QUESTIONS
Posted by anthonynorth on November 5, 2010
Microfiction Monday, ABC Wednesday, more prompts below
Try my Paranormal Flash now!
PROF ISAAC GALISTEIN
Microfiction: As she looks to the future,
the path of life seems so daunting. Yet
though the world stays the same, the
child grows to meet it.
QUESTIONS
Our knowledge is based upon the answers we get from our enquiries. At
least, this is what we think. Of course, what we class as knowledge is
dictated by those in charge of our knowledge structure, for who ever
controls our knowledge defines our society and the way we think. And
the best way to retain such control is to make sure they only ask the
questions they want – for it is the question itself which defines the
answer.
BRIT NEWS: According to a study
the internet now makes up 7% of the UK’s
income. The financial sector is 9%. When we think
of the fortune given to the banks, and the Recession that
followed, maybe we should realise they are not quite as important
as we’re made to believe.
HEALTH NEWS: Expert says alcohol is as dangerous as heroin. No. We
have more of a choice with alcohol, so abuse is more down to
the person than the substance. But this idea is following
a trend of the new bad. Alcohol use is tied to male
bonding, which expresses the local. This is
counter to globalisation, so has
to be bad.
THE CRIME POST
It would be criminal not to read it
One Single Impression
Friday Flash 55 – Writer’s Island
One Shot Wednesday
PAUSE
Darkest night, shadows rule,
No time, now, to act the fool,
See him coming, keep very still,
Silent pause before the kill,
Loot in hand, quite a pest,
Now you pounce! Another arrest
FLASH 55 – THE PC PC
Fiction: The politically correct police constable made great inroads into
fighting crime in town. It began with murder. Arresting the perpetrator,
he realized what a deep psychological effect it had had on him. So
disturbed, how could he be prosecuted? And what of other ‘crimes’?
Soon the town prison was empty, the town renamed an asylum.
ADVENTURE
This is the ballad of Gayle and Fred,
Everyone remembers them with dread,
A great adventure they went on one day,
Three shops robbed, two people to slay,
They really thought they could not fail,
But Fred’s now dead and Gayle’s in jail
© Anthony North, 2010
Try my Pictures of Life, a novel
BEYOND THE BLOG 
brian said
the town an asylum…intrigued…are those in charge as crazy as the inmates?
anthonynorth said
Hi Brian,
I think the PC PC made them so.
Nessa said
Questions frighten those in power.
anthonynorth said
Hi Nessa,
Yes, they do indeed.
G-Man said
Ha…
Becoming High Tech in your old age Tony?
Love the way you nopw single out the 55 post.
Speaking of which…Writer’s Island?
Thanks for always playing so well,
And thanks for your GREAT support.
Have a Kick Ass Week-End…G
Eaton Bennett said
Hi Anthony, Is this a case of looking at both sides of the coin and seeing things from the other persons perspective? 🙂
regards,
Eaton
Alice Audrey said
You saying you have to be crazy to be a criminal?
anthonynorth said
Hi G-Man,
Well, I keep trying to cope with hi-tech, at least 🙂
Hi Eaton,
Could be 😉
Hi Alice,
Well, the PC PC thinks so. I think HE’S crazy.
Akelamalu said
Your 55 could become reality the way things are going!
anthonynorth said
Hi Akelamalu,
Yes, very worrying, isn’t it?
trisha said
Brilliant as always Anthony. Your post never lets me return empty handed. I always return from your blog with some interesting things to think about.
your wit is amazing.
Happy deepawali! May light, happiness and wealth shower down on your world and stay.
anthonynorth said
Hi Trisha,
Thanks for that. Very kind words. And happy deepawali to you.
Claudia said
ha – the PC PC – what characters you always create!
anthonynorth said
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for that. I’m glad you like them 🙂
Monkey Man said
On your 55 – Australia? Or perhaps the US of A? On Questions – I heard a quote today: We are entitled to our opinions, but not to our facts.
