Greetings to thee, gentle reader. Welcome to these humble pages wherein I set forth in ink my musings upon various topics of interest. Here you shall find essays upon the latest scientific discoveries and mechanical contrivances, queer fads and fashions born of modernity, and other such curios brought forth by this new age of progress. I make no claims as to the lucidity of thought or elegance of phrase within these writings, produced as they are for my own amusement during idle hours. Peruse them at your leisure and be so kind as to leave any comments or criticisms you deem fit in the book of notes provided . I shall endeavour to respond in a timely and courteous fashion. And so I bid you sit back in your chair, fill the pipe if it so please you, and enjoy for a time the diverting reflections of an author in want of a worthy subject.