If You Belonged Here

Kokology: Reading You Like a Book

Let's do this thing, people:

(pg. 52)

1. A book lies open in front of you. What type of story does it contain?
2. You begin to read and soon find that you yourself area a character in the story. What kind of role do you play?
3. You read further and come to a section where the pages have been damaged, making them nearly impossible to read. What part of the story is it?
4. You have just closed the cover after finishing the book. How was the ending?

Remember to answer the way you think is right, people. Don't think you have to interpret the questions according to my answers. But here they are:

1. A coming of age story with a romantic subplot. All kinds of imposing odds and overwhelming circumstances with likable characters and interesting side stories. 

2. I am the lead or a trusted advisor. Maybe the fairy godmother. Can I be my own fairy godmother?

3. A minor scene, of no real importance to the overall story. The scene probably shows something of the character's personality, but isn't part of the main plot.

4. The ending was perfect. Bells ring, choirs sing. Everyone got what they wanted or deserved. I hug the book.

The key is here.

Building a New Tomorrow

I felt like playing a little kokology, and since this was the next puzzle in the book, and the name of the puzzle seemed to tie in so nicely with The Dol's latest round of posts.

(p.31)The clock struck twelve, the ball dropped in Times Square, and the sound of champagne corks popping was heard around the globe. And after all the buildup, hoopla, and hype, after the apocalyptic anxieties and eager anticipation, the world somehow managed to find its way safely into the new millennium. Looking back, we can see the prophecies of doom were overblown and the Y2K bug seems more like little more than a ploy to sell system upgrades. But we, the last children of the twentieth century, all shared for a moment that sense of newness and opportunity--the chance to make the world better than the one we inherited and create a legacy to share with our children and theirs over the next thousand years.

1. You are working for an urban planning corporation and have been assigned to the community development team for a major new millennium project. You have been asked to come up with an inspirational theme for the city. What theme do you propose?

2. The project team has a number of members, each with a certain set of experiences and skills. Why do you think you were selected to participate in this project? (Give as many reasons as you like.)

3. What kind of person is the project manager? Describe his or her personality and qualities as a leader.

When I picked this one and started typing I didn't realize it wasn't multiple choice. Give me a moment to feel sorry for myself that I have to think and type an answer instead of just going with a, b, or c.

Okay.

1. I'm not feeling very inspired but if I took a shot at a general concept it would have something to do with "harmony," much like the coke commercial with all the teaching the world to sing, only the harmony would be a balance and flow of business, home, community, and green areas existing in a renewable and responsible way. Something like that.

2. I think I was selected because I am reliable and because I will make the project happen.

3. The project manager is organized, informed, curious, bold, a good listener, who is willing to take responsibility for the outcome.

Thanks for playing. The key will be here once I'm done getting it typed.

Cat Got Your Tongue

Kokology because, hey, it's Friday:

(p.42) A dog may be man's best friend, but a cat always seems to be its own best friend. You may love them or hate them (as if they cared either way), but cats have shared as long a history with us humans as any species of animal on earth, and it's safe to say that they'll be around for ages to come. It's not that cats actually do much for people--they can't fetch the newspaper, shake hands, or play Frisbee--or perhaps it's just that they choose not to. But their cool indifference, quiet pride, and utter impenetrability seem to justify them a place in our world regardless.

We all have our individual perceptions about the cat. Which of the following four phrases strikes closest to the image you hold?

1. Basking in the sun.
2. Mysterious and inscrutable.
3. Pleasantly soft to the touch.
4. A companionless creature.

I choose the first one, although with some reservations. My experience with cats is that they seem to be pretty easily understood and they are usually in the mood for me to pet them. I'm allergic, you see, but they don't know that. My aloof manner intrigues them.

My actual impression of cats involves images of them circling around my legs and trying to jump into my lap, generally, demanding that I not ignore them.

I'll publish the key here, just as soon as I get it typed.