WEEKLY WHINE

Why carry a stick?

A commonly asked question relates to the carrying of a stick. Many people think that there's no reason to do so. Others, though, think that sticks are the key to millions of doors, all of which are really neato. Those that like to carry sticks have every right to this, of course, and those that don't like to carry sticks also have every right. This type of person is generally far more common. Otherwise, there would be many more sticks than there are today.

What, then, is the difference? Sticks, of course, are unwieldy. They're an unnecessary burden on everything that the user does. They leave only one hand available, so any task that requires two hands also requires that the stick be placed aside. What is the stick to do during this interval? That, of course, is a wonderfully opportune moment for it to become lost, misplaced, stolen, or even destroyed. To some, a more important factor is that they give a false impression. Normally, the only people who carry sticks about are the ones who require them in order to walk steadily. Anyone else with a stick is liable to be considered "disabled" or "needing assistance".

The pro-stick camp sees things differently. One way to avoid the difficulties of stick carrying is to add a loop at the end. This loop may be placed about the wrist, thereby allowing the user to activate both hands without losing contact with the stick. It remains where it should be, immediately adjacent to the hand, so that it may be triggered at any moment. The other objection may be handled by ensuring that the stick does not resemble the ordinary walking stick. After all, this stick is not intended for solely walking stick use. It may also be employed in many other ways.

If the stick is properly constructed, it will be soft to the touch and will give way slightly when contact is made. When configured this way, it is often referred to as a "beating stick". Again, beating is not its only application. Sticks are also excellent ways to extend one's grasp. Objects that cannot be reached by human hands always succumb to a stick. Thus, they are ideal for construction and similar applications. Use of sticks to perform uncommon tasks can considerably lessen the required time. In this way, they can be an investment in the future.

One additional use of sticks may not always be readily apparent. A long, narrow shaft is helpful in providing means of carrying equipment. For example, a flashlight may be installed at one end to illuminate dark corridors. It may also host a laser pointer, which will be very useful for public speaking. Addition of an umbrella will ensure that the bearer is never again caught unprepared in bad weather. It may also store writing implements and other commonly used items that are too difficult to carry in pockets. It is also an ideal place to store a screwdriver, an essential tool for all purposes.

Of course, the purists will raise objections to all of these potential uses. This is certainly merited, since additional tools increase the stick's mass and reduce its portability. This, of course, counters the entire motive behind stick use. It is essential, therefore, that sticks be designed with an eye toward not only functionality, but toward usability as well. A needlessly complex stick will be too heavy for everyday use, whilst a standard stick will be wanting in the important areas of use. Those who want sticks, then, should be careful as to how they are implemented. It is a good idea to begin with a comprehensive list of what functions the stick should provide, plus any additional functions that might come in handy. Then, the prototype containing the first list of features should be constructed and field tested. If it turns out that this stick still needs more, it may be supplemented with objects from the second list until the break-even point between form and function is reached.

Stick use is not easy, but with the right jurisdiction and control, it can turn out to be an immense boon to the user's lifestyle.