an eternity in Hell are just myths perpetuated by religious leaders to keep the flocks in line. It’s true that human spirits have descended into Hades; but those belong to humans unfortunate enough to lead”—Videl gently rocked his head from side to side as if it were on a pivot—“less than exemplary lives.”

Artwork credit: Matt Ryan

“What’s to stop you from reneging on any deal and just snatching my soul?” challenged Barney.

Videl sighed. “I have to abide by certain rules. I cannot snatch a soul unbidden. There are protocols to follow, which is why I require the client to willingly donate their soul. This is facilitated by an EEA—Even Exchange Agreement.”

“Okay.” Barney paused. “I know what you want. What do I get?”

“I can guarantee that you will not have to endure another minute in this school and you will attend M.I.T.,” said Videl.

“You said attend M.I.T. I want to enroll and graduate from M.I.T.”

Videl raised an eyebrow and seemed reflective. “Fine, you’ll attend and graduate from M.I.T. All you have to do is sign an EEA and”—he waited a half beat before continuing—“being a minor, get your mother’s signature as well.”

Barney let out a long exhalation. “Even if I were to agree to your deal, my mom never would.”

“Well, don’t be too hasty. I can be very persuasive.”

“I don’t want her hurt.”

“I will not harm your mother in any fashion,” avowed Videl. “Now, go about your day and we’ll finish our business later.”

Barney turned and placed his hand on the door handle. “I’ve still got to face Dirk.”

“He won’t be an issue. Consider it a show of good faith,” said Videl.

“Him you can hurt.” There was no reply; Videl had vanished. Barney hesitated a moment before slowly opening the door. He stared at a row of lockers. He stepped into the hall and realized he was across from his own locker, his jacket still in a heap on the floor. He spun around but there was no sign of a bathroom door, only a solid string of lockers.

The rest of his day was a fog as Barney struggled to make sense of his encounter with . . . with what? he thought. Do I honestly believe I met the Devil?

Nonetheless, his day proceeded without incident. Videl stayed true to his word; Barney did not see Dirk or his boys anywhere. In fact, no one had seen them since they had chased after Barney.

Barney arrived home from school that afternoon and entered through the kitchen, as he always did, expecting to find a snack set out by his mother. However, today the kitchen was empty.

“Mom,” he called.

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

He heard a lilting reply from a woman’s voice that sounded very much like his mother. “Bar-ney! I’m in the living room.”

When Barney had left for school that morning, his mother looked her usual self: hair in a tight bun on the back of her head, a white blouse buttoned to the neck, a skirt hemmed just below the knees, and a pair of sensible loafers. But, there reclined his mother, hair cascading about her shoulders, blouse loosened three buttons, shoeless, feet propped on the coffee table.

“Mom, what are you doing?”

“Celebrating, silly,” sang Mary. “Mr. Videl, your new school administrator, stopped by this afternoon. Looks like you’re going to M.I.T. I already signed the consent form. Come sit with me and have a glass of sparkling cider.”

Barney gave a blank stare, but sat next to his mother on the couch.

END – EPISODE V

Mom seems to be on board but can Barney trust Videl? Come back next week, same bat time same bat channel.

The Devil You Know - Episode IV

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode III Barney learns the true nature of the mysterious Videl.

This is nuts. There’s a logical explanation, he thought. I’m knocked out. Yeah, that’s it. Dirk beat me into a coma and I’m in a hospital bed.

“You aren’t in a hospital bed,” stated Videl.

Barney screamed. “Get out of my thoughts.”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“Not my fault,” countered Videl. “Normally humans’ thoughts are a closed book, but when you’re under extreme duress, all that changes. Your acute emotional outburst is like a beacon, a beacon I can’t ignore, a beacon drawing me to you.”

Barney trembled. This is scientifically impossible. “This is an illusion. I don’t know how you’re doing it, but given enough time I could figure it out,” he reasoned.

Videl crossed to Barney and said, “Need more proof?” Before Barney could react, Videl snatched Barney’s spectacles and smashed them.

Barney’s voice went up an octave. “What did you do? How am I supposed to see?”

“You don’t need them,” said Videl.

Barney hesitated. He looked around the room. For the first time in his short life, his vision was perfect. He began to consider the possibility that Videl was telling the truth. “So what do you want from me?”

“You’re the genius, figure it out.”

Barney hesitated. “My soul . . . you want my soul. In what universe would I ever agree to do that?”

Videl leaned against the sink and crossed his arms over his chest. “You called me. You said you’d do anything to get out of this school.”

“Almost anything,” said Barney, “but I never spoke it aloud.”

