The Father of Invention
My kids always accuse me of taking credit for inventing things. In their deluded and semi-formed minds, just because I discovered something on my own does not mean I invented it. For instance, I am positive that I invented the term ”Press the reset button” to mean forgetting what is passed and focusing on the now. I distinctly remember coming up with that term one morning in August of 1979 while hitchhiking from the Grand Tetons and I was particularly remorseful of something that had happened. A few years later, Bingo! I started hearing people using that term. My kids point out that other people probably had the same idea, and just because I thought of it and didn’t know other people used the term doesn’t mean I invented it. As I said, deluded.
I had to admit the kids were right in one case: In my upcoming book, “Google Maps Handicap,” two lunkheads inadvertently bring about the demise of the GPS system. This ushers in a new age of comity, depolarization, and general bonhomie, because people have to ask each other for directions and come to find out that the other guy is just like them, bonded in their inability to read a map. I didn’t have a term for this, but was sure I invented the concept.
So imagine my surprise when I was interviewed for a podcast this month by sociologist Dr. Gary David, Professor of Sociology and Professor of Information Design and Corporate Communication at Bentley University. We discussed my books, published and upcoming, and when I described my theory that destroying the GPS would help us because people would have to rely on each other more, he said, “Yeah, that’s a common theory in sociology, called Collision Theory.” Well, kids, I will give you this one. But even if I cannot take credit for inventing this theory, I will take credit for publishing a novel about it next year.
Talking with Dr. David was an enriching and edifying experience, and I am looking forward to listening to it when it hits next January or February. His schedule is here.
Besides the podcast, this month I gave a talk at the Loudon County library in Leesburg. One fellow showed up with a well-thumbed copy of my book and asked very pointed questions. I loved it and relished that he read it and came with questions. Bring it!
Speaking of Submerged, this November marks the 8th month in a row it has been a bestseller on Amazon, and still going strong! Keep reading and thank you, wonderful readers!
In November, I have two public appearances:
A live podcast on Military Broadcast Radio on 18 Nov at 8 Pm Eastern. This will be my first live podcast. Can’t wait to hear what comes out of my mouth.
A talk at the Cascades library in Loudon County on November 25th at 7 pm.
For people who wanted more of either Submerged or How to Hotwire an Airplane, your prayers have been answered! I published two chapters that I omitted from Submerged and an alternate ending to Hotwire on the Freebies section of my website.
Thanks for reading and happy November!
Peace,
Henry Rausch
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