Mama Zen said
Your 55 cracked me up. Therapy for everyone!
anthonynorth said
Hi Monkey Man,
I like that quote – and that’s a fact.
Hi Mama Zen,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.
marja said
‘for it is the question itself which defines the answer’Brilliant insight. Enjoyed reading your balled of gail and fred
anthonynorth said
Hi Marja,
Thanks for that. Yes, Gayle and Fred chose the wrong adventure.
vivinfrance said
A thoroughly good read today – you certainly give good value to the clicking finger! The PC PC: is that why they’re planning to close umpteen prisons? It’s Whitehall that is starting to look like an assylum for the criminally insane!
anthonynorth said
Hi Viv,
Many thanks for the kind words. And you’re right about Whitehall.
Nessa said
Flash 55: My town resembles an asylum.
Mary said
As far as adventures, sounds like Gayle and Fred reaped what they sowed; and some adventures come to the end they deserve!
Twilight said
Excellent point about questions, AN! We can see the phenomenon at work whenever PMs, presidents or politicians are confronted by the press.
Re alcohol/heroin: I agree with your summing up. I think alcohol can be, and often is, used conservatively without becoming addictive. I doubt the same applies to heroin. If a person has an addictive nature then they’ll find an outlet for it, whether it be alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex……then any one of those pastimes become dangerous.
anthonynorth said
Hi Nessa,
There are a lot of towns that fit that label 😉
Hi Mary,
Yes, certainly in this case.
Hi Twilight,
Yes, politicians have mastered the art of speaking without actually saying anything.
Diane T said
“But Fred’s now dead and Gayle’s in jail”
What an adventuresome tale! Why are men treated differently than women. Oh, maybe he was shot first!
Rene Foran said
Game over, Gayle and Fred
anthonynorth said
Hi Diane,
Ah, I think it’s my fault, ‘cos Fred rhymes with dead, etc 🙂
Hi Rene,
It is indeed.
AW said
What a tale of Fred and Gayle! Such adventure indeed!
anthonynorth said
Hi AW,
Thanks for that.
Tilly Bud said
I’m so glad Gayle & Fred got there comeuppance. I enjoyed this.
anthonynorth said
Hi Tilly Bud,
Thanks for that. Yes, they had to have their comeuppance.
Bill said
Wonderful Microfiction Anthony, Perfect words and thoughts for the picture. Liked your Flash 55 as well. Sounds as if the Inmates are running the Asylum. My Microfiction Posts tomorrow at 1600 hrs Eastern Standard Time. I wish it would stay on Standard Time.
anthonynorth said
Hi Bill,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Amanda said
Your Writers Island cracked me up, light hearted and fun to read!
1sojournal said
Absolutely loved the microfiction. And always the questions must lead to answers that beg more questions. And Fred and Gayle didn’t go on an adventure, that was a spree. There might be a difference, lol.
Elizabeth
kimmy said
on QUESTIONS: we only ask questions we only have the mind to raise based on what our senses perceive, that’s why we are convinced that there are only WRONG ANSWERS but never WRONG QUESTIONS..
gautami tripathy said
Liked that pause post…Great ending..
gautami tripathy said
Here is my OSI post:
nothingness
anthonynorth said
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.
Hi Elizabeth,
Many thanks. And you’re right – it WAS a spree.
Hi Kimmy,
So right. We seem to be trapped in the material senses nowadays, which offer nothing for the spiritual side of existence.
Hi Gautami,
Many thanks for that.
sandra said
that pause is like a song…!
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Teresa said
Great poems. Quite impressive how you use all these and yet retain one theme.
Mine is here. http://razzamadazzle.wordpress.com/2010/11/06/between-the-breaths/
anthonynorth said
Hi Teresa,
Many thanks for the kind words. I find using a theme concentrates the mind.
Ramesh Sood said
Questions made me Pause and I didn’t know it will end with an Adventure..
