PICK YOUR POISON

by Michael Marzicola

Excerpt


A collage of unanticipated events: sixteen stories, most of which will captivate the reading audience. Thus, the title, Pick Your Poison. For example:

A Teenagers Nightmare!: A patriotic, under-aged teenager, Mike Marlowe, during WWII bleeds Red, White and Blue, and with deception dupes the recruiting officer: accepting his altered documents inducting him for service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Little did Mike realize it was not all fun and games as his Virgin Voyage took him beyond reality into the mouth of the most raging and mysterious sea in the world: the Devils Triangle!

Johnny Holiday, an enterprising young man with a fantastic eye for opportunity. The U.S. Government hired him and now, theyre working for him. How did Johnny flim-flam his employer? Well now, I cant disclose all of a bizarre plot to conjure the U.S. Government into submission. However, Johnny, a loquacious individual, will undoubtedly be responsive to your curious inquisition.

Living Among the Clouds: Sam McClelland, gasping for perhaps his last breath, was hardly able to attain a sitting position. Wondering back in time, reminiscing, he found himself back into yesteryear! Sam, having migrated from the state of Michigan and now a dedicated Californian, yearns to find life Living Among the Clouds. In spite of his condition, with perseverance, he ventures throughout the state in quest of a lifelong dream. Travel with Sam. His exploits will undoubtedly prove stimulating!

Change Over: From Johnny Holiday to Johnny Dollar! Another mind boggling episode to wet your appetite as Johnny embarks upon the world of self interest, in spite of the consequence. Neither Harvard nor Yale, or high school, for that matter, Johnny could have taught mathematics when it came to doubling your money. Travel with Johnny and learn the secret of his success.

Vows - C?est La Vie: With half of todays marriages ending in divorce, the author provides a satirical overview of the vows promised in perpetuity: an eternal relationship, without compromise, or perhaps, Que Serra! Serra!

Alternative Energy - Fact or Fiction?: Reduce emissions, if not now, when? Years ago the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued proclamations to leading automobile manufacturers to reduce global warming emissions to a safe standard. Have those alternatives been swept under the rug, or is the EPA concerned about loss of revenue through gasoline taxes to support state and government. Alternative Energy - Fact or Fiction? will not only wet your appetite for the future, but leave you disgruntled over the past. An eye opening, mind boggling, testimonial of being Ripped Off!

One for the Gipper: A gripping story of one of todays immortals, Joseph (Joepa) Paterno. A coach nearing eighty with the same enthusiasm he had forty years ago. On the losing end of a catastrophic season, the author makes a plea to Joepas constituents to rally round the flag pole: resurgence to a winning way, and an honorable tribute to a remarkable individual: Penn States premier football coach, Mr. Joseph Paterno! A comeback coach with a losing season in 2004 to coach of the year in 2005. His Penn States Nittany Lions responding to the roar of their den master, not only succeeded in winning a bowl bid, but defeated the fearful Florida Gators mentored by Joepas bookend, none other than Mr. Bobby Bolden. Both mirroring their strategy as the immortals: legends of the collegian world of football.

Anticipated Metaphor: A dilapidated motor home, an old Volkswagon, that shuddered and shook upon starting, and the ever present danger of ill health, the Goodmans took one day at a time: sharing each day with happiness for one another as if time stood still from the moment they said I do! The Goodmans, living proof that old age aint for sissies, survive each day from the benefit of Uncle Sams gratuity: their Social Security check!

Stranger From the Mist: Hans Larson under his new persona, Fritz Bonn, infiltrates Adolph Hitlers secret scientific laboratory on the verge of completing the worlds most innovative alternative fuel. Fourteen year old Fritz, a mole for the allies during WWII, unknowingly becomes the infiltrated instead of the infiltrator: carrier of the secret formula, under hypnosis, implanted by the Doctors of Darmstadt. Expectedly: intrigue, deceit, and murder are soon to follow as Hitlers notorious Gestapo and Dr. Von Schroeder, Chief of the Doctors of Darmstadt, do whatever necessary to garner the formula for the benefit of Germanys Third Reich!

Out of Sight!: Automotive mechanic, George Shampoo, a jovial soul is like a breath of spring: blond curly hair, and a constant smile, like a beacon in the dark, glorified all that stood before him. A first meeting with Mickey, a mere teen, becomes everlasting as Mickey watches George perform his tasks with the grace of a Baryshnikov, while avoiding the dangers of belts and pulleys rotating at enormous speed! Join George, as the Lord moves in mysterious ways.

Along Came Jones: Jones, the local realtor with the crocodile smile, knocked enthusiastically as he waited for the occupant with utmost confidence. Mrs. Lola Brown responded to see a man dressed as the essence of a Pierre Cardin model. His broad smile enhanced his ivories with the flash of gold. She shielded her eyes from the morning sun as its blending reflection glanced off the impeccable shine of the gold Cadillac at curbside. Yes? said Lola Brown, as she apprehensively faced the uninvited visitor. My name is Jones, flashing the ornate business card with the emblazoned gold Icon, attesting to his professional superiority. I have an offer you cant refuse: a client interested in purchasing your home.

Devil Moon: A one-world government. The worlds most notorious crime syndicate, La Cosa Nostra, and a group of diehards who refuse to succumb to the crime syndicates intent on taking over the world. Attempting to return earth to a state of common decency, Congress endorses a unique concept for incarcerating criminals throughout the world. Soon crooked law enforcement agencies: judges, lawyers, police officers, bail bonds men, and a host of others, are holding hands at the unemployment office. Theyre mad enough to kill! Only one thing stands in their way: doing time for the crime, dancing to the tune on Devil Moon!