Weekword: Time

Update 27/07: Valentina will choose the new weekword!

I was not really in a drawing or picture-making mood this week, so for this week's word I decided to build something; to use my considerable scientific skills and to exercise my left brain a little.

Dear friends, I give you my Time Travel Machine (TTM).

Fig. 8a - Anairam's Time Travel Machine

In the spirit of open-source I will reveal how easy it is to make your own:
Equipment: You will need an empty cereal box, scissors, tape, and any odds and ends that you have lying around. You obviously need some kind of switch to activate the quantum generator that will kick the machine into life; I used the inside of an old light-switch. The interesting thing about quantum energy is that as long as there are some wires and stuff sticking out, it will work. See Figure 8b below.

Fig. 8b - Quantum Generator Switch

Instructions for building: Cut the cereal box into sections and tape together again. The size must allow you to comfortably sit in it once you have transdimunified(*) yourself. Cut a hole in the top for the hatch. That is where you will get in and out. If you use a detergent measuring cup as I have, it also makes for a neat observation bubble. Stick all the other bits to the box. (See Figure 8a above.)

Important Note 1: Do NOT put labels on your own TTM - I have merely added them in the picture for your edification. The labels burn off when the TTM enters black holes and quasars and this can severely affect the direction of your machine. Which means that instead of landing up in the Future, you may land up in the path of a herd of dinosaurs charging across the savannah. Trust me on this.

Important Note 2: I am not sure that the exhaust is necessary, but I had to use up at least one of my considerable stash of toilet roll inners.

Important Note 3: I haven't quite refined the Time Selector yet - so at This Moment in Time (haha!) you can choose between Future and Past, but where exactly in the future or past you are going to land up, is anyone's guess. I have managed to get a sort of fine-tuning thing going though. (Yes, I know what you think that blue disc is, but no, you are wrong. It is the Fine Tuning Dial.) You can therefore select to end up on a particular weekday (out of a set of four) somewhere in the future or past. I think that can be pretty handy, don't you?

Important Note 4: Be sure to cut a little hole in the box and mount the quantum generator with the switch on the INSIDE. This is for obvious reasons, and if you can't work out why, you had better drop your dream of becoming a serious scientist. Rather spend your time lying on the couch watching old StarTrek episodes.

Instructions for use:
1. Set the time selector to where you want to go in time, and fine-tune using the blue dial.
2. Transdimunify(*) yourself.
3. Get in, close the hatch, and press the switch of the quantum generator.
4. Wait a couple of seconds, open the hatch and get out.
5. Enjoy yourself. Make field notes. Take your time!!
6. Remember to come back (and tell me where you landed up).

(*) Okay, here's the thing. I haven't designed the transdimunifying unit (which is to reduce yourself) yet. Thus far I have only tested my TTM on a couple of ants I found in the garden. From the dazed and confused expression on their little ant-faces when I let them out again, I conclude that my TTM is a great success.

For other interpretations of time, see: Linda Sue, Anne, l'atelier, e, Sarah , Thereza, Trinsch, Valentina, Lisa, Fruenswerk & Nathalie & asphaltair & lea & aimee &esti! (If I've left out anyone, please let me know and I'll update the list.) Fantabulous - I can't wait to see everyone's entries!