Lovely writes, all Anthony..loved enjoyed them all..
Brian said
Just stopping by for a cuppa. No time to pause.
Pat said
Great Microfiction Monday contribution–It’s so true, other than for children who become narcissists 🙂 .
I like your poems in which bad guys get caught!
anthonynorth said
Hi Ramesh Sood,
Many thanks for those kind words.
Hi Brian,
Shall I pour?
Hi Pat,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
SandyCarlson said
I love that first piece. Though the world stays the same, the child grows to meet it. We can. Yes, we can. Thanks for this.
Tammie said
pause: takes me into the stance of a wild and instinctive being. Now a bad place.
Amity said
poor thing, that loot caused his arrest!
i could only smile…:-)
you were not around Anthony the time i was also absent… 🙂
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandy,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Hi Tammie,
It can be a strange place.
Hi Amity,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
EG Wow, Canada said
I enjoyed your take on the micro-fiction photo. Life is a bit scary if we look too far ahead, often easier if we face it moment by moment.
anthonynorth said
Hi EG Wow,
Thanks for that, and you’re right.
Akelamalu said
Wonderful MM Anthony – so true. 🙂
anthonynorth said
Hi Akelamalu,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
evenstarwen said
Love the microfiction! Autumn always evokes change for me.
anthonynorth said
Hi Evenstarwen,
Thanks for that. Yes, it’s a good time.
Kay Davies said
I like your philosophical take on the Microfiction prompt.
— Kay
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
anthonynorth said
Hi Kay,
Many thanks. Much appreciated.
Geraldine said
A pause and a pounce, I love it!!!
http://www.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com
http://www.veggiesyarnsandtails.wordpress.com
Mama Badger said
I always thought the path of life became more daunting as I grew. Wonderful take on the MF.
anthonynorth said
Hi Mama Badger,
Thanks for that. Yes, it can go either way.
anthonynorth said
Hi Geraldine,
Many thanks. Much appreciated.
Lisa Ricard Claro said
Nice MF, very thoughtful prose! I have to admit that even as an adult the future sometimes seems rather daunting, but we do manage to expand and grow as we go. Well done.
Michael Gettel-Gilmartin said
A lovely, profound MM.
Have a great week.
anthonynorth said
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Michael,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Nessa said
MM: I like the thought that the person changing is more important.
anthonynorth said
Hi Nessa,
Thanks for that. Yes, we shape our own view of the world as we experience it, I’m sure.
hope said
You get my vote for “Most Uplifting” Micro of the day!
quilly said
Your microfiction makes an excellent prayer for that particular child. For the autistic the future is always uncertain.
anthonynorth said
Hi Hope,
Many thanks. Much appreciated.
Hi Quilly,
Thanks for that, and you’re right.
jabblog uk said
Much to appreciate, as ever. Your MM was most thoughtful.
anthonynorth said
Hi Jabblog,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Sylvia Morice said
I’m glad you posted the correct link for your MM–always love to read what you have to write! Great job, as usual…
Have a wonderful week. Cheers!
anthonynorth said
Hi Sylvia,
Many thanks. Yes, that’s the first I’ve got the link wrong. Silly me.
Reader Wil said
“it is the question itself which defines the
answer.” Now I wonder which came first “the question”or the “answer”? I have no idea…
Great post again, Anthony!
Sylvia Kirkwood said
I could repeat Reader Wil, and what comes first I have no idea either! And, yes, a superb post as always, Anthony, and as always you make me think and that’s the best of all! QUEEN was indeed the best, weren’t they?
Sylvia
anthonynorth said
Hi Reader Wil,
Thanks for that. As to which came first, I think before either of them there was confusion. And it has been there ever since.
