>>>Hi Ed.
>>>
>>>>> Actually, it's the week after - I'm there from the 27th to the 2nd. Wouldn't miss it for anything. <<
>>>
>>>< lol > I guess time flies when you are having fun < g >. Since today is the 20th, by my reckoning, the 27th is a week away.
>>>
>>>Wonderful! I am looking forward to seeing you. I hope you will be able to make some time for me. I would like to pick your brain about some things I am writing about for the new book ( just in case you hadn't heard < vbg > ).
>>
>>Marcia,
>>
>>Bring a tape recorder. Once you get Ed started...well, there isn't an OFF switch. < g,d&rfer >
>
>Sure there is - applying a blunt object to the top of my head until I shut up works quite well; it's just tough to get me started again!

Blunt Object? Ed, I'm surprised. What would Raoul say? Wait a second. Let's consult The Book of Duke (2nd Edition).< flip, flip, flip > Ah, here...< scan, scan, scan > In Chapter 3, "Rendering People Unconsious" - Page 114, last paragraph he writes:

"Of the two methods discussed, "Blunt instrument to the base of the skull" versus "A rag soaked in ether", I find the latter to be a more desirable alternative. This is for several reasons. First, the former may break skin. When the victim colapses, this may leave nasty, difficult to remove blood stains on the carpeting. Second, one blow may not be sufficient to render the victim unconsious. Repeatedly have to perform this can lead to a case of painful carpal tunnel syndrome. In a worst case scenario, this can require surgery. However, the most compelling factor is legal. In many, backward, locations the use of either method can lead to a charge of assault. Using the "Blunt instrument..." method leaves telling evidence. A bump, a bruise, death. However, using the "Rag..." method, little danger of these results exists, especially if the victim fails to have the necessary medical analysis done immediately after "coming to".

FWIW, my favorite chapter is "Seducing A Lizard", but that's off-topic.:-)