Testing Technology

An associate of mine mentioned a quiet conference in an out-of-the-way hamlet about upcoming joint exercises by a bear, a dragon and an eagle in a region known for frequent changes in political governorship. Supposedly, they're looking to recreate the dawn of the Indus Valley Civilization in what we now call Afghanistan, perhaps to incorporate the area for other purposes. The associate heard the phrase "Ban the towels!" and wasn't sure what it meant. I assured him that towel-banning is a popular pastime for large animals not afraid to switch to more sanitary means of cleansing themselves, especially when they want their own bathing facilities and a place to flex their muscles unhindered, having a good time with one another while testing each other's technology for sport. I also know that happiness is breaking out all over, or will be, as soon as we figure out how to measure it properly.