Hi Sylvia,
Many thanks. It’s an intriguing question. As for Queen, yes, with one exception. At the ultimate I’d put Led Zeppelin, with Queen very close on their tails.
brian said
what a tragic end for fred an gayle..i wonder what drove them to it…? nice one shot!
anthonynorth said
Hi Brian,
Thanks for that. I guess it was me.
suzicate said
Fred and Gayle sound like a modern Bonnie and Clyde…and a great “pause”.
anthonynorth said
Hi Suzicate,
Many thanks. Yes, they were my inspiration for this.
Talon said
Call me crazy, but I felt sorry for Gayle and Fred! Loved the poem, Anthony. The rhythm and flow were perfect.
anthonynorth said
Hi Talon,
Thanks for that. You’re not crazy. There’s a deep tradition within us to glorify such people. Why I don’t know – unless we’re all crazy.
EG Wow, Canada said
Love your piece about questions. I guess that’s why politicians answer the questions they want to answer and don’t answer the ones they want to ignore.
anthonynorth said
Hi EG Wow,
Thanks for that. Yes, politicians are perfect examples.
bkmackenzie said
Love it – the Flash Fiction hit home, all the rights of criminals, the disturbing effects arrest and imprisonment my have on them…the insanity of it all…and world keeps turning, and I turn another page….blessings Anthony….bkm
Chris G. said
A most amusing health news this week…I had seen that in the news earlier on, but I must say I like your take on it. Questions was thought-provoking. Sparked a touch of the philosopher in me, and now has my mind on a ramble–thanks for that. Flash 55’s unnerving…an unfortunate look at a way the world might actually be moving.
Gay Cannon said
Every week visiting your blog is a trip around the world. Philosophy, news, murder, bonnie & clyde stories all wrapped in short, short pieces. Crafty writing my friend and it’s never easy to be terse and concise!
Roger Green said
Can’t help but to notice that your questioning was posted on the 5th of November, Guy Fawkes Day. a bit of rebellion in the air?
ROG, ABC Wednesday
Tumblewords said
Questions – reminds me of the pol polls recently plastered everywhere with no actually validity. Good post!!
anthonynorth said
Hi Bkm,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Chris,
Many thanks. Yes, the world is moving in strange ways.
Hi Gay,
Very kind words. Thank you.
Hi Roger,
Oh, I like rebellion 😉
Hi Tumblewords,
Yes, so many statements nowadays are void of real substance.
Ninotaziz said
Dear Anthony,
Loved your MFM, loved the thought provoking brit news and health news even more.
Thanks for sharing, as always.
pete marshall said
some more great topics my friend…got a new one for you…in my current situation I have struggled to meet bills so i have got a county court judgement…no big deal it happens…but guess what i applied for a job today and was turned down cause i have a county court judgement!!!!!! still trying to work out how to get out of that….cheers my friend Pete
anthonynorth said
Hi Ninotaziz,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Hi Pete,
The world is going quite simply mad!
Claudia said
ah – what a tragedy…or maybe not..?
anthonynorth said
Hi Claudia,
Yes, maybe not.
zephyr said
Microfiction is so true. As long as we look at the future with apprehension, it overwhelms us, but when we get down to living it, there is really nothing to it.
Loved your PC PC. Imagine a town that is an asylum. You really crack me up with your ideas.
The Gayle and Fred ballad sounds like one of those grisly nursery rhymes. Maybe we will hear future generation of kids reciting it 😀
anthonynorth said
Hi Zephyr,
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, the future is a matter of attitude.
Shashi said
Your blog is very intersting and I enjoy going through it every time I visit through One shot.. Lot of stuff that keeps me glued to this one blog…thanks for sharing…
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
Twitter: @VerseEveryDay
Blog: http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com
anthonynorth said
Hi Shashi,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Curtis said
I like the wordplay in Pause. Perhaps his additional arrest could be a cardiac one.
anthonynorth said
Hi Curtis,
I like that.
SandyCarlson said
I like your echoes poem very much. You have me wondering which time is ours and for how long and how do we feel it.
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for that. It’s a complicated subject.