Random reminder

Press, 2 August 1977, Page 25

Random reminder

THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE

Mr Lou Sends, a lesserknown city journalist, is in possession of a rare gift, a source of inspiration — one could ini' -d «ov a “calling.” His call occurs usually at 4 c. iock tn the morning. Having answered the call and returned to the warmth of his conjugal bed. strange thoughts begin to circulate around his drowsy head. Being a practical fellow, long since prepared to take advantage of, and share these gems with his fellow man, he records the line of thought there and then (a torch, pencil and paper always handy by the bedside). Not all erstwhile scribes are blessed with this gift, (nor indeed have such an understanding marriage partner). but must work a great deal harder for their literary sources.

Our own peculiar modus operand! is as follows: 1. Stare blankly at our typewriter and wait for the keys to move of their own accord: 2. Look out the window expecting ■to see a story materilai / .3. Phone home and enquire if an international incident has occurred in the back yard. However, if we are feeling particularly energetic we may try more active methods — cogitation, or meditation (said to be good for the soul), discussion or research. More often than not we wander off to the local watering hole, — which can prove as good a source for a story as any. To prove our point we encountered there recent y a kindred spirit who related a tale which follows our present line of thought. A keen ama-

teur writer who happened to attend a wedding breakfast was observed to approach the vicar during the height of the celebration's with this request — “I am drafting an article on Life and Death, kind Sir, and should be pleased to hear your learned views.” The cleric reproved him ‘•This is hardly the time nor the place for such serious discourse.

“Besides,” said he with a grin, “I am not sufficiently sober at present. I shall look foward, however, to a discussion with you, say, next Tuesday morning.” A young lady in the vicinity, having overheard the interchange. her tongue (but not her brain) stimulated by the abundance of bubbling beverage, she asked innocently: “And Tuesdays you are sober?”