Politics
Short Reads
Dear Vocal readers, What follows is a short compendium of my works that are four minutes or less for your reading pleasure. For all those times that you want to read something, but are short on time. Please be sure to check back, as the list grows. And thank you for following me on this journey.
Atomic HistorianPublished 5 months ago in ChaptersI, Willhelm
It had been five years since the RBH incident, and most of the original robots that had been gifted to various parliamentary figures were just shy of their 7th year. While their exterior was often upgraded to appear more fashionable, their interior mechanics and memory remained the same. It was around this time that an MP with the pretentious name of Julian Modestus Remson experienced an incident with his robot.
Klaire de LysPublished 6 months ago in ChaptersCold Beer and Hot Politics. Chapter 5.
Predawn light seeped into John's flat as he bustled about the kitchen, fortifying himself with robust tea and toasted crumpets for the labours ahead. Donning faded plaid robes and slippers, he extracted the dusty mimeograph machine from its long confinement beneath the bathroom sink. As he meticulously cleaned and adjusted the gears and rollers, John's pulse quickened in anticipation of producing the first subversive literature from its sputtering duplication drums in decades.
Tanya DoolinPublished 6 months ago in ChaptersCowboys Shine Bright in Dominant Victory Over Eagles: A Sunday Night Football Spectacle!
Introduction: In a Sunday Night Football spectacle, the Dallas Cowboys showcased their dominance with a convincing 33-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The game highlighted the Cowboys' prowess, establishing them as strong contenders in the NFC East. Despite their stellar performance, securing the division title still requires some assistance. Both the Cowboys and Eagles boast a 10-3 record, with the Eagles holding a slight edge in conference standings. Let's delve into the details of this exciting matchup that unfolded on December 10, 2023.
Cold Beer and Hot Politics. Chapter 4.
Sunlight shone through grimy windows, rousing John from slumber. His mind felt unusually clear this morning, vestiges of revelry at the fête still humming through his veins. Throwing back the duvet, John rose with vigour he had not known for years.
Tanya DoolinPublished 6 months ago in ChaptersDesperation of the Myanmar military junta
Turning attention to Myanmar's eastern border, the military regime there is facing significant resistance. For over a month, three rebel groups formed an alliance called the Brotherhood Alliance, initiating an offensive against the ruling military, particularly in the northeastern state of Shan. What began as localized conflict has now spread across Myanmar.
Cold Beer and Hot Politics. Chapter 3.
John was roused from his usual Nytol-induced stupor by the ringing of the bedside telephone. Blearily he lifted the receiver, surprised to hear his old mate Eddie chatting enthusiastically on the other end. There was to be a village fête in Elvington that weekend, their childhood home. Eddie insisted John join him there to reminisce about the good old days over a few pints. After a moment's hesitation, John agreed.
Tanya DoolinPublished 7 months ago in ChaptersChapter 9: Foundation
Prologue // Chapter 1: The Queen is Dead...Again // Chapter 2: The Ball // Chapter 3: Long Live The 7th Queen // Chapter 4: Don't cry, beg, or scream. // Chapter 5: The Plucking of a Flower // Chapter 6: Unexpected Allies // Chapter 7: The Night The Lights Went Out For Mia // Chapter 8: The Most Dangerous Strategy Game
Hope MartinPublished 7 months ago in ChaptersAt the age of 100, controversial former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger passed away.
Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State and political advisor who was lauded by some as a master statesman and branded by others as a glorified war criminal, has died aged 100.
Francis DamiPublished 7 months ago in ChaptersCold Beer and Hot Politics.
Trigger Warning: Mention of Suicide. Suicide Ideation. Chapter 2 The noise of the Teasmaid woke John from his slumber. With bleary eyes he glanced at the alarm clock's angry red numbers: 6:15 am. Time to prepare for another empty day.
Tanya DoolinPublished 7 months ago in ChaptersFishkeeping in the Desert
Yellow light becomes absorbed underwater at around thirty-five feet deep, but the air is golden and alive. It shimmers around tanks and walls, like a mirage in the desert. Vast and rolling mounds of sand stretch far and wide, with exclusive spots of unattainable soil. I work in one such spot of richness. This artificial oasis draws in parched crowds, thirsting for connection, community, escape. Thirsting for water.
Elisabeth BalmonPublished 7 months ago in ChaptersCold Beer and Hot Politics. Chapter 1.
The incessant ticking of the carriage clock on the mantel was the only sound breaking the oppressive silence that had settled on the flat. John sat motionless in his frayed armchair, staring blankly ahead as the clock hands etched their way towards half past ten. Thirty more minutes of wakeful consciousness remaining before he could seek respite in chemically-induced sleep.
Tanya DoolinPublished 7 months ago in Chapters