![study :study:](./images/smilies/icon_study.gif)
Re: Arc, Arc, Arc! (revised):
During the long days of construction, Noah and his helpers frequented the local carpenters' Plane Arc for late night refreshments. "That's it!" shouted Noah during boisterous deliberations one evening. We'll name this boat the 'Plane Arc'".
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
Well, the young sign painter had just graduated from Phonics 101 and correctly substituted the "k". As for "Plane", they had not been invented - the animals would have refused to get on a plane boat, especially considering Noah's nautical necessity. Besides, they had been promised the cruise of a lifetime! And what's the point of flying when the earth is covered with water?
Having assessed the practical needs of man and beast for the long voyage, Noah soon began loading the Arc, two by two. "Are we there yet?" asked the turtles and snails as they passed the turnstile, handing their boarding passes to the agent. "Please go to your cabin - you can stroll on deck during the voyage." commanded the harried agent, reflecting the charm of an old world primate.
![Ever Hopeful :finger:](./images/smilies/icon_fingerscrossed.gif)
Noah was determined that the animals would have a pleasant voyage and not think that repopulating the earth was the primary entertainment venue. Therefore, all of the animals were encouraged to stroll on deck several times a week to meet the crew and observe their neighbors. Daily promotion and coordination of this convivial atmosphere was exhausting for the crew, but the expected rain and wind was cleansing and refreshing for all.
However, despite the luxury accommodations below deck, Noah had not anticipated that animals would remain ... animals; their needs were often met as nature intended: whenever and wherever. And this explains why Noah was soon compelled to include this wisdom in the ship's log:
"When you're up to your arc in animals, don't sit on the poop deck."
Postscript:
![scratch :scratch:](./images/smilies/icon_scratch.gif)
I was very curious how this humor flowed from a simple geometric arc. Upon awakening the next morning, I retraced my internet wandering just before the inspiration emerged: I had been studying images of the Burning Man 2013 festival in Nevada, trying to experience the festival belatedly and vicariously. This intensity of concentration and the graphic detail displayed on that web page primed the creativity pump - the poop deck soon appeared on the imaginary nautical horizon.
Rod ...
![Cool :bike:](./images/smilies/icon_bike.gif)
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