Plumbers don’t do that.

But in a way, they really do. Every now and then I get into a conversation with some cultural relativist who goes on and on about some under developed example of “close-to-nature” people and how really we’re no better and probably worse. My first question about the value of such societies is always “What do they do about plumbing?” Usually the response is a glassy-eyed “Huh?”

“If they don’t have a viable system for dealing with sewage, then they can vanish for all I care—and probably will. Disease, you know?”

And that’s like technology, isn’t it?

Seems to me I read a novel all about sewage treatment and such…

When I was about 25, a plumber came round to fix the toilet. We got to chatting. He wanted to know what I did for a living. I told him I taught self defence. ‘No you don’t!’ I assured him I did. He picked up his hugest wrench, smacked it into his palm a couple of times, smiled, and said, ‘What would you do if I attacked you?’ I pursed my lips. ‘Left kneecap. Yes, left. I’d break that first.’ He lowered the wrench. ‘Then I’d crush your larynx.’

When he left he didn’t come back. We had to find another plumber.

I forgot to mention I found the cover of Solitaire interesting. How did that come about? and btw why is it out of print?

Maybe reason no plumbers in SF is because they are so up themselves LOL