The Passing of a Charlatan

Julie Lacksonen died at the age of 94 on October 15, 2058, the day after her birthday, ten years ago.

To put it bluntly, what Julie lacked in talent she made up for with stupid, blind luck - well, posthumously. What was a retired music teacher doing dabbling with the written word anyways?

Julie's first series, The Aeolian Tales, a YA sci-fi fantasy set of four books went absolutely nowhere. It did have some endearing, humorous moments and a fun storyline meant to appeal to both genders. However, it had entirely too many characters. Who want to read a series with a list at the beginning of each book to remind them of the lineup? No thanks! Does anyone want to read about fairies from other planets and malicious aliens? Obviously not.

Well, nobody has read a book since Neurotainment was invented seven years ago, but that's another issue altogether.

After Julie's passing, a Netzon Corporation scout from newly partnered Netflix and Amazon, happened upon a piece Julie wrote for an outfit called vocal.media. It's called 7 Days. Now THAT you've heard of. Everyone has heard of 7 Days since the production went global, bringing Julie's work to light. Here's the link to the first piece in her series:

Since then, fans can't get enough of Julie's short stories and poems. Neurotainment reports record numbers of implants of her works.

Her last words were recorded for posterity, "Get the damned camera phone out of my face and let me die in peace."

Julie Lacksonen did manage to grow old, for which she had this to say in a Vocal poem:

Muscles ache, the old joints hurt,

The memory starts to fade.

More things start to fall apart

With every new decade.

Eyes grow dim, and now you limp.

Time to replace the knee.

Hoping to sleep through the night?

Forget it, you have to pee.

As for hearing, what’s that you say?

Repeat that louder, please.

Your hair is thinning, it’s turning gray.

And when you breathe, you wheeze.

Let’s not forget the cancer scares,

And running hot, then cold.

But the only thing worse than over the hill

Is never growing old.

-Getting Old, Julie Lacksonen, 2026

Hmm, maybe she wasn't completely lacking in talent after all.

Julie was a firm believer in staying active, installing a lap pool in her backyard and swimming almost every day after the age of 62.

She was a believer in helping others and living life to its fullest.

To close, here is Julie's attitude about regrets:

Fight the battles before you

Put what energy and fortitude

you possess

into building a better tomorrow.

Don't cry for yesterday.

Cheer for the strength

yesterday's challenges gave you

to be the you

you are today.

-Excerpt, Don't Cry for Yesterday, Julie Lacksonen, 2026

Rest in peace, Julie Lacksonen.

—This Neurocast was sponsored by the new, improved McVeggie Burger. On sale now for only $55.00! Blink twice for the McD’s nearest you.

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Author's note: I don't have a pool yet, but I'm hoping...