“Intent’s the same. Look,” pressed Videl, “you’ve got something I want and I can provide something you want. Everybody wins.” Videl paused and exhaled slightly. “Do you believe in God?”

The question was unexpected and it puzzled Barney. Religion hadn’t been much of a presence in the Midas home. His mother had never taken Barney to Sunday school, catechism or any religious function. He realized he didn’t know if he was Christian, Jewish... Am I an atheist? he pondered.

To Videl he asked, “What does it matter?”

“It doesn’t. But if theology were the issue; if”—Videl made air quotes—“dealing with the Devil goes against your religious beliefs, I can understand your angst.

“However, you need to understand that humans mistakenly equate the human soul with the human spirit. It is the spirit that houses the human consciousness, not the soul. The soul isn’t the manifestation of some religious tenet, it’s just an energy force”—Videl emphasized—“the generator of the human body and as such contains a reservoir of energy and we both know energy can be neither created nor destroyed. It can only be transformed from one state to another.”

Videl continued, “There is no connection between the consciousness and the soul. The soul’s just a vast store of potential energy that cannot disappear— Videl mouthed POOF—“just because the human body has ceased to function. It is this energy that we harness and refine to keep the fires of Hades aflame.

“Those tales of human souls suffering an eternity in Hell are just myths perpetuated by religious leaders to keep the flocks in line. It’s true that human spirits have descended into Hades; but those belong to humans unfortunate enough to lead”—Videl gently rocked his head from side to side as if it were on a pivot—“less than exemplary lives.”

END – EPISODE IV

Ya gotta admit, the guy is smooth, but can he convince our little genius? Check back next week.

The Devil You Know - Episode III

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode II Barney escapes the jocks’ wrath and meets a janitor who says he can help Barney get to MIT.

***

“But, your mom won’t let you go.” Videl looked at the ceiling and tapped his chin with his index and middle fingers. “What would you say if I told you I could help you with that?”

“You’re just a janitor,” scoffed Barney.

“You, of all people, should know looks can be deceiving. Let’s, for the sake of argument, say I have . . . connections.”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

Videl extended a hand and helped Barney to his feet. He guided him to a sink and stood behind him. Barney set his glasses on the porcelain, rinsed his face and patted his cheeks dry with a paper towel. He looked in the mirror and inspected his blurry reflection. He squinted but didn’t see Videl’s image in the mirror. “Where’d you go?” he queried.

“Right behind you,” purred Videl.

Barney turned and there stood the fuzzy janitor, less than two feet away. He spun and checked the mirror; no Videl. He nearly poked out an eye fumbling to put on his glasses. With his eyesight restored, he gazed in the reflective glass but saw only himself.

“What’s going on? How’re you doing that?”

“I’m not doing anything. It’s the natural order of things. I don’t have a reflection. I don’t cast a shadow and I cannot be captured on film.”

“That’s impossible! There’s a scientific explanation,” reasoned Barney.

“Not everything can be explained,” countered Videl.

“Really?” Barney turned his back against the sink. “So what are you, a vampire?” His query dripped with sarcasm.

“There are no such things as vampires,” said Videl. “What I am is the one who can make all your dreams come true.”

Barney scoffed. “And you think Dirk is overreaching. You’ve got a nice little God complex going there.”

Videl chuckled. “Not God, definitely not God; quite the opposite.”

“Oh, what then, the Devil?” asked Barney. I’m clearly conversing with a person who should be on antipsychotics, he thought.

“Ding, ding, ding,” chimed Videl. “Give the lad a prize. Tell him what he’s won.” Videl wrapped his right arm around Barney’s left shoulder and pulled him tight to his body. Barney twitched but was unable to wriggle loose. Videl waved his left hand in a grand gesture. “That’s right, Boy; I’m Satan, Beelzebub, Old Cloots. And I’m here to grant you whatever your heart most desires.” He paused for effect. “You want M.I.T. You got M.I.T.”

“You’re nuts! Let me go.” Barney squirmed, but Videl had his arms pinned to his sides and he lacked the strength to break free. “Help, help me,” he yelled.

“Scream, yell, do whatever you want, no one will hear you,” goaded Videl. “You want to leave?” He relaxed his grip on Barney.

Barney rushed for the door and yanked it open. Before he could take another step, he was hit with the heat of a thousand blast furnaces. Confused, he slammed the door shut. That much heat, would at the very least, cause the door handle to glow red hot, but it was cool to the touch. He cracked the door but the heat was so intense, he could only keep it open for a brief second.

This is nuts. There’s a logical explanation, he thought. I’m knocked out. Yeah, that’s it. Dirk beat me into a coma and I’m in a hospital bed.

END – EPISODE III

Is Barney dreaming? Only Patrick Duffy knows for certain. See you next week.