A Day in the Life of the Electronic Tea-Room
it is the electronic tea-room of staff.soc - wednesday, approaching the ides of march - stretching in all directions in ethereal airiness are desktop computers - the monitor and keyboard of each computer is in hard focus,
at most computers there is a user, in other cases there is an empty chair - although each computer is apparently in an office the details of the office become rapidly indistinct a few metres away from the keyboard - users come and go,
some work at their computers, some work at their desks - occasionally someone will speak, it apparent that all the members of the electronic tea room can hear the speaker if they choose to do so
Shannon apparently to no-one in particular
I found beautiful little one foot long snake at my back door obviously caught and killed by my cat in my quiet Quarry Hill home last night. I am not sure what sort it is so I hope some snake expert can help.
It is mid brown with a dark almost black head and a band/stripe 5-7mm of the same colour behind the head. The underbelly is light. Any clues welcome.
If anyone wants to sight it I can bring it in.
the reaction amongst the members of the electronic is mixed, some look up with mild interest, some frown, some take no notice what-so-ever
Tom looks up from preparing his frog seminar and speaks quietly
Most likely a young Brown Snake, Shannon. A lesser chance that it is a whip snake--not nearly as common around here as young Browns, which usually have the band on the back of the head.
there is activity in the electronic tea-room, a few people speak in confidence to each other
Shannon addresses the room, sincerely
I have had a number of emails re the slitherin snake question castigating me for having a cat I would like to reply to you all at once. Sorry, sorry , sorry. I know I am bad and must hate native animals underneath.
I am with you all the way though and would be happy if all domestic cats and dogs are banned or severely restricted, for the sake of the animals. But life is full of contradictions and the cat has been a solace and a great teacher to my kids.
He won't be replaced though. And even if he isn't there are no shortage of replacements from the neighborhood.
I am really sorry about the snake as I do love them, but maybe not so close to home. For those who thought it would have been saved if the catwas not out at night. It wasn't and I am pretty sure the snake was not there in the morning.
there is an exchange of views - the truth of Shannon's observation "but life is full of contradictions" becomes apparent.
"... snakes - one particularly beautiful gentle giant grey thoroughbred horse who lost his life only recently, a painfull and terrifying death,..."
"... unlike the cat. It is hard to overestimate the effect the introduction of feral animals has had on the flora and fauna of Australia. However, you are right, we shouldn't blame the animals but those who introduced them and those who own them ... "
"... although much larger, actually tried to run away, but you're right, the snake must have been afraid). Everything has a right to life, snakes, cats, mice, dogs, birds, tigers, buffalo, deer, donkeys, the predators and the preyed upon.
Admittedly, to kill for the sake of it without need to ... "
Meeuwis steps into the room - with dark hair and broad grin he displays an attitude of "sure life is full of contradictions, but it doesn't mean it should be too serious"
Meeuwis stirs the possum
Actually, we have a serious mouse problem. Can anyone recommend a capable cat?
Andrew is quick
Andrew
Meeuwis what you need is a brown snake.
but Meeuwis gets the last word
Meeuwis
Yeah, but the only one I know of is dead...
the electronic tea-room relaxes, it's been a good debate, sensitive issues discussed with respect, and a very neat bit of humour to close it off.
however, on the very edge of the tea-room the Campbell Bar Publicity Agent sits at a computer almost buried by books and papers - he steels himself to speak
P.A. and as he speaks the complement of the tea room puts on a "not him again look", sensing this his voice lacks conviction
er, Campbell Bar, tonight, as er, usual, Applied Science II basement, um, er, usual sort of stuff, oh yeah, that's right, starts at five,